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About
DNA People’s Legal Services
DNA People’s
Legal Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit legal
aid organization working to protect civil rights, promote tribal
sovereignty and alleviate civil legal problems for people who
live in poverty in the Southwestern United States. Since 1967,
DNA has provided free legal aid in remote portions of three states
and seven Native American nations, helping thousands of low income
people annually to achieve long lasting economic stability by
providing access to tribal, state and federal justice systems.
Contributions to our organization are tax deductible and help
us to make “Justice for All” a reality.
Mission
To serve our client communities as advocates and teachers in order
to address the causes and symptoms of poverty, foster individual
independence and dignity, and protect and promote tribal sovereignty.
Our services must help our clients develop the resources necessary
to meet external challenges, and help off-reservation communities
and businesses better understand our clients and respect their
rights. We will focus our resources on those most vulnerable,
and on those for whom we can achieve long-term benefits by breaking
the cycle of poverty.
Geographic Scope
DNA’s administrative headquarters are in Window Rock, Arizona,
but our service area includes the most remote and isolated portions
of five counties in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, and area comparable
in size to the state of Michigan. The region includes the nation’s
largest county (Coconino in Arizona) and seven Native American
nations, including the nation’s largest (Navajo in AZ, NM
and UT) and a remote reservation in the Grand Canyon that is accessible
only by helicopter or hiking an eight mile dirt trail
Legal Specialties
DNA is one of the nation’s most geographically and jurisdictionally
diverse legal aid programs. Our attorneys and tribal court advocates
practice law in eleven unique legal jurisdictions, specializing
in tribal and federal Indian law, civil law and poverty law.
DNA’s services help people achieve economic
stability by addressing legal needs that disproportionately and
unfairly impact people who live in poverty ~ commonly called poverty
law. We focus on family, housing, consumer, education, employment,
public benefits, health, individual rights and youth issues, helping
people access relevant justice systems to:
- Address discrimination
- Secure legal protection for victims of abuse, assault, neglect,
exploitation and fraud
- Stabilize lives to better cope with the unpredictable burdens
of poverty
- Protect critical assets ~ housing, cars, income, benefits,
healthcare ~ to ensure economic stability and independence
- Become economically self-sufficient to avoid becoming trapped in a cycle of poverty
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