Pershlie "Perci" Ami, a member of the Hopi/Tewa Tribe, from the Village of Walpi, AZ. As a Hopi elder, coming from a marginalized community, Perci overcame the social, educational, and economic challenges, and has used her struggles and experiences to help others overcome barriers just as she has.
For more than ten years, Perci has served as a strong advocate for suicide prevention, substance abuse, and addiction, devoting her time to the Native American Center for Excellence Substance Abuse Prevention Program as a facilitator for the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA).
Perci received the Women's Federation for World Peace USA, Her Story Award, honoring her exemplary work of serving, healing, educating, and uplifting others in the Native American communities. She also received the Marcus Harrison Jr. Leadership Award for her tireless efforts in advocating for Indigenous peoples with disabilities.
Perci utilizes her values of culture, traditions, and family in her peace work, helping Indigenous people connect and focus on healing the mind, body, and spirit. When she is not providing her counseling and facilitating services, Perci volunteers her time at a local ministry in Phoenix, serving individuals within the city of Phoenix, and the homeless.
