Pershlie “Perci” Ami, a member of the Hopi/Tewa Tribe, from the Village of Walpi, AZ, is the epitome of servant leadership and a deserving recipient of the Marcus Harrison Jr. Leadership Award. Perci is not only active in her community, her efforts impact individuals on an international and national level, advocating and educating on the importance of the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual self-care and well-being of Indigenous people. Through her works and active involvement with tribes and organizations on prevention and self-awareness, Perci is directly involved through workshop facilitations, keynote speaking, talking circles, and one-on-one coaching sessions, Perci providing training, advocacy, and skills on self-awareness and self-identity. As a Hopi elder, coming from a marginalized community, Perci has rose above the social, educational, and economic challenges, and has used her struggles and experiences to help others overcome barriers through just as she has.
Perci’s dedication and works of servant leadership of prevention and awareness, have helped to bridge the gap of historical trauma and the mental and emotional healing of our Indigenous people, aiding in the recovery and empowerment of individuals struggling with substance abuse, addiction, and mental and physical 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.
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 is associated with the Voices of the Grandmothers, which consists of Indigenous grandmothers from all over the world, whose purpose is to share traditional beliefs and stories reflecting a holistic existence of life.
On August 6, 2022, 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.
Perci played the lead actress role of Daisy, in the newly released film, “Touch the Water” (2023), which is a movie about the mental, emotional, and physical challenges faced as an elderly Native American woman who desires to accomplish a lifelong goal, which ends up being a life-changing journey, as Daisy is challenged to believe she is never too old to dream.
Perci is the co-author of the book, “Broken Heart, Healed Nest,” which focuses on suicide prevention, and is scheduled to be released in 2024.
Perci’s leadership, dedication, and service, to the Indigenous population with disabilities who are struggling with addiction, depression, and self-awareness, have made major contributions to improve the lives of others. Her voice of advocacy and personal achievements are meritorious of receiving the recognition of the Marcus Harrison Jr. Leadership Award.
