Native Urban Alliance

Empowering Native communities through culture, education, and support.

Learn more

  • Co-Founder & President, Native Urban Alliance

    James Corpus, a proud Chiricahua Apache and Cherokee, was born in West Covina, California, and now resides in Costa Mesa with his wife and son. His family descends from the Fort Sill Apache Tribe, whose people, the Chiricahua and Warm Springs Apache, were forcibly removed from their homelands and held as prisoners of war by the U.S. government from 1886 to 1914. In search of new opportunities, James’ great-grandfather moved the family from Oklahoma to Texas after securing a job with the Texas Pacific Railroad Company. His work eventually led the family to California, where they built a new life.

    James spent over 15 years as an Operations Manager at The Home Depot, where he oversaw store operations, logistics, team leadership, and customer service in a high-volume retail environment. He was responsible for managing multimillion-dollar budgets, optimizing supply chain efficiency, and improving operational processes to enhance profitability. Under his leadership, his teams consistently exceeded performance metrics, streamlined inventory management, and strengthened customer engagement strategies.

    Beyond his corporate responsibilities, James was deeply involved in community outreach efforts to assist veterans, people with disabilities, and families in need. He helped coordinate projects that improved home safety and accessibility, including installing wheelchair ramps, safety grab bars, and modifying fixtures to enhance daily living conditions. His commitment to supporting underserved communities became a defining aspect of his career.

    After a successful corporate career, James transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding Lokahi Physical Therapy, a wellness and rehabilitation clinic specializing in pelvic floor therapy for men and women. His experience in operations, leadership, and community service provided a strong foundation for running a business dedicated to improving health and well-being.

    Recognizing widespread mismanagement in programs intended to serve Native communities, James co-founded Native Urban Alliance to provide more effective and culturally relevant services. The organization focuses on preserving and teaching traditional Native American practices, such as dance and wellness education, while also fostering spaces for community healing and empowerment. As Native Urban Alliance grows, it will expand to provide career development, tutoring for children, and other essential social services to better support the Native community.

    James remains dedicated to ensuring that Native voices are heard, cultural traditions are upheld, and much-needed resources are directed toward building stronger and more self-sufficient Native communities.

  • Co-Founder & CEO, Native Urban Alliance

    A proud member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, also a descendant of the Comanche Nation and Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Born and raised in Orange and Los Angeles Counties, currently residing in Hacienda Heights Ca.

    My father was a very traditional Kiowa man and raised me in our tribal culture. At 5 years of age, my family started Red Tipi Descendants, a Native American dance troupe. I worked for my family business for 30 years. I started as a performer and ended as the CEO of the organization. Red Tipi Descendants afforded me to travel across the United States and other parts of the world to share my culture.

    • The United States Marine Corp-November 1995-November 2003 E-4 Corporal

    • 2004 received a BA from Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence KS.

    • 2005-2012-employed at the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Carnegie Ok. Started as Social Service Director-ended as Executive Director of Tribal Operations.

    • 2012 started as cultural liaison for Southern California Indian Center, Fountain Valley Ca.

    • Ended as Operations Manager-2023

    • 2023-present subcontracting at United American Indian Involvement as a cultural expert

    • 2024-present subcontracting at Sacred Path as cultural expert

    • 2024 Co-founded Native Urban Alliance

    Throughout my tenure at every business as well as my college experience I have utilized the teachings of both my parents. I grew in two worlds, 1 being the Indian world and the other the non-Indian world. I still get requested to speak on my culture and the issues that impact our Tribal Nations.

    My tribal cultural teachings are the core of my very being. Those teachings have giving me the ability to perform in the White House and the Kennedy Center.

    Living in Southern California has given me a unique perspective. Living away from my tribal people has given me a strong sense of awareness that Urban Indian populations endure. Urban Indian populations are often overlooked because they are living off the original lands and have little say in the direction Indian politics move. For this reason, is why Native Urban alliance was created.