Han Mitakuyepi (Hello Friends and Relatives),
Over the past few weeks, our attention has been pulled in every direction imaginable by the latest actions of the federal government. While many orders have been stalled by legal action, we know the consequences of cuts to federal funding and staffing to tribes and nonprofits would be significant. Sustained access to resources and opportunities from health care to early childhood through higher education; to Native languages and cultural activities; and more—these are proven solutions to life-and-death crises in our communities.
To identify the best course of action to support Native-led organizations, our team at Native Ways Federation found it necessary to take time to reground ourselves. We did so by reflecting on the teachings and values of our ancestors that enabled our tribes and communities to thrive in the best of times and survive the worst.
I shared in my last letter that our indigenous teachings remind us that we are interconnected and that we have a responsibility to care for one another. I also recognized the flood of orders and legislative proposals are being used as an intentional strategy to divide communities and to create confusion. Our ability to survive great challenges requires us to be good relatives and lean into the power of our relationships. Relationship-building and community-building depend on generosity, reciprocity, and the courage to act when you are called upon.
Our tribes have endured centuries of U.S. policies and actions intended to harm and even eliminate our communities from existence. Native peoples know best the federal government’s history of broken promises, and we will not wait for them make or break more for our communities or for Americans, at large.
The sudden changes in federal policy are compounded by philanthropy’s long-term underfunding of Native-led solutions. Despite the critical role Native-led organizations play in addressing our communities’ most pressing needs, less than 0.3% of total foundation giving goes Native-led organizations, while Native people comprise nearly 3% of the U.S. population. Not only must philanthropy step up to address this existing inequality by increasing their giving at least tenfold, they must act urgently in the face of the current social and political challenges.
This is OUR collective story as human beings. These teachings show us that we all—Native peoples, nonprofits, foundations, donors, and allies—must do our part and we must act now. That is why we have created a new collective action campaign where we can all stand together to secure a thriving future for all generations to come:
The Power of 10:
Give Native. Give Now.
Every relationship you nurture is a drop that can ripple and grow exponentially, and when we act together with a shared voice and vision we can change the tide of giving to Native-led nonprofits.
- As a Native-led nonprofit, reach out to 10 of your strongest supporters—foundations, donors, media, elected officials, etc.—to nurture your relationships and call on them to act.
- As a foundation, give more and give urgently to ensure 10% of your overall contributions go to Native-led organizations and Native nations.
- As a donor, give $10 more a month to a Native-led nonprofit or recruit 10 friends to give to Native-led nonprofits.
- As an ally, take 10 minutes to contact your elected officials in support of continued and increased funding and staffing for programs that impact Native-led nonprofits and tribes.
In the coming weeks and months, Native Ways Federation will share more ways that everyone can play a role in ensuring Native-led nonprofits have the resources and tools to navigate these challenging times. Our collective futures, and the future of this planet, depend on it.
Visit our campaign page to learn more and stay tuned for future updates and resources.
Pidamaya. Nya:weh. Miigwech. Ahéhee’. Thank you.
Carly Bad Heart Bull
Flandreau Santee Nation
Executive Director
Native Ways Federation
Press Release Resources
Recent Comments