Native Americans in Philanthropy

“The state benefits from lands that were taken from Native people. Therefore, I think it has a proactive responsibility to enter into agreements, to provide resources, and to support the restoration of land to Tribes.” —Alvin Warren (Santa Clara Pueblo) for “Tribal Relations 101 for State Legislators 2024” Building relationships with Tribal Nations starts with acknowledging history. As discussed in previous broadcasts of our NAP & @National Caucus of Environmental Legislators Learning Series, states are painfully ignorant of Federal Indian Law, likely due to the misguided belief that only the federal government is responsible for Native reparations. In reality, states own, occupy, and greatly financially benefit from stolen Tribal land. With more partnership incentives than ever before, it’s up to state governments to first acknowledge their role in Native disenfranchisement before they can foster trust-based partnerships with Tribal Nations. Watch our latest broadcast, “NAP/NCEL Learning Series: Tribal Relations 101 for State Legislators 2024” to learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eJP2QRYg #Philanthropy #NativePhilanthropy #Indigenous #Native #NativeAmerican #NativeVoices #WeAreIndigenous #TribalSovereignty #FederalGovernment #Grants #StatePartnerships

Indigenous languages go beyond communication—they are also extensive and complex systems of knowledge developed over millennia. Language is central to our identity as Indigenous peoples, and it plays a massive role in preserving our cultures and worldviews.⁠ ⁠ When our languages are under threat, so too are our identities.⁠ ⁠ We are many communities, and we must strive to keep the diversity of Native languages alive 🌱⁠ ⁠ #NativeHeritage #NativeLanguage #IndigenousHeritage #IndigenousLanguage #NativeAmerican #Native #Indigenous #WeAreIndigenous #NativePhilanthropy #LanguageRevitalization #LanguagePreservation #SeventhGeneration #NativeNonprofit #Philanthropy #NativeYouth

“We need to be here. Indigenous people, Native folks being at the table, creating our own tables where we can fulfill our dreams, where we can make the change that we so deserve to see—it is one of the most powerful things that we can do.” —Lieutenant Governor of Mni Sota Makoce (Minnesota) Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Band of Ojibwe)⁠ As the final speaker of our 2024 Annual Conference’s closing plenary, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan delivered a powerful message of inclusion, representation, and progress to our Native relatives. Every year, more and more Indigenous talent are taking seats across government and philanthropy. As exhausting as the work may be, we ARE seeing progress. We ARE reclaiming stolen land, we ARE revitalizing our languages and cultural practices, we ARE funding initiatives to support our most vulnerable communities. We ARE creating a brighter, Indigenized future. #NAPCON #NAPCON2024 #Philanthropy #NativePhilanthropy #Nonprofit #NativeNonprofit #NativeLed #WeAreIndigenous #Native #NativeAmerican #Indigenous

Chris James (Eastern Cherokee), President and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED)—the largest business development and technical assistance training organization in the country for American Indian and Alaska Native-owned businesses—joins our upcoming Live broadcast, “Member Education Sessions: Economic Development in Indian Country”. A former Associate Administrator at the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Treasury official, James has doubled NCAIED’s revenue during his tenure, expanding procurement and training programs throughout the country while boosting attendance to the annual Reservation Economic Summit by nearly 30% in the last five years. He also leads the National Center’s advocacy work, coordinating with allies and Tribal governments to hold local, state, and federal government officials accountable and constructively promoting policy changes that support access to capital and resources for small business incubation and growth. From 2011 – 2016—prior to his work at NCAIED—James was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as Associate Administrator at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), where he led the Office of Field Operations, and the Office of Native American Affairs, and where he established the SBA’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. On July 24 at 1:00 pm ET, Chris James will join other economic leaders for a panel discussion about the distinct roles of government and philanthropy within economic development. Join our LIVE online conversation by registering today ➡️ bit.ly/napmember19 #Philanthropy #EconomicDevelopment #NativeAmerican #USTreasury #USGovernment #NativePhilanthropy #NativeNonprofit #Indigenous #Native #WeAreIndigenous

“The science is in, the data don't lie: Native people are really the best stewards of the land.” —Estakio Beltran (Tolteca-Mexica, Tlatoani) for “Tribal Relations 101 for State Legislators 2024” The fourth broadcast in our NAP & @National Caucus of Environmental Legislators Learning Series, “Tribal Relations 101 for State Legislators 2024”, shares the many new opportunities for States to partner with Tribes. Introduced last January, Executive Order 14112 is ushering in a new era of Tribal self-determination by creating a one-stop-shop of federal funding available to Tribes in which state and Tribal partnerships can apply for and benefit from. Watch our latest broadcast, “NAP/NCEL Learning Series: Tribal Relations 101 for State Legislators 2024” to learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eJP2QRYg #Philanthropy #NativePhilanthropy #Indigenous #Native #NativeAmerican #NativeVoices #WeAreIndigenous #TribalSovereignty #FederalGovernment #Grants #StatePartnerships

Rising temperatures aren’t just affecting the landscapes—it’s hurting the culture, sovereignty, health, economies, and lifeways of Indigenous peoples around the world. ⁠ ⁠ In order to protect our planet, the fight against climate change must be centered around Indigenous wisdom and traditional knowledge 🌱 ⁠ #IndigenousWisdom #Conservation #NativeHeritage #Indigenous #Native #ClimateChange #NativePhilanthropy #GlobalWarming #SaveThePlanet #ClimateAction #ThereIsNoPlanetB

The word “reparations” is often vaguely defined as giving money back to communities whose wealth and/or resources were stolen from—but what does that actually look like? The philanthropic sector loves to use grantmaking as their solution to reparations, but grants alone are not nearly enough to enact long-lasting change. Modern, organized philanthropy in the United States originated after the Civil War, and in the centuries since, marginalized groups are still marginalized and foundations are still wealthy. As Co-CEO of the iF Foundation, Temi F. Bennett, Esq., states: “I believe that we should all be working ourselves out of a job. I don’t think philanthropy can fix their lips to say liberation unless you’re talking about intentionally spending down. Philanthropy should not exist; the nonprofit sector should not exist. People should have what they need.” Our panelists identified numerous ways philanthropy can—and already has begun to—provide reparations. To briefly name a few: ➡️ Research and reflect on the origins of the institution’s wealth. Was it built on or connected to stolen land, stolen labor, or extractive resource industries? ➡️ Be accountable and committed to pledges aimed at supporting racial repair. Institutions cannot claim to have provided reparations if money and resources are not being deployed. ➡️ Decolonize the institution itself. The sector cannot claim to be one of liberation if they are simultaneously invested in destructive practices. Learn more by watching “Member Education Sessions: Regarding Reparations” ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eaaT8ZyC #Reparations #Philanthropy #Nonprofit #LandBack #Colonization #RacialJustice #SocialJustice #AfricanAmerican #NativeAmerican #NativePhilanthropy #NativeNonprofit

Of course youth activists are on the frontlines of climate justice—their generation has the most at stake. Despite the UN warning that we are in a “code red for humanity,” it is estimated that less than 2% of philanthropic funding is currently dedicated to climate change action. This is a critical and painfully urgent issue for youth-led climate justice groups whose health and wellbeing are already being affected by rising temperatures. Now more than ever, we need philanthropy to fund and empower a mass movement for youth-led climate justice. As youth climate organizers, Sim Bilal and Esme Hyatt, write: “We will not win until the adults in the room listen to the wisdom of youth and of Indigenous and frontline communities.” Read Nonprofit Quarterly’s article, “What the Youth Climate Justice Movement Needs from Philanthropy” to learn how the philanthropic sector can support youth efforts ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gRS3qczw #Philanthropy #ClimateChange #GlobalWarming #SocialJustice #ThereIsNoPlanetB #Nonprofit #SaveThePlanet #SeventhGeneration

We are immensely honored to welcome Treasurer of the United States and lifetime Chief of the Mohegan Tribe, Chief Lynn Malerba (Mohegan) to our upcoming Live broadcast, “Member Education Sessions: Economic Development in Indian Country”. Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts) Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba became the 18th Chief of the Mohegan Tribe on August 15, 2010, and is the first female Chief in the Tribe’s modern history. The position is a lifetime appointment made by the Tribe’s Council of Elders. Prior to becoming Chief, she served as Chairwoman of the Tribal Council, and served in Tribal Government as Executive Director of Health and Human Services. Preceding her work for the Mohegan Tribe, Malerba had a career as a registered nurse, ultimately as the Director of Cardiology and Pulmonary Services at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. She was awarded an honorary doctoral degree in science from Eastern Connecticut State University and an honorary doctoral degree in humane letters from the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. Malerba earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice at Yale University and was named a Jonas Scholar, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Connecticut, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of St. Joseph. On July 24 at 1:00 pm ET, Chief Lynn Malerba will join other economic leaders in a Live panel discussion about the distinct roles of government and philanthropy within economic development. Join our LIVE online conversation by registering today ➡️ bit.ly/napmember19 #Philanthropy #EconomicDevelopment #NativeAmerican #USTreasury #USGovernment #NativePhilanthropy #NativeNonprofit #Indigenous #Native #WeAreIndigenous

We are SO CLOSE to achieving our goal of 1,000 subscribers! 🎉 Our YouTube channel, @NativeGiving, is THE platform for Indigenous and philanthropic voices across Indian Country. Our monthly Member Education Sessions not only pass the mic to Native leaders and professionals but also allow our subscribers to participate and ask questions during the Live broadcast. Join the conversation and help us reach 1,000 subscribers! ▶️ https://lnkd.in/ekVfC_55 #NativePhilanthropy #NativeAmerican #Indigenous #WeAreIndigenous #Philanthropy #IndianCountry #TribalNations #Nonprofit #NativeNonprofit #NativeLed