First Nations’ 2011 Annual Report is now online here. Read about our many accomplishments last year and, in particular, the crucial work we do in Native agriculture and food systems as a means of tribal economic development, healthier lifeways, and as a vital connection to cultural traditions.

More Bang for the Buck for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation

At First Nations, we strive for Native American economic justice to retain and rebuild the economies of American Indian tribes and communities. We do this through several tactics along many fronts. Key support areas are providing technical assistance and training, advocacy and policy work, and direct financial grants, with a focus on the areas of financial and investor education, combating predatory lending, Native American business and asset development, strengthening Native American nonprofit organizations, and dealing with Native foods and health issues.

Addressing Native Food Issues on the Colorado Plateau

First Nations Development Institute has long been addressing Native food issues nationally as a path to better health and nutrition for tribal communities, as a way to reconnect to Native culture and lifeways, and with the added benefit of creating or stimulating much-needed economic development in those areas, many of which can be classified as “food deserts.”

InvestNative Project Empowers Youth to Make Good Financial Decisions

Twice each year, in the spring and fall, First Nations Development Institute hosts the InvestNative online financial education challenge. We partner with high schools and American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL) to conduct the event. During the challenge, Native American students take online classes that help them learn the basics of saving, investing and money management. First Nations started the project because there is such a huge need for that type of education in American Indian communities.

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