2010 Chairman’s Letter

Dear Friends,

From the very start, we agreed to certain ideals at First Nations Development Institute, to work towards filling that niche, reaching that last milestone. A tribe wants to do something, but they need that little bit of help to get them over, or that little piece that is missing, that we will try at First Nations to fill that piece. The cornerstone of all that is this idea … Indian people, you are sovereign.

We have to find a way to utilize the people’s talents, their ingenuity and their energy. If we are going to be recognized, let us not do it because we told the world how great we are; let the world recognize us for what we have done, not for what we have said.

It is our belief, through our work at First Nations over the past thirty years since we were founded, that we have truly helped strengthen Indian Country. Since 1993, we have provided 711 grants to Indian tribes and Native communities and organizations, totaling $16.6 million in direct support. Through your generosity, this support has made First Nations one of the largest providers of private philanthropic resources to Native communities. First Nations has honored our commitment since the very beginning to help fill that niche, to help tribes and Native people reach that milestone.

I have been honored to serve as the board chairman of First Nations for many years, and I look forward to continuing my service to Indian Country. There have been many individuals along the way who have
supported our organization, and I thank you for your advocacy and dedication to our mission. Our work at First Nations does not end with reaching our 30th anniversary. In fact, it feels like it is just the beginning, as there are many vital efforts in Native communities that still need help to fill that niche.

On behalf of the board and staff of First Nations Development Institute and First Nations Oweesta Corporation, I humbly thank all of the individuals, organizations and tribes that continue to make our
work possible through their generous support. We look forward to another thirty years of helping Native communities reach that milestone.

Sincerely,

B. Thomas Vigil (Jicarilla Apache/Jemez Pueblo)
Chairman, Board of Directors
First Nations Development Institute