INDIAN GIVER is published quarterly by First Nations to share the impact of the Native-led projects and initiatives we invest in and to celebrate the strength and future of Native communities. The phrase INDIAN GIVER entered the English language under historical circumstances that distorted its meaning within Native American culture, where it never carried the negative cargo we know it by today. The true meaning signifies a willingness to care, an expectation of sharing; and a cultural commitment to reciprocity that was not to be questioned. Indian giving was and is the future wealth of society.
Current Issue
Highlights from First Nations, Gratitude for You
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the June 2024 issue of Indian Giver, First Nations’ quarterly newsletter.
In this summer issue, we highlight our Native Fundraisers Community of Practice (NFCoP), a unique program that has helped many Native partners become more effective fundraisers through strengths-based storytelling. You will also learn how Kawerak, Inc., a valued First Nations partner in the green energy movement, is inspiring Native Alaskan youth to pursue jobs in renewable energy. And we share a great story about Xine:wh-ding, Inc., a Native nonprofit organization on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation that started a language immersion nest for toddlers to pass on the Hupa language and culture to the next generation.
In our Donor Spotlight, we honor Charles Norman Shay, a 100-year-old Penobscot elder who takes a yearly pilgrimage to Omaha Beach in France to commemorate D-Day and honor his fellow soldiers who died there. Also featured is 2023 Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellow Anna Brown Ehlers, an award-winning Chilkat weaver who is creating the largest Chilkat blanket in history.
Thank you for your continued support of First Nations. We hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable summer!
The June 2024 Indian Giver features:
Stronger Together. In 2019, First Nations created the Native Fundraisers Community of Practice (NFCoP) to help its Native partners become more effective in their fundraising efforts. Participants are taught that strengths-based storytelling is a major cornerstone to fundraising and helps lead to positive charitable outcomes for Native organizations and programs.
Giving Staying Power to Solar Power. Kawerak, Inc. in Nome, Alaska―a valued First Nations partner in the green energy movement―has advanced several initiatives to inspire youth to pursue renewable energy careers, specifically in solar energy, and to address food insecurity in some remote Alaskan villages.
Hupa Immersion Nest Strengthens Language and Culture. Xine:wh-ding, Inc., a Native nonprofit organization on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation, started a Hupa Language Immersion nest for toddlers, ages 18 months to 35 months, to pass on the Hupa language and culture to the next generation. It was founded by five language advocates, including Sara Merrick, a Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellow.
Knowledge Makers, Knowledge Sharers. Anna Brown Ehlers (Chilkat Tlingit) knew she wanted to spend her life weaving Chilkat blankets when she was only 4 years old. Now at 68, the 2023 Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellow has become an award-winning weaver and is working on a masterwork: weaving the largest Chilkat blanket in history.
100-Year-Old Penobscot War Hero Returns Yearly to Omaha Beach. Every June 6th since 2007, Charles Norman Shay (Penobscot) has returned to Omaha Beach in France to honor the men―his comrades-in-arms―who fought and died on D-Day. Shay, a combat medic, put himself in grave danger to rescue many men on the beach that morning. He is now 100 years old.
Read the full issue here.
