This Week at First Nations: December 16, 2022
First Nations Staff Come Together to Strategize and Celebrate
After two years of virtual and hybrid meetings, First Nations’ full staff from our Colorado, New Mexico, and California offices met in person this week to collaborate on ways to bolster the purpose and vision of our organization: Serving Native communities. There was facilitated discussion about values and opportunities, as well as a celebration at the holiday party, which featured an “Ugly Sweater” contest, book exchange, and recognition of First Nations’ Mike Roberts and Raymond Foxworth for their many, many years of service. It was great seeing everyone together again!
Congratulations to First Nations’ AJ and Sabrina
First Nations celebrates the December graduations of two of our valued staff members, who completed degrees while working full-time for First Nations. Program Assistant Antonio “AJ” Garcia (Jicarilla Apache and Nahua) earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American Studies with a focus on leadership and building Native nations from the University of New Mexico. Sabrina Walker (Tlingit) earned her Master’s of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma. Congratulations, AJ and Sabrina! We are proud of you both!
Spotlight on First Nations’ Green Jobs in Indian Country Community Partners
Earlier this year, First Nations launched our Green Jobs in Indian Country project, which invests in Native communities in the early stages of green job development in response to climate change. Since then our community partners have been busy, and we’re excited to share news of three of the 10 grantees, including Blackfeet Community College, Holani Hana, and Native Conservancy. Read the latest news of their projects.
What We’re Watching: Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellow’s Tribute Video
One of First Nations’ 2022 Luce Indigenous Knowledge fellows, Francis P. Sinenci (Kumu Palani), is also a 2022 National Heritage Fellow through the National Endowment for the Arts. In a video series, “Roots of American Culture: A Cross-Country Visit with Living Treasures of the Folk and Traditional Arts,” the NEA highlights the traditions and artistic practices of their fellows. First Nations is honored to share this one, which features Sinenci and his talents as a master Hawaiian hale builder. Congratulations, Francis!
Work Still Needed to Ensure Indigenous Voices are Represented in Environmental Movement
This week, Green 2.0 released its 2022 NGO and Foundation Transparency Report Card, which finds that while some progress has been made, there is still considerable work to be done in ensuring communities of color, including Native communities, are represented at every level of the environmental movement. First Nations’ President and CEO Mike Roberts responds to report findings, saying, “Indigenous leaders and the traditional ecological knowledge of their communities are critical to building a winning movement yet we have long been denied a seat at the decision-making table. The findings of this year’s Report Card indicate the absence of Indigenous leaders as CEOs or on senior staff of foundations — our voices and our knowledge is needed to transform how we serve all communities.” Read the full report here.
Thank You for Supporting Indigenous Communities
First Nations is grateful to the many caring people who gave to First Nations and to our community partners directly through both #GivingTuesday and Colorado Gives Day. Donations to First Nations in support of Native communities and economies surpassed expectations, and gifts will go toward training, technical assistance, and grants for Indigenous-led nonprofits and initiatives. Thank you for opening your hearts during this important time of year. We value your support!
Now Hiring at First Nations
Join First Nations in strengthening asset control and supporting economic development for Native communities. We are currently seeking a Grants Development Officer to support First Nations’ development team in coordinating grant-writing, gathering data, monitoring development activities, and tracking initiatives and impact. Learn more and apply here.
Pre-COP15 Event Brings Together Indigenous Leaders in Conservation
Last week, Indigenous leaders joined others in sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions to the global biodiversity crisis at the Dialogue on Indigenous and Community Leadership in Conservation conference in Montreal. The event was designed to help delegates to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of Parties (COP 15) strengthen their language and action on Indigenous and community-led conservation around the world. Joey Owle, secretary of agriculture and farming for First Nations’ Community Partner Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, presented on a panel focused on challenges, threats and opportunities for north-south collaboration to support Indigenous-led biodiversity stewardship across the globe.
Pass the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act
The Seattle Times this week published an editorial calling for the passage of the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act, which would force the government to finally honor the 375 treaties and laws meant to govern the future existence of Native Americans. The writers assert, “Many wrongs have been committed when it comes to the federal government’s relationship with tribal entities, resulting in incredible disparities. Approval of the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act is needed for the nation to honor its legal and moral obligations and address inequities.” Read more.
Free Webinars on Tribal Wetland Programs
The National Association of Wetland Managers hosted a series of webinars to help tribes develop effective wetland programs that accommodate the specific ways in which tribes manage their wetland cultural resources. Webinars, including the latest one that addresses strategic wetland resource planning and management unique to tribal situations, are available on-demand here.
Attention Coloradans: Support Available through State of Colorado
The State of Colorado Office of Economic Development asked First Nations to share information on resources available for BIPOC individuals and communities in the state, including the Small Business Development Center, various programs and funding, as well as the Colorado Startup Loan Fund that helps individuals get access to capital to start, restructure, or redevelop their businesses. Learn more here.
