This Week at First Nations: June 20, 2025
June 20, 2025
Transforming Philanthropy at HIP and NAP Conference
First Nations staff convened in Albuquerque this week for the first-ever jointly hosted conference of Hispanics in Philanthropy and Native Americans in Philanthropy. On Tuesday, First Nations President and CEO Mike Roberts (Tlinglit) and fellow panelists led a conversation on “Unpacking ‘Population Served’: A Case Study on Inaccurate Data in Philanthropy.” They explored how philanthropy defines “community-led” and “community-serving,” and how the misrepresentation of this data creates systemic issues in fundraising. Attendees left inspired on ways to improve investments in Latine and Indigenous communities.
Connecting Onsite with Community Partner Pueblo of Jemez
The HIP and NAP Conference was preceded by a site visit to the Walatowa Visitor Center, Welcome Center, and Museum of History and Culture at Pueblo of Jemez, where participants gained insights into Towa culture and traditions. We attended presentations and discussed opportunities to leverage philanthropic support to best invest in Pueblo of Jemez’s multitude of programs.
First Nations Director of Institutional Development Sarayl Shunkamolah (Navajo) said the conversations not only provided insight into the Tribe’s professional endeavors but also offered a valuable glimpse into their personal journeys. “Understanding that we are all human and navigating the complexities of this world together fosters trust and empathy. This connection ultimately empowers us to support one another as we confront today’s challenges in solidarity,” she said.
Sarayl (left) was happy to connect with partners Clarice Madalena and John Galvan, both of Pueblo of Jemez Natural Resources Department.
Connecting with Grantees, Building Investments in Native Communities
Also at the HIP and NAP Conference, Rebecca Tortes (Cahuilla, Payómkawichum, and Assiniboine Sioux), Director of First Nations’ California Tribal Fund, took the opportunity to connect community partners with heads of philanthropy. She introduced Willie Carrillo (left), founder of Native Star Foundation, to several foundation program officers, including First Nations’ colleagues at Weingart Foundation.
“Introductions and conversations that occur organically during these meetings help us weave critical support between our tribal grantee partners and funders and help to ensure their programs’ resilience,” Rebecca said.
NEW: Restoring Our Relatives Grant Opportunity
First Nations is now accepting applications under our Stewarding Native Lands’ Stewardship Initiative for projects that grow capacity and programming to employ and sustain efforts to restore Native species through traditional knowledge and community involvement.
First Nations expects to award up to 15 grants between $25,000 to $50,000 to eligible Tribes and Native-led organizations through our Restoring Our Relatives project, made possible with support from First Nations’ Tribal Lands Conservation Fund.
Learn more and apply here by Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Questions about applying? Attend the Q&A application webinar on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 1 pm Mountain Time. Register here.
Apply Now for One-Year Native Farmer Professional Cohort
First Nations’ new Native Farmer Professional Cohort aims to strengthen the farming and land stewardship skills of 12 beginning Native farmers and support them in accessing resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS). Through the year-long enrichment program, participants will receive training and networking opportunities, with a focus on improving soil health, water quality, local food systems, and land stewardship in alignment with Native values.
The cohort launches August 4, 2025. Beginning Native farmers with less than 10 years of experience: Learn more and apply here by Friday, July 18, 2025. Note: This application is housed on First Nations’ project management system and not on Fluxx.
Reminder: Register for Upcoming Tribal Conservation Easements Webinar
As part of the new Woven Lands Initiative, First Nations’ Stewarding Native Lands program is accepting applications for the Advancing Tribal Conservation Easements grant opportunity until June 26, 2025. First Nations will provide grants of up to $50,000, in addition to technical assistance, trainings, and networking opportunities, to six Tribes pursuing conservation easements on private lands or conservation equivalents on trust lands.
A webinar about Tribal Conservation Easements will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 11 am Mountain Time. To learn about innovative approaches to conservation easements, register for the webinar here.
For more information about the Advancing Tribal Conservation Easements grant opportunity and application, access the recording and presentation of the May 13 Q&A Webinar.
Application Now Open for Native Agriculture and Food Systems Scholarships
First Nations’ Native Agriculture and Food Systems Investments (NAFSI) Scholarship program supports Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian college students to ultimately better assist their communities with their food systems efforts. Again this year, First Nations will award 20 to 25 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to $1,500 for the 2025-2026 academic school year to Native college or university students majoring in agriculture and agriculture-related fields. Apply here by July 11, 2025.