This Week at First Nations: November 4, 2022

A Call for Responsibility and Action for Native Americans

It’s Native American Heritage Month and again there will be a brief spotlight on Native Americans, as events continue from Indigenous People’s Day, to the stories (myths) of pilgrims and Indians at Thanksgiving. This month, we challenge people, as we always do, to learn about authentic Native history and contemporary Native issues. There is so much at stake, including next week’s historic election and the Supreme Court case that will directly impact tribal sovereignty.

Watch for updates and blog posts this month as we make the most of this spotlight by encouraging conversation, learning, and advocacy for Indigenous peoples everywhere.

First Nations Kicks Off New Webinar Series for Tribal Funding Opportunities

This new webinar series highlights various tribal funding opportunities available to tribes and Native-led and Native-serving organizations. Join us for the first installment Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 12 pm Mountain Time for an overview of the USDA Forest Service’s Landscape Scale Restoration Program (LSRP) and how other tribes have benefitted from this funding. Also covered will be how to access First Nations’ Capacity Support Grants to assist tribal entities interested in applying for the LSRP opportunity.

All webinars are free and open to the public. Tribes, nonprofit organizations working in Indian Country, funders looking to invest in Native communities, natural resources managers and environmentalists, and all individuals with an interest in the environment are encouraged to join.

Learn more and register here.

First Nations Featured by National Philanthropic Trust

In a new series “Grants in Action,” National Philanthropic Trust is highlighting the breadth of causes recommended by their donors through their donor-advised fund accounts. Among them is First Nations. Here, First Nations’ President and CEO Mike Roberts provides an overview of First Nations and his hope for increased attention and philanthropic support for Native-led and Native-serving organizations. Read more.

What We Need to Learn from the ‘Cycles’ of Climate Change

In an article published this week at NonProfit Quarterly, First Nations’ Director of Nourishing Native Foods and Health A-dae Romero-Briones explores how climate change is not an ending or an event, but a part of a process. Joining other leaders in this NPQ issue on “The Face of Climate Change,” A-dae asserts that “Indigenous stories are fundamental to the cycle of climate, environment, and our human ability to adapt and prepare for the most trying parts of the cycle.” Read the full article.

 Illustration credit Chip Thomas in collaboration with Cannupa Hanska Luger

Philanthropy Summit Attendees Learn Lessons from the Great Law of Peace

At the Big Green DAO Summit in Denver this month, First Nations Community Partners Ohe∙láku and Ukwakhwa led a session on the Great Law of Peace, a Haudenosaunee story that builds community and teaches leadership through a participatory decision-making process. Presenters Dr. Toni House (Oneida) and Dr. Rebecca Webster (Oneida) described traditional corn foodways, illustrating how interdependent principles promote a balanced system respecting all people. Dr. House (left) and Dr. Webster (right) are pictured here with First Nations Program Officer, Brickman House (center).

Deadline Next Week for Support Through Native Youth and Culture Fund

Native-led nonprofits and organizations that provide youth opportunities are encouraged to apply for support through the Native Youth and Culture Fund. First Nations will award 15 to 18 one-year grants between $5,000 and $20,000 to use for general operating support or to build organizational/programmatic capacity, increase sustainability, or lead specific youth project-focused activities.

Apply here by Thursday, November 10, 2022. Questions about the application process? Access the presentation materials from our Q&A application webinar.

First Nations Staff Come Together to Celebrate Halloween

Humor is an essential part of the culture at First Nations, so we take the time to have fun and create memories whenever possible. This week, we hosted our annual Halloween celebration with candy, conversation, and contests for funniest costume, scariest costume, and best office door decorations. Thank you to our staff (and their pets) for getting in the spirit and sharing a great afternoon together.

Register Now for Climate Change Summit in November

First Nations Community Partner Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians will present the 2022 National Tribal Leaders Climate Change Summit November 28 to 30, 2022. Themed “Asserting Tribal Sovereignty on the Path to Climate Justice,” the summit will engage tribal leaders, citizens, staff, youth, and collaborators in conversation about navigating the cultural, economic, and social challenges of climate change. First Nations is honored to support the summit as part our Regional Dialogues on Climate Resiliency project.

Learn more and register here.

Food Production Brings Freedom, Security and Economic Boost to Cherokee Nation

Congratulations to the Cherokee Nation on the Grand Opening of 1839 Cherokee Meat Co. The new 12,000 square foot meat processing facility in Tahlequah is a huge stride toward food sovereignty for the Cherokee Nation, writes Chuck Hoskin, Jr., the tribe’s principal chief, in this feature at Indianz.com. He reports further, “The 1839 Cherokee Meat Co. is our boldest effort yet to reclaim our food sovereignty and strengthen our economy by keeping more of the dollars that we spend on food within the great Cherokee Nation reservation.” Read more. 

Navajo Nation Leaders Introduce Two New Initiatives to Address Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives

The Arizona Mirror reports this week that Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez issued an Executive Order to adopt and implement the Navajo Nation Guidelines for Missing Persons. According to the article, the legislation calls for a three-branch multidisciplinary task force that will include family representation to develop a holistic approach to addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Navajo men, women and children, both on and off the Navajo Nation. Read more.