June 9, 2023

How to Support Knowledge That’s Native: Introductory Webinar June 26!

Yesterday, we shared news of First Nations’ new Tribal Lands Conservation Fund and the kick-off Q&A discussion with First Nations President and CEO Michael Roberts. Join us Monday, June 26, 2023, at 11 am Mountain Time to learn about how we can rethink conservation, implement the “new” old ways of protecting our Earth, and return to knowledge that’s Native. Learn more and register here. All are welcome!

Onsite and on set at Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska

First Nations and storytelling partner Spruce Tone Films are winding down a week of filming in Unalaska, Alaska. The crew is showcasing how the Qawalangin Tribe is addressing the environmental issues that continue to threaten the shellfish and other marine resources that have sustained the Unangan people for thousands of years. The tribe is a community partner of First Nations through both our Protecting Bering Sea Marine Resources and Indigenous Partnership to Advance Native American Communities and Producers projects. We’re excited to move ahead with production and share this impactful story.

Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellows Share Knowledge at Poeh Cultural Center

This week, the 2023 cohort of First Nations’ Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship came together for their second convening, this time in person at First Nations’ community partner Poeh Cultural Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Over two days, these Native leaders continued to pool their collective knowledge, and create a community of practice that crosses fields, geographies, and tribal cultures. First Nations Program Officer Autumn Romero said the ability to meet in person at such an artistic and cultural setting was powerful, adding to the collaboration and inspiration of the event. Thank you to our fellows and Poeh Cultural Center!

Land Back Advancements Happening at Modoc Nation

First Nations celebrates the work of community partner Modoc Nation in Altura, California. With support through the California Tribal Fund’s Access to Ancestral Lands project, the organization is completing a site survey of the tribe’s property boundaries, as part of a larger effort to return control of land and restore Modoc ways. At a site visit last week, Modoc representatives gave a tour of the land, sharing its history and sacredness to the Modoc people. We are honored to invest in their important work.

Native Writers Build Community to Strengthen Research and Advance Native Food Systems

First Nations’ Tribal Food Systems Research Fellowship brought together 10 Native writers in Minneapolis this week for in-depth conversations on food systems, academic lessons, and writing as a craft in addressing systemic issues and challenges. The fellowship is part of First Nations’ Nourishing Native Foods and Health program and is designed to enhance academic research and increase Indigenous academic leadership surrounding Native food systems. First Nations Senior Program Officer Richard Elm-Hill said, “We are grateful to the advisors and speakers who continue to lend their experience. As the fellows shared their work, we saw another layer of community-building in the making. We can’t wait to see their research published and out in the world.”

Join Us in Support of the LGTBQIA2S+ Community

This June, as we begin our journey through PRIDE Month, we at First Nations pause to acknowledge all the beautiful souls who have experienced shame and prejudice, simply by loving someone. We support and acknowledge members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and help continue the movement for equal rights. In this new blog post, First Nations Development Officer Marisa Page shares ways to ensure that everyone, everywhere, is seen and loved. Read more.

Biden-Harris Administration Protects Chaco Region, Tribal Cultural Sites from Development

Last week, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland signed a public land order to protect the cultural and historic resources surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park from new oil and gas leasing and mining claims. The order withdraws public lands within a 10-mile radius of the park for 20 years and responds to decades of efforts from tribes, elected officials, and the public to better protect the sacred and historic sites and tribal communities currently living in northwest New Mexico. Read the release.

University of Colorado Seeks Associate Vice Chancellor for Native American Affairs

The University of Colorado Boulder is seeking an Associate Vice Chancellor for Native American Affairs to build relationships between Indigenous communities, tribes, and nations and the University of Colorado at Boulder. The position will work collaboratively with colleges and many offices on campus to advise on issues directly affecting Native American students, staff, and faculty, as well as the broader Native American community. The posting closing date is July 2, 2023. Learn more and apply.

Casting Call for Native Athletes

Midthunder Casting is holding a casting call for Native athletes who are available for production on June 27 and 28, 2023, in Los Angeles. Midthunder Casting is led by Angelique Midthunder, an Emmy-nominated member of the Casting Society of America and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences who specializes in casting authentic Indigenous talent. Learn more in the flyer.