October 4, 2024

First Nations’ 2023 Annual Report Out Now

The Board of Directors of First Nations is proud to present our 2023 Annual Report. In the report, themed “Protecting, Preserving, Prevailing,” we share stories of our valued community partners and all that they’re accomplishing to uphold and sustain traditional knowledge for a vibrant and visible future. The report features images from First Nations’ artist friend Danielle SeeWalker, and highlights accomplishments of the year, project descriptions of our hundreds of grantees, plus letters from our board chair and president. Access the report and our special online supplements here.

First Nations Staff Wear Orange in Support of National Day of Remembrance

This past Monday was National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as recognized in Canada, and National Day of Remembrance, as adopted by the U.S. The day honors the generations of children, families, and communities harmed by Indian boarding schools, and raises awareness of the continued impacts – recognition that is crucial to reconciliation and the healing process. First Nations staff wore orange in solidarity and support.

Sixth Cohort of Native Fundraisers Trained and Ready to Build Capacity

The sixth cohort of First Nations’ Native Fundraisers Community of Practice met for the fourth time last week at Hotel Chaco in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The community of Native nonprofit leaders has participated in various presentations and workshops over the last five months, all focused on building capacity through fundraising, storytelling, grant and proposal writing, and creating a lasting community and network within the group. With this final meeting of the sixth cohort, over 100 Native professionals now have completed these trainings, adding to the skills and talent in Indian Country and the advancement of Native-led nonprofits. Read more about the Native Fundraisers Community of Practice here.

Indigenous Stewardship of National Forests in the Rocky Mountain Region: Next Webinar October 17

In this third installment of First Nations’ webinar series on Indigenous Stewardship on National Forest Lands, please join us in hearing from tribal representatives about their stewardship efforts in the Rocky Mountain Region. The webinar will feature Kathryn McDonald, Tribal Relations Specialist for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and Emmit Taylor, Fisheries Watershed Deputy Director for the Nez Perce Tribe. They will share about their collaborative work to steward ancestral lands by restoring traditional values and practices with staff from the U.S. Forest Service.

The webinar is Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 1 pm MT. Register here.

First Nations’ Community Partner Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska Featured at Crested Butte Film Festival

First Nations was again honored to showcase the film, “Usugilix Awakun: We Are Working Together,” this time at the Crested Butte Film Festival in Colorado. The film focuses on the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska and Unangax scientist, Shayla Shaishnikoff, and her unwavering dedication to preserving ancestral traditions, culture, and the health of her community. Pictured at the event are First Nations’ Associate Director of Individual Giving Jona Charette (Northern Cheyenne/Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) and COO Jackie Francke (Navajo).

Read more about First Nations’ work on this project.
Donate directly to support the Qawalangin Tribe’s Camp Qungaayux.
Watch the trailer.

In Case You Missed It: The September Indian Giver Is Out

In our fall newsletter, we spotlight Apache Stronghold, a nonprofit organization protecting Oak Flat, a sacred Apache site in Arizona, from being destroyed by a proposed copper mine. Also featured is Kwiyagat Community Academy and its plans to grow its Ute language program, along with a derelict fencing cleanup operation on Modoc Nation homelands. The issue also showcases Ariel Segall in our Donor Spotlight and 2024 Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellow Audrey Etsitty. Access the issue here.

Tribal and Federal Employees: Join Us for Shared Horizons

Tribal and federal employees and representatives are invited to register now for the “Shared Horizons: Navigating Tribal Co-Stewardship and Co-Management Opportunities Conference.” Co-hosted by First Nations and Native American Rights Fund, the national co-learning event will provide trainings, space for sharing ideas and work, and networking opportunities to grow the field of tribal co-stewardship and co-management. Travel scholarships are available for tribal representatives and employees.

Learn more and register here!

What We’ll Be Watching: ‘Yintah’

“Yintah,” meaning “land,” is a feature-length documentary about the Wet’suwet’en First Nation’s fight for sovereignty. The film follows Native activists Howilhkat Freda Huson and Sleydo’ Molly Wickham as their nation reoccupies and protects their ancestral lands from several of the largest fossil fuel companies in the world. Producers write, “Yintah is about an anti-colonial resurgence — a fierce and ongoing fight for Indigenous and human rights in the face of a colonial government committed to seizing lands at gunpoint.”

The film will air on Netflix starting October 18, 2024.