Testimonials

"I wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that Chugach Regional Resources Commission was awarded the 2019 Distinguished Service in Education, which recognizes an Alaska individual or organization that has helped strengthen communities by contributing to a better understanding of the world, one another, and the human experience, for a project that we were able to undertake with the help of First Nations' food sovereignty funding. Thank you and First Nations for the funding. We couldn't have done it without you!"

"Thank you very much from the Indigenous Regeneration team! We couldn't be more grateful that you took a risk and gave our nonprofit their first funds to create this project! Your faith in us led to us ending the year at $129k with an additional $106k three-year contract with NRCS. We are hiring three people from our reservation this year and are so thankful to all of you guys for everything! Mata'yuum exists because of you! We hope very much to work with you more in the future. Eyay Ahan! "

"The work wouldn't be as prevalent or as strong without the support of First Nations, and it's not just due to the funding, but to the relationships built with the folks within the organization. First Nations brings people together to feed off each other – to think, to partner. At First Nations' gatherings you're able to cross-pollinate with others, which reminds you that you're not alone."

"The funding provided through the Native Arts Initiative allowed NACA to expand upon the number of Native American artisans who can participate within our Oak Creek Overlook program. This program provides a unique opportunity for Native Americans to enhance their economic self-sufficiency and entrepreneur spirit. Above all, families involved with the program have gained economic empowerment and pride in themselves over the past many years, passing the opportunity along to the next generations."

"Thank you to First Nations Development Institute for hosting a wonderful tour of the Southwest exploring the culture and traditions of the Pueblo Peoples in New Mexico. Representatives from San Manuel were able to attend and witness the great work being done to preserve and advance Native American tribes and culture ... This was a personal fulfilling trip that left them feeling inspired and dedicated to giving back to tribes across the United States."

"Thanks to the First Nations Development Institute for a wonderful "Business of Indian Agriculture/Food Sovereignty" training seminar. We have some great ideas to bring back to the San Pasqual Reservation! We're excited to be able to teach these concepts as well."

"Thank you and your donors for funding the Native Arts Initiative grant for Hopitutuqaiki, The Hopi School. This grant will enable The Hopi School to move to the next level in its development. The school has provided Summer Arts Programs for 14 years and is now ready to move to the next step in its mission to develop and implement an educational program that is derived from the Hopi people, as compared to the present educational program that is imposed from an outside culture. "

"Thank you so much! None of this would have been possible without the generous support of First Nations Development Institute. You may never know the children you are helping, but you put a smile on their faces. Soul of Nations appreciates your generous donation. Your monetary support is helping to finance the Soul of Nations Brea Foley Art Program."

"She:kon! Hi from Gedakina. We wanted to thank FNDI for all its efforts over the years opening doorways to funders for tribes and nonprofits across Indian Country. This past summer we received a three-year grant from the NoVo Foundation, and this past week we received a two-year grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. We know that prior to FNDI developing relations with these national foundations, rarely did they fund programs in Indian Country. So again, we would like to say Olwini (Thanks)!"

"Dear First Nations, Thank you for your generous support of Chugach Regional Resource Commission's (CRRC) food assessment endeavors. Thanks to First Nations, the Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative, and the NoVo Foundation, CRRC is in the midst of understanding the issue of changing diets and disappearing traditional foods in our region."

"Dear Mr. Roberts, Thank you! Because of you, we can continue toward the development of sustainable, healthy, culturally and eco-sensitive community and economic projects for the Aaniiih and Nakoda Nations to ensure self-sufficience of future generations. We are so honored and privileged to have you as a donor and thank you for investing in our organization and in the communities we serve on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana. Your generous gift will go to good use."

"Dear Friends at First Nations Development Institute, On behalf of FAST Blackfeet, THANK YOU! Your generous funding of $10,000 allows us to continue our food security and food sovereignty work. The grant ... is making it possible for us to determine areas of need on the Blackfeet Reservation and the best ways to address them in our communities. "

"Hi Mike, Your note was a beautiful surprise and made my day, and also made me want to share a couple of reasons why I wanted to be a partner in your work and mission: For decades I supported a Native American project in New Mexico which seems to do good work. Then I attended a couple of seminars on philanthropy and got an education on what I should have looked for years ago. I had never looked into the project's financial practices or what percentage of their income went to the project versus administration, how many Native Americans were on their staff, and what they were doing to permanently improve the lives of their people, i.e. giving fish versus teaching to fish. I asked for a copy of their Annual Report and was told it would be sent, but never received it. I asked for a copy of their 2013 financial report and was told it would be sent, but never received it. I wrote a note saying I would no longer be supporting them because of their lack of transparency and response. I understand, respect and appreciate the desire of Native Americans to retain their land, spirituality, culture, language, skills and knowledge of their ancestry and history in this land. There is so much that can be learned from each unique Nation; I celebrate your wealth of assets, and the strength of a people who have excelled in government, finance (like you), craftsmanship, sciences, entertainment, journalism, etc., striving and overcoming so much. Starting to look for a Native American organization to partner with, I found that First Nations Development Institute stood out above all others. Charity Navigator and your extensive website consolidated everything I wanted to know. When I first made a contribution, I didn't even ask for an annual report and the 2014 issue was sent to me. Responses from your staff have been warm, welcoming, educational, and have made me feel a part of something truly unique - a place where I feel confident that any contribution I can make will make a difference. ‘Gunalcheesh’ for all that you have done through your many years there, Mike; your dedication, communications and financial skills, but more than that, your character and leadership at the helm of First Nations and Oweestra are tremendous assets. I am your friend and partner in the journey forward."

"The fourth consecutive year of a 4-Star rating is well-deserved. This rating is essential to me and many others when we evaluate organizations to support. I have had up-close and personal contact with First Nations and the recipients of its grants … Without question Native peoples are receiving great benefit from First Nations’ work."

"The Charity Navigator rating was a large factor in my initial support of First Nations, but I've been doubly impressed by the people within the organization itself. They are smart, thorough, dedicated and deeply committed to the mission. I am proud to be a contributor to this organization."

"Greetings, I have been working at the College of Charleston as the Restorative Agriculture Director. I first became acquainted with your programs through the "Nourishing Native Foods and Health Program," specifically during my ethnographic and community work with local Native tribes while studying at the college. The "Seeds of Native Health" and the Native Seed Company both have provided tremendous inspiration to incorporate, honor and prioritize First Nations peoples, Native rights, and my own Native roots through agriculture. Now, at this time of my life, your resources on predatory lending have been instrumental in personally coping with student loans, and understanding how to combat this type of abuse through empowerment and knowledge (not only as an individual, but as a community). All this to say that I am deeply grateful for the work that your team is sharing with communities all over the country! "

"(We received this email after issuing an announcement of how our undercover report spurred the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Navajo Nation to take action against an unscrupulous tax-preparation company that was preying on Native taxpayers.) Great job First Nations! I live in Gallup and the Natives have tried to get predatory lending outlawed because it's keeping Natives and other poor people locked into poverty. If Arizona has outlawed these types of loan companies, it should be possible for New Mexico. Thanks also for the financial training that First Nations provides with Natives and students in the Gallup area."