Program

Research and Advocacy for Native Economic Justice

Strengthening Native economies has always been at the heart of what we do at First Nations, and all our programs incorporate an overarching recognition that the resources, assets, ingenuity, and approaches of Native communities all play a role in their financial empowerment, now and in the future.

This focus has evolved through the years to include providing financial education to Native communities, advocating to philanthropy for greater investment in Indian Country, and adding to the scholarship about Native justice, whether it’s environmental, social, or economic.

Through this evolving program, First Nations continues to provide Native communities, policy makers, and funders the research, tools, resources, and opportunities needed to invest in and advance Native economic justice.

Focus Areas

Awarded Grants

2026

Supporting Tribes and Indigenous communities in their efforts to protect their lands, resources, treaty rights, and ways of life.

2026 Supporting Tribes and Indigenous communities in their efforts to protect their lands, resources, treaty rights, and ways of life.

$600,000
Earthjustice: Tribal Partnerships Program ca Created with Sketch. San Francisco, CA

Funding Area

Program Research and Advocacy for Native Economic Justice

Description

Through litigation, advocacy, and communication, we partner with and supports Tribes to protect their natural and cultural resources. Together, we work to prevent harmful mines, stop destructive fossil fuel development, preserve biodiversity, and advance policies that support Tribal rights.

2026

2026 Community Survey Project Plan Resist, Reclaim, and Rebuild

2026 2026 Community Survey Project Plan Resist, Reclaim, and Rebuild

$500,001
Native Organizers Alliance wa Created with Sketch. Seattle, WA

Funding Area

Program Research and Advocacy for Native Economic Justice

Description

The 7 Generation Survey will be conducted in 15 communities to expand the circle of people supporting tribe/community groups initiatives and participating in civic engagement. The survey is an organizing tool to strengthen the impact of tribes/groups’ ongoing organizing of community care and safety.

2026

General Operating Support for the Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment

2026 General Operating Support for the Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment

$110,529
Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment nm Created with Sketch. Albuquerque, NM

Funding Area

Program Research and Advocacy for Native Economic Justice

Description

MASE is a grassroots network of uranium impacted communities working to restore and protect the natural and cultural environment through engagement among communities and institutions by advocating for clean up of abandoned uranium mine sites, and halting new uranium development in our region.

News

Resources

Impact Stories