Latest news with #Native-led
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Native Communities Are a High-Impact, Often Overlooked, Opportunity for Funders, Research Finds
A new report from The Bridgespan Group and Native Americans in Philanthropy reveals potential for transformative impact through investment in Native communities. Boston, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Native communities are driving innovative solutions across climate justice, education, economic development, thriving cultures, and more—offering compelling opportunities for transformative social change. Yet, despite this potential, Native communities have long been overlooked, underfunded, and misunderstood by mainstream philanthropy, according to new research released today by The Bridgespan Group and Native Americans in Philanthropy. Native communities receive less than 1 percent of philanthropic funding, and Native-led organizations receive roughly only half of that, according to the First Nations Development Institute. 'However, Native Peoples have long exhibited the tenacity and ingenuity needed to address today's most pressing challenges,' said Rohit Menezes, a Bridgespan partner and part of the research team. 'The current uncertainty around federal funding levels to Tribal Nations and Native communities heightens the need for more philanthropic engagement.' The report is broken into three parts that address 'why,' 'how,' and 'whom' to fund. Drawing from listening sessions, interviews with more than 60 Native and non-Native philanthropic leaders, and case studies, the research offers strategic reasons for funders to engage and offers a roadmap for how to do so effectively. Key findings of the research include: Place-Based Potential: Many Native communities lie within funders' existing geographic portfolios, offering overlooked opportunities to increase impact. Innovative Solutions: From regenerative agriculture to constitutional reform, Native-led innovation is producing scalable models with global relevance. Economic Impact: Tribal Nations employ hundreds of thousands and contribute billions annually to regional economies, yet they face chronic underinvestment. Cultural Strength: Native organizations preserve vital languages, restore ecosystems, and build intergenerational wealth and wellness despite limited resources. The report also explores the 'Five Rs of Indigenous Philanthropy,' championed by Native Americans in Philanthropy and building on the work of International Funders for Indigenous Peoples. The 'Five Rs' serve as a values-based framework for funders seeking to build meaningful and impactful partnerships with Native communities: Respect: Honor Native cultures, traditions, and lived experiences; acknowledge the impact of colonization and historical trauma. Reciprocity: Approach funding as a two-way exchange, where knowledge and resources flow in both directions with mutual benefit. Responsibility: Be accountable to Native communities and support long-term investments that align with community priorities. Relationships: Build authentic, trust-based connections by showing up consistently and sharing decision-making power. Redistribution: Recognize the origins of philanthropic wealth and intentionally return resources to Native communities as a matter of justice and equity. According to Menezes, 'Perhaps, most important, over the course of our research, Native leaders shared their advice for funders who want to engage with Native communities. That advice, coupled with the five Rs of Indigenous Philanthropy, offers actionable guidance for donors.' Additionally, the report surfaces immediate entry points for funders to start or deepen support; next-level opportunities for systemic investment in areas such as land return, data infrastructure, and Indigenous education; and real-world success stories from funders including the Bush Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, and the Northwest Area Foundation. "Native communities have always been sources of innovation, strength, and solutions,' said Erik Stegman, chief executive officer of Native Americans in Philanthropy. 'This research affirms what we at Native Americans in Philanthropy have long known: when philanthropy shows up with respect and commitment, the impact is profound and the opportunities ahead are limitless.' Read the full report at: ### About The Bridgespan Group The Bridgespan Group is a global nonprofit that collaborates with social change organizations, philanthropists, and impact investors to make the world more equitable and just. Bridgespan's services include strategy consulting and advising, sourcing and diligence, and leadership team support. We take what we learn from this work and build on it with original research, identifying best practices and innovative ideas to share with the social sector. We work from locations in Boston, Delhi, Johannesburg, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and Washington, DC. About Native Americans in Philanthropy For over 30 years, Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) has promoted equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities. We do this through leadership development, education, research, and strategic partnerships with funders and philanthropic organizations. The cornerstone of our work is our relatives and our networks. NAP supports several communities of stakeholders that work together to build knowledge, community, priorities, and power in the sector. These networks include Native professionals in philanthropy, elected Tribal leaders, Native youth leaders, Native philanthropic executives and board members, Native nonprofit leaders, and allies. CONTACT: Liz London The Bridgespan Group 646-562-8906
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Two St. Paul parks renamed to reflect their sacred Dakota history
A pair of St. Paul parks will be renamed to reflect their sacred significance to the Dakota people. The City Council on Wednesday voted to change the names of Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and Indian Mounds Regional Park to Wakáŋ Tipi and Wic̣aḣapi, respectively. Taken from the Dakota language, Wakáŋ Tipi translates to 'dwelling place of the sacred,' while Wic̣aḣapi means 'cemetery.' During a news conference before the vote, Mayor Melvin Carter voiced his support for the new names, which were recommended by Minnesota's Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and endorsed by the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Commission. 'These names are not just words,' Carter said. 'They're acts of remembrance and resistance, honoring the Dakota people's enduring presence and spiritual connection to this land. This action today is not about rewriting history, it's about acknowledging that the land we stand on has always had Dakota names, Dakota meaning and Dakota caretakers.' The two adjoining sites will exist as a newly designated cultural landscape called Imniżaska, which is a Dakota phrase meaning 'white cliffs' and has long been used by Dakota speakers to refer to the area that is now St. Paul. The city's Parks and Recreation department, which will install updated signage at the sites in coming months, has been working with the Native-led nonprofit Wakáŋ Tipi Awanyankapi for several years to redesign its programming at the two parks to better reflect their spiritual significance in Dakota culture. Maggie Lorenz, executive director of Wakáŋ Tipi Awanyankapi, said Wednesday that renaming the sites builds on 'the work that generations of Dakota people have done … to hold onto our culture, to preserve our history and to advocate for our sacred places.' Last October, the city announced a co-management agreement for the 27-acre Wakáŋ Tipi area with Lorenz's organization, whose 7,500-square-foot Wakáŋ Tipi Center will house an exhibit hall, classrooms, ceremonial spaces and other facilities dedicated to preserving Dakota culture when it opens in the fall. Formerly named for the late U.S. Rep. Bruce Vento, an ardent environmentalist who helped spearhead the transformation of what was a polluted former rail yard into green space, the nature sanctuary is home to Wakáŋ Tipi cave, which is revered in Dakota culture as an ancient gathering place for Native American nations. Vento's widow, Susan Vento, was consulted as part of the renaming process, according to city officials. Susan Vento did not return a message seeking comment. Carter said he believes the new name honors Bruce Vento's legacy, adding that the congressman, who died in 2000, 'was a supporter of tribal sovereignty, a supporter of treaty rights, and a champion for our environment.' The name of the trail system that begins at Wakáŋ Tipi will remain the Bruce Vento Regional Trail. The former Mounds Park, located on the bluffs overlooking Wakáŋ Tipi, contains six Native American burial mounds — the only such mounds known to exist within the urban Twin Cities. Estimated to be up to 2,400 years old, the mounds are among the oldest human-made structures in Minnesota and are venerated by Dakota, Ho-Chunk and Ioway people as a burial place of their ancestors. The city's parks department in recent years has updated its signage around the mounds to educate visitors on its long history as a cemetery and to encourage them to treat it as such. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who spoke alongside Carter and Lorenz before Wednesday's council vote, said renaming the sites 'acknowledges that Dakota and Native people have always been here, are still here, and will remain here into the future.' George Floyd: Minneapolis, St. Paul events mark his death, community response Climate action group schedules first Ward 4 candidate forum for Tuesday Wet weather continues on Wednesday St. Paul's parks rank fifth-best in the nation Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary likely to be renamed Wakan Tipi
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Lower Sioux Tribe is investing in industrial hemp to help combat a housing shortage.
The ICT Newscast for Friday, May 9, 2025, features stories about a mascot issue that catches the ear of the Trump administration, cultural institutions and funding are canceled. Plus ready for some comedy? Joey Clift has a new movie! A New York school district defies a state order to remove its Native-themed mascot and gains national political support. A Dakota tribe uses hempcrete to build mold and fire resistant homes, calling hemp the 'new green buffalo.' A new short film blends powwow culture with gaming nostalgia, proving Native stories can be both funny and relatable. A new Miss Indian World is crowned! The winner of this year's pageant emphasizes cultural pride and community over titles. Federal funding cuts to cultural institutions raise fears of erasure and prompt calls for Native-led solutions. Check out the ICT Newscast on YouTube for this episode and more. View previous ICT broadcasts here every week for the latest news from around Indian Country. ICT is owned by IndiJ Public Media, a nonprofit news organization. Will you support our work? All of our content is free. There are no subscriptions or costs. Support ICT for as little as $10 or less.. Sign up for ICT's free newsletter.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Lower Sioux Tribe is investing in industrial hemp to help combat a housing shortage.
The ICT Newscast for Friday, May 9, 2025, features stories about a mascot issue that catches the ear of the Trump administration, cultural institutions and funding are canceled. Plus ready for some comedy? Joey Clift has a new movie! A New York school district defies a state order to remove its Native-themed mascot and gains national political support. A Dakota tribe uses hempcrete to build mold and fire resistant homes, calling hemp the 'new green buffalo.' A new short film blends powwow culture with gaming nostalgia, proving Native stories can be both funny and relatable. A new Miss Indian World is crowned! The winner of this year's pageant emphasizes cultural pride and community over titles. Federal funding cuts to cultural institutions raise fears of erasure and prompt calls for Native-led solutions. Check out the ICT Newscast on YouTube for this episode and more. View previous ICT broadcasts here every week for the latest news from around Indian Country. ICT is owned by IndiJ Public Media, a nonprofit news organization. Will you support our work? All of our content is free. There are no subscriptions or costs. Support ICT for as little as $10 or less.. Sign up for ICT's free newsletter.
Forbes
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Stand Strong, Stay Rooted: Fighting Displacement In Native Communities
Displacement is often seen as history, but for Native communities, it remains a daily reality—driven by economic pressures, climate change, and cultural erasure. For generations, we have fought to remain on our lands. Displacement isn't a single event; it's an ongoing struggle embedded in systems that threaten our homes, economies, and sovereignty. Today, it takes the form of rising housing costs, land dispossession, and climate crises—disrupting families, disconnecting youth from their heritage, and undermining Tribal Nations' ability to shape their own futures. During Oweesta's visit to Aloha ʻĀina Poi Company—a farmer-owned initiative committed to strengthening community through kalo farming—the Oweesta team got our hands in the soil: planting 2,000 kalo seeds, harvesting 157 leaves, and processing hundreds of pounds of kalo into poi. In support of their vision to cultivate the next generation of farmers, Oweesta proudly presented Aloha ʻĀina Poi Company with a $250,000 contribution. We must confront this challenge head-on—not just to protect what's ours, but to reclaim our right to thrive, build wealth, and secure a legacy of self-determination. As the nation's longest-standing Native CDFI intermediary, Oweesta partners with Indigenous communities to restore economic power. Through access to capital, financial education, and culturally rooted systems, we support Native-led solutions to displacement. When Native people have the resources to lead, they do more than resist—they reclaim, restore, and build lasting models of resilience for generations to come. The Realities of Displacement in Native Communities Displacement in Native communities has never been accidental—it has been systemic, sustained, and sanctioned by law. From the Indian Removal Act of 1830 to the Indian Relocation Act of 1956 and the Termination Era policies, federal legislation intentionally fractured Tribal Nations, severing Native peoples from their lands, cultures, and community ties. These policies inflicted generational trauma, dismantled local economies, and imposed structural barriers that continue to shape Indigenous realities today. But displacement didn't end with those acts - it evolved. Today, Native communities face housing insecurity, economic exclusion, cultural erasure, and climate disruption. These modern forces don't operate in isolation-they layer upon one another, making it increasingly difficult for Native people to remain in, return to, or build thriving futures in their own homelands. Housing Displacement Native American homeownership rates remain among the lowest in the United States. This disparity is not due to a lack of interest or capacity among Native families but stems from systemic barriers within financial systems that were not designed to serve them. One significant challenge is the difficulty in securing lenders willing and equipped to offer mortgages on trust lands. The perceived legal and bureaucratic complexities associated with lending on Tribal lands lead many financial institutions to avoid them entirely, perpetuating exclusion and deepening inequalities. Notably, Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are among the few entities making these mortgages a reality for families. Oweesta had the honor of visiting a housing encampment near Waiʻanae Small Boat Harbor, led by the inspiring Twinkle Borge. Through her unwavering advocacy with Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae Mauka, Twinkle has built a powerful movement rooted in dignity and community Today, she and her community support over 200 families in their current location—and they're actively building a permanent, culturally grounded village to call home. In support of this vision, Oweesta proudly contributed $250,000 to help bring Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae Mauka to life. Additionally, many Tribal communities are situated in very rural and remote areas, making it challenging to access housing services that are readily available in more urban settings. These areas often face a severe shortage of qualified appraisers, complicating the assessment of home values and the securing of loans. Construction efforts are similarly hindered by a lack of builders willing to work in Tribal areas and the need to develop essential infrastructure such as roads, water systems, and electricity. These factors further drive-up building costs and limit the availability of affordable housing. Moreover, Tribal lands are under threat from developers and extractive industries seeking to profit from natural resources. Predatory real estate tactics-such as inflated land valuations that push Native families out, coercive buyouts, and exploitative leasing agreements-undermine Tribal sovereignty and destabilize Native economies. Without protective policies and targeted investments, Native communities will continue to be denied access to land, housing, and wealth-building opportunities. Climate Displacement Climate change is rapidly driving displacement in Native communities, compounding centuries of struggle to remain on ancestral lands. Rising sea levels, extreme heat, wildfires, and droughts are already forcing Native families to leave the lands they have long fought to protect. Tribal Nations—especially in coastal, forested, and arid regions—are facing these threats first and worst. Many Native communities, already displaced by federal policy, now face climate-driven relocation. Homes are being lost, sacred sites are disappearing, and the deep cultural ties to place are at risk. In Alaska, the Native Village of Newtok is moving due to coastal erosion and permafrost melt, while in Louisiana, the Isle de Jean Charles Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw was among the first to receive federal climate relocation funding. Across the Southwest, megadroughts are making traditional agriculture untenable. Yet, Native communities often lack equitable access to federal climate resources. Planning support, relocation funding, and disaster aid rarely reach Tribal Nations at the scale needed, forcing them to navigate these crises largely alone. Addressing climate displacement in Indian Country requires more than environmental action—it demands policy change, investment in Tribal capacity, and respect for Indigenous sovereignty. Native communities must lead the way in climate resilience, as they have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Economic Displacement Economic displacement remains one of the most enduring impacts of colonization, forcing Native families to leave their homelands—not by choice, but due to economic pressure. Generations of disinvestment, land dispossession, and federal restrictions have left Tribal communities without basic financial infrastructure. Banks are scarce, capital is limited, and Native entrepreneurs face steep barriers to building wealth. The result is a steady outflow of talent and leadership, weakening intergenerational ties and Tribal economies. In rural areas, lack of broadband, workforce investment, and transportation further hinders economic growth, while outside developers extract value without reinvesting in Native communities. But Native-led institutions are shifting this narrative. Native CDFIs, Tribally owned businesses, and sovereignty-centered economic development initiatives are reclaiming ground—creating jobs, financing homes, supporting entrepreneurs, and building localized wealth that stays in community. Still, without systemic investment and equitable access to capital, economic displacement will continue—pushing Native families away from the very communities they seek to strengthen. Cultural Displacement Displacement is also about losing spaces where languages, ceremonies, and ways of life thrive. Boarding schools, forced relocation, and assimilation policies disrupted the intergenerational transmission of knowledge. Today, cultural displacement continues through language loss, disappearance of communal spaces, and challenges of maintaining traditions in increasingly urbanized settings. This loss severs community bonds and diminishes the presence of Indigenous knowledge systems in public life. Oweesta's Commitment to Anti-Displacement At Oweesta, we believe ending displacement starts with Indigenous control over land, financial systems, and economic development. We support Native-led solutions that keep families rooted in place, culture, and community. By investing in Native CDFIs, we expand access to capital, promote homeownership, and grow local businesses—ensuring wealth stays within Native communities. Our financial capability programs equip families with the tools to build credit, increase savings, and achieve stability. Through policy advocacy, we work to ensure Native voices shape their economic futures. Our mission goes beyond resisting displacement—we are building lasting pathways to prosperity, cultural preservation, and thriving Native nations. Connecting Through Stories Displacement is not a single moment in time - it's a thread woven through generations. It reaches beyond the loss of land, housing, and policy decisions. It's about the ongoing systems designed to erase us - from the forced removals that pushed our ancestors from their homelands to the barriers that prevent homeownership today, to the extractive industries that continue to chip away at what remains. It's rising waters, burning lands, and the disappearance of spaces where our languages, ceremonies, and ways of being once thrived. But the story of our communities is not only one of loss - it is a story of survival. Displacement may have shaped our histories, but it has never defined us. Across generations, Native people have resisted, adapted, and reclaimed. These are stories of strength - of returning, rebuilding, and renewing what was meant to be erased. By reconnecting with our histories, we begin to understand the full impact of how displacement continues to shape our lives today. And in that understanding, we find clarity, purpose, and collective strength to confront the forces that still seek to divide and disrupt our communities. With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Oweesta is launching a national social media project to explore how displacement continues to impact Native lives across the country. We invite you to share your story of resilience. Tag @Oweesta and use #StandStrongStayRooted. Together, we can build visibility, solidarity, and change. These aren't just stories—they are our truths. And by speaking them in the spaces where decisions are made, we push back against erasure and advocate for the recognition, resources, and respect our communities deserve. Displacement has never defined us. Our resilience has. Stand strong. Stay rooted.
