Power in Solidarity

How do we challenge the philanthropic sector to center Native values? Native Voices Rising (NVR) puts the decision-making in the hands of Native community leaders and provides unrestricted funds along with capacity-building support for the past ten years. Since the program was envisioned a decade ago, NVR has continued to be resilient and evolve with Native communities' needs, and today is a north star for how to support Native-led change efforts. In this plenary, hear from leaders who will share their first-hand knowledge of how community-led philanthropy interventions advance the critical solutions for today's society, and our best hope for Native power-building in the next decade.

Moderator:

Erik Stegman(Carry the Kettle First Nation – Nakoda), Chief Executive Officer, Native Americans in Philanthropy

Panelist:

-Judith LeBlanc(Caddo Nation of Oklahoma), Native Organizers Alliance

-Bessie Walker, (Nimiipuu - Nez Perce), hipéexnu’. kíi’u núun wisíix

-Carly Hare (Pawnee/Yankton), Culture Surge 

-Shawn Escoffery, Roy & Patricia Disney Family Foundation

Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander data disaggregation has been a priority issue to combat the erasure of NH/PI communities when aggregated with Asian American communities in data, policy and funding. It has led to the disinvestment of funding and resources to NH/PI communities and organizations. Regional and national leaders discuss multiple efforts to fully acknowledge NH/PI as a unique racial group in funding, policy, and community.

Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) Ally Network: NAP is working to create and engage a network of non-Native members of NAP to provide a place to share resources, plan and hold regular meetings, and provide educational Indigenous knowledge opportunities and workshops. These efforts will ultimately help bridge the gap between non-Native funders and organizations that support Tribal communities. The Ally Network also works to maximize program areas and support to Tribal communities in a creative, innovative, and reciprocal partnership.

Understanding how large foundation's provide philanthropic support to Indigenous-led communities and non-profits has been the predominant basis for research on Indigenous philanthropy; however, what is our collective knowledge of the role of Indigenous-led intermediary funders and advised funds? Indigenous-led funding organizations' disposition in the grantmaking cycle upholds untapped power, which collectively our organizations can leverage to build an Indigenous philanthropy knowledge ecosystem.

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Native Americans in Philanthropy invites you to join this Community Conversation focused on health and wellness, including funding for health care, public health, mental and behavioral health, and health equity. Participants are invited to share their wisdom and knowledge to draft next steps for philanthropy to provide more impactful and equitable funding and to create long-lasting, meaningful relationships with American Indians / Alaska Native Communities.

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As the first caretakers of the land in these United States, Indigenous peoples have a special connection to the land, water, and many species that share their world. Join Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) and our partner at the Christensen Fund, and Biodiversity Funders Group to talk about our newly launched Tribal Nations Conservation Pledge & Funding Collaborative. This pledge and fund will serve as a centralized platform to inform, coordinate, and fund Tribal Nation conservation work.

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The Aspen Institute Opportunity Youth Forum and Fund, Native Americans in Philanthropy and numerous foundations, have joined forces to support a community of practice (COP), technical assistance, and direct grantmaking for a number of Tribal communities. This work is focused on expanding access to education and employment, for native youth and young adults based on the priorities of the communities, while also expanding youth leadership and voice. This session will discuss the work taking place in a subset of OYF communities for and with young people. Join a conversation with funders, community leaders, and young people about the COP and the growing network or Tribes and young people that are coming together to learn and grow opportunity and build upon the first decade of the Opportunity Youth Forum.

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How do funders meaningfully connect with people and communities most impacted by their decisions, yet often least consulted by philanthropy and nonprofits? The national funder collaborative Fund for Shared Insight’s participatory grantmaking initiative explored power-sharing around climate change advocacy in the “Kōlea Region,” encompassing Alaska and Hawai’i and named for a migratory bird. Given the disproportionate impact of climate change and environmental injustice on Native communities, we invited people with lived expertise, knowledge, and local connections to make design and funding decisions. The Kōlea grantmaking group, largely composed of Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians, funded groups typical funders often overlook – outside of mainstream funding silos, definitions of advocacy, and traditional nonprofits.

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This workshop will provide an overview of the Native wellness model. Participants will assess their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and challenge themselves to take action to live better in balance. Participants will also identify other sources of strength to assist them along their wellness journey.

Presenters:

- Shalene Joseph, Project Coordinator, Native Wellness Institute
- Josh Cocker, NWI Facilitator, Native Wellness Institute

The Tribal Philanthropy Coalition is a community of practice to support, connect, and elevate the work of Tribal professionals working in the areas of grantmaking, grantseeking, and philanthropy for their Tribe. Tribal Leaders, Tribal philanthropy professionals, Tribal grant writers, Tribal directors/managers and/or Tribal planners are encouraged to join this coalition to network with other professionals doing similar work, learn from others, share priorities, challenges, needs, and develop strategies together to elevate Tribal philanthropy to support our Native communities. 

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Native Americans in Philanthropy invites you to join this Community Conversation focused on funding for youth initiatives and youth programs. Participants are invited to share their wisdom and knowledge to draft next steps for philanthropy to provide more impactful and equitable funding and to create long-lasting, meaningful relationships with American Indians / Alaska Native Communities.

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Through storytelling, we endeavor to change perceptions and inspire a transformation towards restoration of rivers and saving salmon. Our basic storytelling mission is to create, share and educate.

Children of the Setting Sun Productions (CSSP) is a Native-led non-profit that specializes in Coast Salish storytelling. CSSP recently embarked on a journey to share stories of the ancient bond between the Native people and salmon. We hope to help Tribes reverse the devastating impact of salmon loss.

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Learn from a diverse panel about the economic ventures of Native peoples and tribal communities and how Indigenous values are supporting the needs of the people. This panel will discuss current topics and trends as well as ways philanthropy can engage, support and uplift Native social enterprises.

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While philanthropy’s focus has been on moving more funding to Native-led organizations, the process and journey of how those dollars are moved is just as - if not more - important. Native communities have often been excluded from funding dollars and grantmaking processes, so what does it look like to have a grant process that instead centers the lived experiences of Native people? Over the last decade, NVR has continued to evolve its process, programs, and grant process to center the experiences of its Native reviewers and grant partners, instead of asking them to fit into standardized processes. Come learn about some of the successes and challenges along the way.

Native Voices Rising (NVR) is a community-led grantmaking collaborative that has awarded $5.5M to 145+ Native-led organizations advancing environmental and climate justice, youth organizing, civic engagement, racial justice, Native sovereignty, healthcare access, and much more.

Moderator:

- Allistair Mallillin, Director of Strategy and Asset Building, Common Counsel Foundation

Panelists:

Our connections to communities, movements and to each other form the foundation of our collective efforts. With each other, we make sense of the whole.

This invitation-only session brings together CEOs and Trustees in philanthropy to leverage power at the highest leadership positions in standing up our communities as a significant and diverse part of America’s multicultural fabric.  Come join colleagues for a strategy session to advance racial equity and solidarity practices.

NOTE: This is a two-hour session.

Facilitator:

Anne Katahira

How has this country's recent racial reckoning impacted family philanthropy and NextGen Giving? Learn about the landscape and some exciting trends from NCFP's 2020 Giving Landscape report and about Next Gen AA and NH/PI philanthropy. Engage in an interactive discussion with session participants.

Presenters:

- Miki Akimoto, Chief Impact Officer, National Center for Family Philanthropy
- Helena Berbano, Partnerships & Outreach Director, Asian American Futures
- Claudia Leung, Director of Programs, New Breath Foundation

Our connections to communities, movements and to each other form the foundation of our collective efforts. With each other, we make sense of the whole. How is the AAPIP network working across its many forms through regional activism?  What is the potential still to be unleashed toward Collective Good:  Recommendations for Philanthropy on Racial Solidarity & Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities?

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At the heart of one of the most pressing topics of our generation is the sharing of our own stories, community worldviews, and the impacts of climate change on our communities. We share and explore foundational concepts that inform Native and Pacific Islander perspectives before we go more deeply into a conversation about climate and the contributions and leadership of Native and Pacific Islander communities on the global stage, including the United Nations annual "Conference of the Parties" on climate change.

Be immersed in the rich history of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (C-ID) in this community walking tour led by The Wing Luke Museum. Witness the evolution of this historic neighborhood that was shaped by redlining and immigration policies, highlighting key pillars and businesses, the impact of COVID-19, and current efforts to ensure the C-ID's vibrance.

In partnership with Native Americans in Philanthropy, Advisory Council members from the new Two-Spirit & Native LGBTQ+ Center for Equity invite you to an interactive Roundtable Discussion to learn about our mission, vision, and shared strategies for equity building and violence prevention in Indigenous communities. You will leave this gathering with renewed energy and new opportunities to get involved in and support our efforts.

Presenters:

- Elton Naswood, Advisory Council Member, SWIWC
- Lenny Hayes, Advisory Council Member, SWIWC
- Mattee Jim, Advisory Council Member, SWIWC
- Misty Sandoval, Advisory Council Member, SWIWC
- Marlon Fixico, Advisory Council Member, SWIWC
- Josie Raphaelito, Advisory Council Member, SWIWC

40% of all Native voters reside in 36 metropolitan areas in the United States. This session will explore the critical role urban Native nonprofits play in the development of both Native and multi-racial power building and the creation of civic and voter engagement strategies and programs.

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The past two years have intensified the public’s relationship with advocacy and advocates, and there is appetite for change. Native issues are increasingly commanding attention — and non-Native audiences are playing catch-up. When unlearning and relearning are the focus of communications, there’s potential for tension. There’s also potential for growth. Using her own organization’s advocacy work and approach to communications as a case study, Amy DuBose will share learnings from ongoing work in Indian Country — specifically work that asks non-Native audiences to pay attention — and discuss what happens when non-Native people become aware of realities that they’ve been asleep to for so long.

Presenters:

- Amy Dubose, Senior Account Executive, RALLY
- Dawn Knickerbocker, Vice President of Development & External Affairs, Native Americans in Philanthropy

According to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, there are more than 100M people worldwide – one percent of the global population – forcibly displaced this year as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, or events seriously disturbing public order. That figure includes refugees, asylum seekers, as well as 53.2M people displaced inside their borders by conflict. This mirrors how the vast majority of Indigenous Americans live off-reservation and most live in urban or suburban areas – after being forcibly relocated from homelands on which they lived for more than 13,000 years. Indigenous peoples from Central America are being forcibly displaced and seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border, only to face misclassification as Latinx/Latine and denied their rights to communicate in their languages such as Q’Eqchi,’ Mam, Quiché, or other Indigenous languages. Join this breakout for a discussion on the parallel experiences among people who are forced to move and denied the right to stay in their homelands and potential interventions for philanthropy.

Presenters:

- Ivy Suriyopas, Vice President of Programs, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees
- Brittany Schulman, Vice President of Indigenous Leadership & Education Programs, Native Americans in Philanthropy

How might we decolonize our understanding and practice of philanthropy? Join a discussion with the Hawai’i People’s Fund and Social Justice Fund Northwest as they share their journeys to center communities and liberation.

Presenters:

For twenty years Tasveer has used storytelling as the vehicle through which to Empower diverse communities worldwide. Standing firmly at the crossroads of social justice and the arts, Tasveer wields the powerful tools of film, literature, and storytelling to inspire action and uplift South Asian voices from nuanced and intersectional identities including immigrants, LGBTQIA+ communities, women, religious minorities, lower-caste individuals, youth, and many more. We believe stories not only inspire, but they act as catalysts for change. And, stories told by us have the power to impact policy, shift culture, and, most importantly, support a process of healing. Tasveer presentsthree storytellers who use storytelling, with humor.

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The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was passed in 1978 in response to the alarmingly high number of Indian children being removed from their homes by both public and private agencies. Despite the many protections this federal law provides—and the fact that it is considered the “gold standard of child welfare policy” by national child advocacy organizations across the country—NICWA continues to need to advocate for full compliance with this groundbreaking legislation and defend it against attacks from those wishing to overturn it. In this session, learn more about the Protect ICWA Campaign which works to inform policy, legal, and communications strategies with the mission to uphold and protect ICWA.

Presenters:

- David Simmons, Director of Governmental Affairs and Advocacy, National Indian Child Welfare Associate (NICWA)

To better understand healing, we have to understand what it is and why we need it. A brief overview of historical and intergenerational trauma will be provided as well as historical wisdom and healing. Participants will experience collective healing and will fill out a healing plan for their personal healing journey.

Presenters:

- Shalene Joseph, Project Coordinator, Native Wellness Institute
- Josh Cocker, NWI Facilitator, Native Wellness Institute

In this session, we will hear from Allie Redhorse Young, Founder of Protect the Sacred. Allie led her community in Arizona Navajo Nation to polling locations on horseback ahead of the 2020 Presidential Election, as an homage to her ancestors who fought for their right to vote. Allie will talk about her inspiration, as well as lessons learned, and ultimately, how vital it is for art and culture to be part of the foundation of movements. Allie will also discuss Protect the Sacred's 2022 Ride to the Polls plans, goals to expand the campaign nationally, and how to get involved.

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Viewing and discussion of Honor Thy Mother (31 minute documentary) with IndiPino elders: The untold story of Aboriginal women, Filipino fathers and their Indipino children on Bainbridge Island.

Presenters:

- Gina Corpuz, Indipino Community of Bainbridge Island
- Colleen Almojuela, Indipino Community of Bainbridge Island

Presenters:

Research on Indigenous philanthropy is a continual evolving practice to develop a knowledge system that is reflective of our communities' and Indigenous-led non-profits' priorities. Central to this research ecosystem, principles of Indigenous data sovereignty and data governance are fundamental to develop mechanisms for protecting our data, creating accessibility, and ensuring progressive purpose for how our data is used.

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For almost ten years creating pop culture media for Native youth and communities has been evolving. Aligning media with community needs creates immediate connections that can support philanthropic work and generative Indigenous economies and build power. Join this workshop as Dr. Indiginerd (Lee Francis 4) discusses the work of Native Realities and the Carly Hare of Culture Surge (aka Native Enigma) highlights opportunities for funders to invest in strategies that support Indigenous communities to build power and support a vision for the future.

Presenters:

- Lee Francis 4, Ph.D. (Pueblo of Laguna), Chief Executive Officer, Native Realities
- Carly Hare (Pawnee/Yankton), Executive Director, Culture Surge

We live in a moment of rapid political and demographic change. As our AAPI communities grow, now is the time to tell our own stories and shape the public narrative. In the wake of the Atlanta shootings and anti-Asian attacks across the country, the need to define our own future and organize for change is clearer than ever. But how? Engage with community, academic and philanthropy changemakers on the path forward and deepen your understanding of messaging, movements, and narrative change strategies. Learn about how narrative power building efforts in other communities can inform our work and how AAPI communities can move forward.

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One of the lasting impacts of trauma is the inability to relax, let go and have fun. The pandemic has been a stressful time for us all. In this highly interactive workshop, participants will: Play! Laugh! Connect! Through fun and interactive games, participants will get to know each other and feel a greater commitment to being of service to community.

Presenters:

- Shalene Joseph, Project Coordinator, Native Wellness Institute
- Josh Cocker, NWI Facilitator, Native Wellness Institute

In order to use philanthropy to effect change, it is crucial that new practitioners understand its context, history, and challenges. This abridged offering of Philanthropology™ provides an in-depth critical study of the history and structure of philanthropy through a social justice lens.

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Native Americans in Philanthropy’s Tribal Nations Initiative supports Tribal Nations by creating more opportunities for awareness, connection, and collaboration with each other and with the philanthropic sector. Over the past year, NAP held several Regional Listening Sessions with tribal leaders and Native philanthropic professionals to identify funding priorities and opportunities. Join as they discuss how Tribes engage in philanthropy around issues such as climate, conservation, civic engagement, and introduce the Tribal Philanthropy Coalition.Key findings from these listening sessions will also be shared in a report summarizing how tribal leaders feel is the best way to engage with philanthropy.

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This is the quarterly meeting for the Native Program Officers (NPO) Working Group. NPO was created by and for Native grantmakers working to increase (their organizational) resources for Native people while building valued relationships that support and honor the reclamation of Native world views and traditions. Native Americans in Philanthropy would like to extend our gratitude for your participation and welcome you to this Working Group. We strive to connect you to others just like you who are working within philanthropy, with resources to support your growth as an individual and community.

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AAPIP is developing its Leadership for Racial Justice Philanthropy program as a core and evolving part of AAPIP’s work with its members.   This session shares an emerging “blueprint” for this program developed by a team of AAPIP members to solicit questions, feedback and interest from Gathering participants.

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The Waterers will share the process and lessons learned over 18 months redistributing $2.7 million to Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) artists, culture bearers, and organizations. The Waterers are disruptors of philanthropy that stemmed out of Local Control, Local Fields, an initiative of ArtPlace America, to further strengthen their local creative place-tending. The Waterers were entrusted by the Upper Midwest Assembly to steward funds for MN, ND, SD and 23 Native Nations. This session explores our gift-making strategy; nuances and complexities of this region, and investing in small, local, and embracing a vision for transformative impact and lasting change.

Presenters:

Asian Americans are the fastest growing population among all racial and ethnic groups in the country between 2000 and 2019, growing 81% to a record 18.9 million. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander communities grew the third fastest, at 70% and 61% respectively. More often than not, philanthropy’s ability to respond in all 50 states does not match this growth. We examine the growth of populations in California’s Central Valley and southeastern states to explore the role of everyday donors, donors of color, giving circles, the creation of new funds, collaborations, and place-based leadership that are ready to respond even more quickly than, and in addition to, institutional funders who may not have local connections. 

Presenters:

Many people know what self-care is, yet often don’t put these practices into use. This interactive workshop will take participants on a journey of self-care by practicing simple techniques that can be done in the office or at home. Participants will develop a self-care plan so they can better understand, “we can only give what we have.

Presenters:

- Shalene Joseph, Project Coordinator, Native Wellness Institute
- Josh Cocker, NWI Facilitator, Native Wellness Institute

Boxed lunches will be provided immediately after.