A Look Back At The Native Americans in Philanthropy 2024 Annual Conference

The Native Americans in Philanthropy 2024 Annual Conference, held in Minneapolis in April, brought together a dynamic and diverse community of Native-led philanthropy, including Tribal leaders, funders, grassroots organizers, youth advocates, and philanthropy professionals. This event served as a collaborative platform for discussing and advancing the movement to Indigenize philanthropy, with a focus on building sustainable partnerships and centering Indigenous knowledge and leadership.

Key Themes and Learning Tracks

The conference was structured around three major tracks: Reimagining Collaboration, Indigenous Solutions, and The Future is Indigenous. These tracks encouraged deep dives into critical areas of philanthropy, exploring optimal partnership models, showcasing innovative, Native-led responses to contemporary challenges, and discussing the potential of emerging tactics and practices grounded in Indigenous perspectives.

Learning Tours

Two immersive learning tours offered attendees hands-on opportunities to understand local efforts addressing environmental and cultural issues. The "Sustainability and Biodiversity" Learning Tour spotlighted projects by the Prairie Island Indian Community and Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, focusing on land and environmental stewardship. The "Food, Water, and Land" Learning Tour took participants to visit Indigenous Food Lab, Owámniyomni Okhódayapi, and Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi, showcasing community-led food sovereignty and land preservation efforts within the Minneapolis area.

Opening Reception and Entertainment

In collaboration with Chef Sean Sherman, North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS), and Indigenous Food Labs, the opening reception meal (as well as all conference meals) was curated with traditional Indigenous ingredients. Attendees were then treated to a hoop performance from Lumhe Sampson (Mvskoke Creek/Seneca) of The Sampson Bros. Arts. Lumhe also shared stories with the crowd, detailing cultural and personal significances of his dances.

On the first evening, attendees had a chance to relax and connect through "Choose-Your-Own-Adventure" activities, ranging from Bingo Night where players could win prizes donated by Marketplace vendors, to a Comedy Night headlined by Anishinaabe comedian Trish Cook, and a Country Music Night with local band Cadillac Country.

Notable Speakers and Panels

The conference's plenary sessions and panels were led by an esteemed group of Tribal leaders, grassroots activists, philanthropic professionals, and members of the Local Advisory Committee, who helped shape the discussions. Key topics included "Shaping The Future of Self-Determination," "Building Bridges Across Generations," and "Indigenizing Philanthropy & The Power of Good Partnership."

The event reached its peak when Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan made a surprise appearance, sharing her experiences as a "recovering Executive Director", referring to her time spent in the nonprofit sector, and inspiring attendees with her vision for the future of Native leadership.

Breakout Sessions

Breakout sessions provided in-depth opportunities for attendees to engage in conversations on specific topics relevant to Native communities. This inclusive format allowed for greater representation from across Indian Country and beyond, including voices from our Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian relatives. Sessions addressed crucial issues like land stewardship, cultural preservation, and economic development, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and experiences that supported the broader and intersectional mission of Indigenizing philanthropy.

Celebrating Culture and Heritage

The conference also celebrated the cultural richness of Native communities through performances, meals made with Indigenous ingredients and recipes, and a marketplace showcasing Native vendors and businesses. Each plenary session began with cultural presentations, reinforcing the importance of maintaining and honoring Indigenous traditions. These elements not only provided a platform for artistic expression but also highlighted the critical role of culture in shaping philanthropic strategies.

Impact and Future Directions

The 2024 NAP Annual Conference was a transformative gathering for advancing Indigenous-led philanthropy. Through the exchange of innovative ideas and successful partnership models, attendees were encouraged to take bold steps in amplifying Native voices and leadership. This collective energy will drive more effective, culturally aligned approaches to philanthropy, building deeper partnerships rooted in trust and respect for Tribal sovereignty. The knowledge gained and relationships forged during the conference will fuel more inclusive, impactful efforts that benefit Native communities across Indian Country and beyond.

For more information about the conference, visit the official conference website.