Two weeks ago, many of us were gathered in downtown Chicago for Native American in Philanthropy’s 30th Anniversary Summit and Celebration. We are delighted that so many of our supporters, allies, and Native leaders were able to join us for this important time of learning. Together we shared stories and celebrated the longevity and hard work of NAP throughout the years.
The Summit gave us time to hear from Native leaders from across Indian Country about the important work that is happening to affect positive change and healing in our communities and the ways in which organizations and professionals in philanthropy can support the growth of this good work. We are also so pleased to have had the chance to launch and publicly present our newest resource, a website named “Investing in Native Communities” that can be found at nativephilanthropy.candid.org. The website provides users with a one-stop shop for data related to foundation giving to Native organizations for nearly the past two decades. This information and data will prove invaluable to all of us who are seeking equity for Native communities.
We also gathered on the Odyssey for a cruise on Lake Michigan, ending our time with some important acknowledgements of our founders and other leaders for their vital work in philanthropy and with Native people.
Moving into the next 30 years, it is our commitment to all of our members, allies and supporters to continue to lead into the future the advocacy for healing, equity and justice in the philanthropic sector.
The Board has hired Geoffrey Roth (Standing Rock Sioux, Non-Member), a seasoned non-profit executive to lead NAP as the Interim Executive Director, while the nationwide search for a permanent Executive Director has been undertaken. The Board has also taken an enhanced role during this transitional time and is engaged in a strategic planning process. We are grateful for their leadership and presence as we determine the direction of the organization and the steps necessary for successful movement forward.
We are excited for NAP’s future. We believe that supporting Native professionals who serve philanthropy and Indian Country is so very important, and we will continue to create opportunities for foundations and others to better understand Native America and to better know the organizations who deserve their support.
Thank you to you all for your past support - over the last 30 years to be exact - and we hope for strengthened partnerships as we continue to do this vital work together.
Sincerely,
Edgar Villanueva (Lumbee)