NDN Collective Announces Open Application Period for NDN Changemaker Fellowship

For Immediate Release: May 1, 2024

Rapid City, SD –Today, NDN Collective – an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power – announced the opening of applications for the fourth year of the NDN Changemaker Fellowship.

The Changemaker Fellowship will be offered to 21 Indigenous Changemakers across the continental U.S., Canada, Mexico, Islands of Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Boriken (Puerto Rico), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The fellowship is designed to amplify, deepen, and catalyze the power of Indigenous leaders ready to create movements in their communities, building a just and equitable world for all people and Mother Earth.

The NDN Changemaker Fellowship is a 2-year opportunity for Indigenous leaders to articulate their vision for social change, identify the support they will need to get there and invest in their personal development and well-being.

“It is an honor to recognize and support indigenous community members who are actively engaged in work with and for their communities to create a better present and future,” said Serene Lawrence, NDN Foundation Program Officer. “Whether it be through the defense of their communities territories and rights, leading the development of new initiatives, finding ways to meet crucial community needs and/or creating opportunities for our elders and the next generation, these folks give of their time and talents generously, and it is crucial that they receive support for their wellbeing, and their personal and professional development so they can continue to make a positive impact into the future.”

“The fellowship creates a standard of what it means to resource Indigenous Changemakers intentionally,” said Helen Aldana, NDN Foundation Program Officer. “These individuals serve their community and have made great changes with often minimal investment in themselves. This fellowship invests in the Changemaker’s growth, from developing new skills to honoring their healing journey, further deepening their vision of a thriving future for all Indigenous peoples and Mother Earth. We look forward to hearing the amazing work of Indigenous leaders from across Turtle Island.”

Applicants are Indigenous Changemakers over the age of 18 who come from all life experiences and backgrounds and are working or aspiring to work towards social change: defending our homelands and rights, developing regenerative Nations, revitalizing our ceremonies, cultures, languages, ways of life, actively decolonizing and healing our communities and families.

The NDN Changemaker Fellowship upholds NDN Collective’s cultural values and norms, including honoring the interconnectedness of all things, supporting Indigenous self-determination, and advancing equity and justice for all people and Mother Earth.

Changemakers will receive flexible cash awards of $150,000 USD to invest in and support their innovation as leaders. To apply, the application materials can be accessed on the NDN Changemaker Fellowship page on the NDN Collective website. Registration ends at 3 p.m. Central Standard/CDMX Time on June 26, 2024. Full applications are due by 5pm US Central/CDMX on July 1, 2024.

Visit the Changemaker Fellowship webpage for more information and how to apply.

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NDN Collective is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power. Through organizing, activism, philanthropy, grantmaking, capacity-building, and narrative change, we are creating sustainable solutions on Indigenous terms.