Graphic Art by NDN Collective

Across the northern hemisphere, the days are getting shorter, nights are getting longer and we settle into the winter season, a time of rest and ceremony. As we enter the colder months, there is much to reflect on and much to recharge for in the coming months and years. Through this time, continue prayers for protection, health, and safety for all our loved ones and relatives. 

In this newsletter, we provide opportunities for action in support of Indigenous rights and communities, as well as highlights of individuals and organizations doing incredible work for their people. It’s through changemakers and self-determination that we will see a better world for all people and Mother Earth.

Main sitting room at NDN Collective Headquarters in Rapid City, SD. Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective.

A new report from NDN Collective, Meeting the Moment: A Call to Radically Transform Philanthropy for Indigenous Communities, reveals critical gaps in U.S. philanthropic funding to Indigenous communities and presents an urgent call to action for systemic change. The report analyzes how philanthropy to Indigenous communities and Indigenous-led organizations has shifted since NDN’s founding in 2018.

NDN Community Self-Determination logo. Graphic Art by NDN Collective.

The 2024 Community Self-Determination grant supported 36 Indigenous-led organizations throughout Turtle Island and surrounding island nations, totalling $8 million in distributed funds to work that defends, develops, and decolonizes Indigenous communities. 

Since 2019, the Community Self-Determination grant has distributed more than $47.8 million directly to Indigenous communities and Indigenous-led solutions.

The 2024/26 NDN Changemaker Fellowship Cohort. Graphic Art by NDN Collective.

Twenty-one Indigenous leaders were awarded the NDN Changemaker Fellowship for 2024-26. Each of these individuals is leading their communities by protecting Indigenous lands, waters, and rights; developing solutions that regenerate the health of the Earth and our communities; and revitalizing our languages, governance practices, ceremonies, and ways of life.

Fans and attendees gather in front of the stage for the final musical performance at the 2nd Annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration hosted by NDN Collective. Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective.

In October, NDN Collective hosted the second annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Rapid City, SD where we brought together more than a thousand people to march for Indigenous rights, jam to beautiful Indigenous music, and celebrate the strength and resilience of our people.

Outside view of the NDN Collective Headquarters in Rapid City, SD. Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective.

NDN Collective is honored to highlight the work of the Lower Sioux Community’s Hemp and Housing project, which is pioneering a new way to build homes with hempcrete, a natural alternative to conventionally-built homes. Their mission is “Seed to Sovereignty,” supporting their people through not only creating homes, but supporting farmers, builders, and organizers, growing their local economy in a way that honors people and Mother Earth.

A team of NDN Collective was on the ground at COP29 in November. As the results of the US Election loom over everyone, Janene Yazzie, Director of Policy & Advocacy, outlines how we must continue to organize both on the frontlines and in policy spaces to protect our rights and Mother Earth.

NDN Collective is an outreach partner for this huge and historical grant opportunity for under-served frontline communities to address environmental justice and public health issues. The grant will support community-based nonprofits, tribal governments, and other eligible entities through assessment, planning, and project development activities.

Now Accepting Applications for the Great Lakes Region (IL • IN • MI • MN • OH • WI) Including 36 Federal Recognized Tribes

Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective.

Nick Tilsen, NDN Collective President and CEO talks about the the history of mining in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the direct correlation of the General Mining Act of 1872 and its relationship with the stealing of Indigenous land, and how we are working to protect the ȞeSápa today. “As long as the history is for the ȞeSápa, so is the history of resistance.”

Nick Tilsen invites filmmakers Julian Brave Noisecat (former NDN Collective Media Fellow) and Emily Kassie, directors of the award winning documentary SUGARCANE, to have the conversation on Indian boarding schools (known as residential schools in Canada) and its relationship with land back.

Lorenzo Serna, Director of NDN Tactical Media Team, operates the camera as another episode of NDN Live commences. Photo by Willi White for NDN Collective.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Education and Outreach Committee are proud to present the latest Strategy Session of the Sacred He Sapa Restoration Act. This is a legislative effort to return the public lands of the Black Hills to the the people of the Oceti Sakowin.

Supporters hold a ‘Release Peltier’ sign outside of the Pennington County Jail following the announcement that his third parole attempt was denied. June 10, 2024. Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective.

With only 48 days left in President Biden’s term of office NOW is the time to Free Leonard Peltier! Leonard Peltier’s continued imprisonment is an horrific act of injustice. We need all supporters to continue to amplify the call for Executive Clemency so that Leonard Peltier can live the rest of his life in dignity, in his homelands, surrounded by his loved ones for the first time in nearly 50 years. We need your help contacting the White House and your Representatives! Join us in the call to #FreeLeonardPeltier by: 

➡️ Telling President Biden to grant Executive Clemency for our relative: ndnco.cc/freeleonardpetition 
➡️ Calling the White House at 202-456-1111, send an email to [email protected] 
➡️ Contacting your Representatives: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member  
➡️ Joining our #FreeLeonardPeltier Network and tell us why the fight to #FreeLeonardPeltier is important to you! ndnco.cc/freelp-network 
➡️ Texting “FreeLeonardNow” to 50302 to stay up to date on upcoming actions to free our relative