This summer season has brought about significant change to our ecosystem. As we navigate an unstable socio-political landscape, we’d like to make one thing clear: we are not going anywhere– and we are just as committed to building Indigenous power than we’ve ever been. 

In this newsletter, we share some exciting highlights from our 2024 Impact Report, updates on NDN Collective Founder and CEO Nick Tilsen’s evidentiary hearing, and insights on Indigenous data sovereignty. To hear more about the changes to our organization directly from NDN Collective leadership– Nick Tilsen, Gaby Strong, and Wizipan Little Elk Garriott– listen to the latest LANDBACK For The People Podcast episode. We are also excited to share the launch of the NDN Store where you can get your very own LANDBACK and NDN Collective swag. And last but not least, we invite you to continue supporting our work by donating to the For The People Campaign. 

As we wind down from summer travel, gatherings, and ceremony, we continue to look to the future in prayer and power as we build self-determined Indigenous futures and prepare for the road ahead. 

Graphic art created for NDN Collective by Megan McDermott (Little Shell Chippewa, Blackfeet, & Cree)

Since NDN Collective was founded, we have known the importance of collecting data that is by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people. We do this work through research and evaluation, which are processes of gathering, understanding, and acting on data. Indigenous People continue to collect data to benefit our communities, just as we have done for thousands of years…continue reading.

After three days of evidentiary hearings around a case involving NDN Collective founder and CEO Nick Tilsen – two days occurring in June and the third on August 1 – the judge has taken the case under advisement, requested finding of fact from each party, and is expected to make a final decision in the coming months…continue reading.  

NDN Collective’s 2024 Impact Report, “Working for the People.” Photo by Willi White.

Our recent 2024 Impact Report is now available! This report highlights key achievements – from LANDBACK wins, to distributing $26.9 million in grants, training more than 200 Indigenous people in NVDA, and much more.

It’s official– the NDN Store is live! Order your LANDBACK swag today. 
The NDN Store was created as a resource to distribute materials to frontline organizers and offer unique designs that speak to the power, struggles, and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples.

LANDBACK logo pictured in the NDN Podcast studio. Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective.

On this episode of the LANDBACK For The People podcast, NDN Collective CEO & Founder Nick Tilsen sits down with President Wizipan Little Elk Garriott and Vice President Gaby Strong to talk about the current political moment, changes to the movement building landscape, and the future of our organization

Nick Tilsen, NDD Collective Founder & CEO, stands with community members outside the Pennington County Courthouse in Rapid City, SD. Photo by Willi White for NDN Collective.

1. Sign this Petition (& encourage others to sign)
2. Donate to the NDN Legal Fund
3. Call or email the Pennington County States Attorney’s office asking them to drop the charges: Phone: (605) 394-2191 OR Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
4. Share this information with a friend or on social media to bring attention to the injustices happening in South Dakota

Graphic Art by JayCee Beyale.

For generations, Indigenous Peoples have been preparing for this moment. NDN Collective has built power through grantmaking, storytelling, frontline action, and sustainable investing.

The For The People Campaign is designed to provide critical resources directly to Indigenous communities through our existing grantmaking programs and organizing work to strengthen our movement, enhance the resiliency of frontline actions, and continue making transformative change under this authoritarian administration.