Check out this list of amazing Indigenous organizations to get involved with and donate to this November, which is recognized as Indigenous People’s Month.*
On Dec. 14, 1915, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Native American presented at the White House endorsements from 24 state governments for a day to honor Indigenous communities. But the federal government didn’t take action until 1983, when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 13 as American Indian Day. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month. It is now called Indigenous People’s Month.
National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
“The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Inc. (NIWRC) is a Native nonprofit organization that was created specifically to serve as the National Indian Resource Center (NIRC) Addressing Domestic Violence and Safety for Indian Women. Under this grant project and in compliance with statutory requirements, the NIWRC will seek to enhance the capacity of American Indian and Alaska Native (Native) tribes, Native Hawaiians, and Tribal and Native Hawaiian organizations to respond to domestic violence.” Donate here!
The American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund work year-round to raise awareness and funds to help Native Americans attend and complete college. They hold events year round that people can attend to help raise money. Additionally, people can donate to the organization directly on their website.
Association on American Indian Affairs
The Association on American Indian Affairs is oldest nonprofit serving Indian Country and is focused on “protecting sovereignty, preserving culture, educating youth, and building capacity.” People can become member for $35 a year to stay informed of the Association’s activities and other important news pertaining to American Indians, Alaska Native and Indigenous peoples, or they can donate on the website.
National Indian Council On Aging
The National Indian Council On Aging’s mission is to “advocate for improved comprehensive health, social services, and economic wellbeing for American Indian and Alaska Native Elders.” The organization holds an annual conference in August people can attend.
Native American Heritage Association
Native American Heritage Association is dedicated to supporting families who live on reservations in South Dakota and Wyoming. People can sign up to make a monthly donation or a one time donation on their website.
The Native American Rights Fund helps provide legal assistance to tribal members, according to its website. People can donate to the organization on their website. In addition, they also have an online store with bracelets, t-shirts, artwork and posters. All proceeds from the sale go directly to helping defend the rights of Indigenous tribes, organizations, and individuals nationwide.
National Indian Child Care Association
The National Indian Child Care Association aims to “promote high quality culturally relevant child care” among tribes through advocacy and support. The organization hosts regular conferences and events throughout the year that people can get involved in.
Redhawk Native American Arts Council
The Redhawk Native American Arts Council is a not for profit organization founded and maintained by Native American artists and educators residing in the New York City area. The Council is dedicated to educating the general public about Native American heritage through song, dance, theater, works of art and other cultural forms of expression. By donating on their website, people could help the organization’s scholarship fund where they help Native American students in higher education expenses.
Native American Journalists Association
The Native American Journalists Association serves and empowers Native journalists through programs and actions designed to enrich journalism and promote Native cultures. People can donate on their website or buy something from their online store.
The Indian Law Resource Center aims to “provide legal assistance to Indigenous peoples of the Americas to combat racism and oppression, to protect their lands and environment, to protect their cultures and ways of life, to achieve sustainable economic development and genuine self-government, and to realize their other human rights.”
American Indian Business Leaders
American Indian Business Leaders is a nonprofit organization designed to support and promote the education and development of future Native American leaders, while maintaining and incorporating cultural values. People can donate on their website.
American Indian Higher Education Consortium
“The American Indian Higher Education Consortium is the collective spirit and unifying voice of our nation’s 37 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)—a unique community of tribally and federally chartered institutions working to strengthen tribal nations and make a lasting difference in the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives.” Donate on their website or help them advocate for Tribal College and University Students. On their website they have a page where they list options on how they can help and how to contact House Representatives and Senators.
The Indian Country Media Network is an online media hub that focuses primarily on youth/education, cultural preservation and sovereignty. The organization hosts events throughout the country that people can attend to get involved!
*A special shoutout to Annie Peterson, who helped us compile this list!
