Executive Letter

Han Mitakuyepi,

Hello Friends and Relatives. I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Native Ways Federation. My name is Carly Bad Heart Bull, and I am Dakota and Muskogee Creek and a citizen of the Flandreau Santee Sioux nation. You can learn more about me here >

I did not expect to be entering into this job during a global public health crisis, but here I am. While we are in difficult times for sure, I also know that our communities, including our Native nonprofit organizations, are stronger than we have been in a long time. Now is a time for us to come together, to work together, to share resources – to not only survive but to thrive together.

Because of the emergence of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) and the resulting need for immediate increased support and resources in our Native communities, the NWF board and I have put together resources that we hope other Native nonprofits will find helpful.

• We drafted a position statement as a call to action for funders and the philanthropic community to maintain existing and provide additional funding to our tribal nations and Native nonprofit organizations so that we can respond appropriately to this crisis and protect our people. You can access the statement here. Please consider signing on to the statement and sharing with funders, as well as with other Native nonprofits who may also find it helpful.
• In addition to the statement, we created a Call to Action for Elected Officials link. Click here to find information on how to contact your Congressional and Senate officials and let them know that Tribal nations and Native-led organizations need to be included in the current and subsequent economic stimulus packages, as well as other potential avenues of support.
• Finally, our colleagues at First Nations Development Institute drafted some tips for Native nonprofits dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, and talking points for Native nonprofit leaders to use when advocating for increased funding support during this crisis. You can find them here >

The Native Ways Federation is committed to advocating for increased and more effective philanthropic support across Indian Country – from the perspective of those who are doing the work, particularly Native-led nonprofits. While these are uncertain times that we are living in, I am hopeful for the future because of our resilience and strength as Native people. I look forward to building and being in community with all of you.

Wopida tanka eciciyapi ye (with gratitude to you all),
Carly Bad Heart Bull