First Nations Development Institute

Our mission is to uplift and sustain the lifeways and economies of Native communities through advocacy, financial support, and knowledge sharing.

We envision a world in which Tribal Sovereignty is upheld, and Native ingenuity and knowledge are honored and respected.

Our Values guide the way we work with our community partners, our supporters, and each other, creating a respectful, compassionate, and vibrant organizational culture.

Native-led: We are a Native-led organization working in partnership with Native communities, united in advocacy, purpose, and possibility to support Native-led solutions.

Strengths-Based: We seek every opportunity to present and promote an accurate, positive, and powerful narrative to create a new era of equity, respect, and empowerment for Native peoples, and a richer and stronger society for people everywhere.

Community: We believe that Native communities are creating a path to their own cultural and economic sustainability through their innovation, ingenuity, and community-driven solutions.

Truth: We affirm our own stories and historical narratives as the truth, valuing each Tribe’s traditions and beliefs with a deep understanding of our relationship with life’s creations and our shared cultures.

Equity: We commit to achieving equity and justice in all aspects of our work, addressing historical inequities and advocating for policies that promote fairness and inclusivity.

Intergenerational: We uphold the importance of sharing, investing in, and perpetuating Native knowledge and lifeways among and beyond Native communities, youth, and elders.

Collaborative: We create and strengthen relationships with like-minded people who are dedicated to the wellbeing of Native people and communities, and we seek opportunities to create new relationships.

Reciprocity: We believe in the honor of receiving and the responsibility of giving, and that the connection between both makes all things prosper.

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