WHY WE TAKE ACTION

There are more than 573 Federally Recognized Tribes in the United States today. The strength and resilience of indigenous people have empowered them to survive generations of systemic oppression and abuse. Indigenous societies’ commitment to preserving the integrity of their traditions has ensured that centuries of legal and economic exploitation have not eradicated their cultures. Today, indigenous communities retain independent and distinct cultural, linguistic, economic, governmental, social, and familial structures and relationships.

Our humanity is defined by our relationships. Each of us is always in relationship: with our ideals, with one another, with our environment, with our past, with our present and our future. Wind River Foundation is an organization in which indigenous and non-indigenous people stand beside one another aligned in our commitment to the values of honesty, respect, interconnection, integrity, courage, service and humility. We believe that the strength and health of our collective humanity depends on healing the relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. We believe that when indigenous people, their unique cultures and their sovereign rights, are empowered and respected, all of humanity will benefit. We believe transformation starts with us.

Our Toolkit:

Inspire

Create and support opportunities for indigenous youth and community leaders to pursue their goals

Empower

Indigenous youth and community leaders to make meaningful impacts in their communities

Connect

Wind River Indian Reservation programs with local, state, and national nonprofits and nonprofit resources

Support

Wind River Indian Reservation programs to achieve long-term success

Fund

Serve as a fiscally responsible grant making entity