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Support the Self-Determination of Native Nations
Twenty-three federally recognized sovereign Native nations exist in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. We have included a list of these nations on our website, along with interactive maps that show where these Native nations are.
Goal: By 2018, all 23 Native nations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota are exercising self-determination and actively rebuilding the infrastructure of nationhood.
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Why We Chose This Goal |
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Twenty-three distinct, sovereign Native nations exist in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. These culturally distinct nations have rich histories and deep strengths. They also face unique challenges. |
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Research coming from Native nations is clear. When it comes to solving core issues, nation building is the only thing proven to work.1
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For Native nations, progress is greatest wherever self-determination comes first. Leaders of these nations will be the ones to lead the change. The solutions will come from within. We want to collaborate with Native nations as the sovereign and distinct governments that they are, supporting emerging and current leaders in using their authority to establish or rebuild institutions of nationhood that work for them.
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Our Approach |
The ways to achieve this goal need to be co-discovered by first developing relationships with the elected leaders at the 23 individual tribes. Embracing self-determination means we will honor their leadership role as the starting point to exploring collaborative efforts.
At this time, our outreach effort is ongoing, and we have yet to complete individual site visits to each of the 23 tribes.
In time, the collaborative effort will define tribal priorities to achieve their vision and goals. From there we can begin engaging individual tribes in the next steps in supporting efforts towards self-determination.
Since our initial strategy focuses solely on collaboration at the tribal leadership level, we will not be accepting any proposal that does not have the formal approval of the respective tribal council and that is not consistent with an approach that is directly linked to tribal self-determination.
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Future Partnerships |
As the effort moves forward, we may engage other tribal leaders, partner organizations and trusted resources to help provide the research and tools required to achieve this goal.
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Learn about our goals ...
Letter from the President
Develop Courageous Leaders and Engage Entire Communities in Solving Problems
Support the Self-Determination of Native Nations
Increase Educational Achievement
If you have a specific question, email us at newdirection@bushfoundation.org.
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Cornell, Stephen, Joseph P Kalt. 2007. “Two Approaches to the Development of Native Nations. One works, the Other Doesn’t.” In Rebuilding Native Nations. Strategies for Governance and Development. ed. Miriam Jorgenson, 3-33. Tucson, University of Arizona Press |
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