| How the Bush Foundation Is Supporting Tribal Leaders and Nation Rebuilding |
Twenty-three distinct, sovereign Native nations share the same geography as Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. These culturally distinct nations have rich histories and deep strengths. They also face unique challenges.
Research coming from Native nations is clear. When it comes to solving core issues, nation-building is the only thing proven to work. (For more on this topic, refer to the research article published by The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development.)
What this research tells us is that for Native nations, progress is greatest wherever self-determination comes first.
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Leaders of these nations will be the ones to lead the change. |
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The solutions will come from within. |
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Through the tribal leaders, the Bush Foundation is collaborating with Native nations as the sovereign and distinct governments that they are, supporting emerging and current leaders in using their authority to design the governing institutions that work for them.
Our Approach
Our goal influences our approach, which is to respect the tribes as sovereigns, develop partnerships with them as the distinct political entities they are and work with the leaders the tribes have chosen to move them forward.
We have met with the leaders of the 23 tribes and visited each of the reservations. Based on what we have been learning, we will take the following steps.
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Organize an annual alliance meeting consisting of the elected tribal leaders each fall. The meeting will allow for discussion of contemporary issues involving nation-building and to provide us with collective feedback on our progress. |
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Maintain a partnership with the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy (NNI), a national nonprofit organization working as a self-determination, self-governance and development resource for Native nations. |
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In cooperation with NNI, host forums on Governance Analysis for Native Nations for tribes so they may participate in this self-administered assessment tool. |
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Recruit participants from the 23 tribes for the Native Nations Rebuilders Program for emerging and current tribal leaders. This will be an annual program. |
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Expand our work to include intergovernmental issues in partnership with tribal leaders and local, state and national leaders where the needs and interests intersect. |
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Based on tribal interest, we will hold a conference on tribal governing structures and constitutions. |
Note to Nonprofits who Provide Programs and Services to Native Nations
The Bush Foundation is committed to supporting and working with the tribal leaders as they begin to define their priorities to achieve their vision and goals to advance self-determination. Since our strategy focuses on collaboration with the tribal leaders on self-determination, we will not be accepting any unsolicited proposals.
Read our Frequently Asked Questions about our Native nations goal. |
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