Research coming from Native nations is clear. When it comes to solving core issues, nation-building is the only thing proven to work. What research tells us is that for Native nations, progress is greatest wherever self-determination comes first.

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. As our relationships develop with the leaders of the 23 tribes and as we visit each nation and deepen our knowledge about their unique culture, we have learned much that informs our approach. 

Based on this learning we have undertaken the following activities:

• Each fall we organize an annual alliance meeting consisting of the elected tribal leaders that allows for discussion of contemporary issues involving nation-building and provides us with collective feedback on our progress.
• We 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.
• In cooperation with NNI, we host forums on Governance Analysis for Native Nations for tribes so they may participate in this self-administered assessment tool.
• We recruit participants from the 23 tribes for the Native Nations Rebuilders Program for emerging and current tribal leaders.
• We expand our work to include intergovernmental issues in partnership with tribal leaders and local, state and national leaders where the needs and interests intersect.

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 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.