The program will advance the well-being of Native communities through deepened relationships.
MacArthur today introduced a program on Native self-determination as a step forward in our ongoing commitment to the strength and well-being of Native communities. Guided by the voices and leadership of Indigenous Peoples, this program will increase resources and deepen relationships in ways that reflect mutual respect and long-term partnership, while building on the Foundation’s past support for Indigenous communities.
“Indigenous Peoples and their rights, land, and culture are part of the fabric of communities across our country and our world.”
“Indigenous Peoples and their rights, land, and culture are part of the fabric of communities across our country and our world. And yet their perspectives and the issues that impact their daily lives are often overlooked,” said John Palfrey, president of the MacArthur Foundation. “We hope to change this in our work at MacArthur and in the field of philanthropy by increasing our support while working in close relationship with Indigenous communities and leaders.”
Listening to and Learning from Native Americans
In the process of deciding to develop a program, MacArthur’s Staff and Board spent over two years listening to and learning from Native leaders. This time was taken to build relationships, so the Foundation could begin to more deeply understand the priorities of Native communities and reflect on how philanthropy can show up as a more respectful and accountable partner.
Learn more about how MacArthur gathered input and what the Foundation learned.
To develop this program, the Foundation will continue to work with Native leaders and experts on issues that impact Native communities to shape the program’s strategy design and implementation, as well as the program’s day-to-day work.
To develop this program, the Foundation will continue to work with Native leaders and experts on issues that impact Native communities.
This includes a compensated advisory council that will help guide and shape the program’s approach and funding priorities. The following individuals have agreed to be members:
- Carla Fredricks, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, CEO, The Christensen Fund
- Dr. Shelly C. Lowe, Navajo, former Chair, National Endowment for the Humanities
- Nichole June Maher, Alaska Native, President & CEO, Inatai Foundation
Additional advisory council members will be added in the coming months.
The advisory council members will participate in ongoing consultations with MacArthur Staff and Board; provide insight and recommendations based on their expertise; help to ensure the program supports the diverse practices, needs, and voices of Indigenous communities in respectful and effective ways; and support the development and implementation of strategies rooted in Indigenous knowledge and shared responsibility.
In addition to partnering with the advisory council, the Foundation will hire a Director to allow people with relevant experience and perspectives to lead this work.
Our Commitments to Indigenous Communities
The program will build on the $109 million MacArthur has provided over the last ten years to organizations working on issues that impact Indigenous Peoples and communities. Moving forward, MacArthur commits to:
- Engaging with Native leaders and others with experience on issues that impact Native communities to shape the program’s design, implementation, and day-to-day work.
- Incorporating Indigenous perspectives in the strategy of all our grantmaking programs and operations, stemming from what we have learned.
- Working to strengthen its Staff and Board’s understanding of the vital leadership, cultural strength, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in the United States today, while also acknowledging the historical injustices they have endured and continue to overcome, in the context of our Foundation’s Just Imperative.
- Increasing financial support for Native communities through grants and impact investments. The Foundation will use grantmaking practices that demonstrate trust in the organizations and communities we are supporting.
- Being in close community with other funders, so we can learn from their experiences and share our own lessons. With time, we hope to encourage others to deepen their own commitment to Native communities.
In the coming months, MacArthur will share details about the program strategy, hiring, and other news about the program.
