Top 3 Ways to Help Indigenous Communities Today in
In the US, Indigenous Peoples’ Day takes place in October, while Native American Heritage Month occurs each November. However, it is important to celebrate and honor Indigenous Peoples and their cultures every single day. It is also important to actively acknowledge that as Americans, we are living on stolen Indigenous land. Indigenous communities are resilient, but it is crucial to recognize that aside from land dispossession, Indigenous Peoples also face loss of language, cultural appropriation, oppression, and systemic racism.
By working together, we can help Indigenous communities in the fight for equality in land rights, education, cultural representation and more. We’ve gathered 3 impactful ideas for how you can help support communities through financial support and direct action.
Why Indigenous Communities Need Your Help
Indigenous Peoples make up vast communities throughout America and beyond. While there are more than 370 million members of Indigenous communities across the globe, many remain disproportionately excluded from the political and socioeconomic systems of the countries in which they live. Of the 435 voting representatives currently sitting in Congress, only 6 possess a Native American identity—leaving indigenous communities underrepresented at the highest levels of government.
This struggle is just as prevalent among Indigenous families and communities across our nation. America’s voting restrictions and recent redrawing of electoral lines has placed significant barriers before Indigenous people seeking to exercise their democratic right. Many Native voters live on remote reserves which are not served by nearby ballot boxes—and with a stark poverty rate of 36 percent for Native American families, the choice is often between feeding one’s family or traveling to vote.
How to Help Indigenous Peoples: 3 Impactful Ideas
The unique challenges and marginalization that Indigenous communities face in America are far from new, but this doesn’t mean that change can not be made. The power of cooperation between those who care has enabled Native American communities to make meaningful strides towards a brighter future, and this spirit of generosity can continue to make a difference.
From contributing to Native nonprofits to engaging with communities and starting your own Indigenous fundraiser—here are our top 3 ideas for how you can start supporting Indigenous communities in America today.
1. Donate to Native American Charities
One idea for how to help Indigenous Peoples is by donating to Native American charities. Challenges facing Indigenous communities range from governance of education and Federal acknowledgement to land rights, environmental issues and disproportionate violence against Native communities. Showing support and solidarity by providing financial support to Indigenous collectives helps these organizations to provide resources, advocate for liberation and fight for Indigenous land rights. Here are just some of the best Native American charities which represent the finest examples of where your donations are needed.
Hopa Mountain
This nonprofit invests in tribal and rural citizen leaders who are working to improve economic development, education, and ecological health for Indigenous communities. Through collaborative efforts, a mountain of hope can be created for Native peoples in the Great Plains and Northern Rocky Mountains. Donations support the development of social capital among Indigenous communities, and giving Montana’s underprivileged access to higher education through the Scholars of Promise program.
California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project (CHIRP)
Preserving, researching, and documenting the history and culture of the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe is the mission of this Native American charity. Since this community is no longer recognized by the Federal government, Nisenan Tribal members are unable to get access to housing, health, and Federal education programs. Through donations and the guidance of Nevada City Rancheria Tribal Council, CHIRP creates its own programs to protect and support Nisenan people, while pushing for the reestablishment of government recognition for this Indigenous community.
Indigenous Women Rising
As US citizens, Indigenous Peoples are entitled to exercise fair and safe health choices. The mission of Indigenous Women Rising is to honor this right by providing Native & Indigenous People with access to health education and often life-saving resources. Established to highlight the denial of emergency contraception to Native American women in 2014, Indigenous Women Rising has grown to oversee a wide range of services and engagement programs in the field of health and beyond—organized by and for Indigenous women.
Native American Disability Law Center
Fighting for the rights of Native Americans with disabilities is demanding and littered with obstacles, but it’s the important work that the Native American Disability Law Center does every single day. Education and advocacy play a key role in supporting people with disabilities to live independently within their Indigenous communities. In addition to advocacy and education, this non-profit also provides resources such as referral information, legal representation, and mental health services to help resolve disability-related issues.
2. Start a Fundraiser for Indigenous Communities
Beyond donating to Native American charities that are doing incredible work, you can make an even bigger impact by individually fundraising for Indigenous communities and non-profits. It’s simple, free and secure to start a charity fundraiser on GoFundMe—and we provide all the help and resources you’ll need to make the biggest impact possible. There are tons of online crowdfunding platforms to choose from when starting a fundraiser for Indigenous communities, but here are some factors that set GoFundMe apart from the rest.
- Simply share your fundraiser via email, text, and social media for even greater social reach.
- Manage your fundraiser wherever you go with our GoFundMe app.
- Our Customer Care team is ready to answer your fundraising questions and provide helpful information on how GoFundMe works.
- GoFundMe offers the first and only donor protection guarantee: the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.
- The money you raise is safely and automatically delivered directly to the nonprofit you’re fundraising for.
3. Volunteer your time to Indigenous organizations
While financial support is always welcome, personal involvement and face-to-face engagement goes a long way in helping Indigenous peoples. As Indigenous communities are marginalized at every level of society, it’s important to practice respectful engagement and keep Native voices at the center of every community development program. Attending events in your area and connecting with organizations that champion Indigenous leaders will allow you to deepen your understanding while giving you the tools to advocate for Indigenous communities in the most effective way. Start making a meaningful difference by connecting with the following Indigenous organizations today.
Indigenous Justice
Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately affected by the criminal and juvenile justice systems. This organization works to address judicial inequalities that Indigenous Peoples in Northern California face, with a particular focus on Native women and children. There are meaningful ways to support their cause through rallies, workshops and more Indigenous Justice Initiatives.
Spirit of the Sun
Spirit of the Sun is an Indigenous women-led nonprofit in Colorado that works to empower Native communities through education, farming and rematriation initiatives. This charity is actively seeking volunteers to help sort and deliver healthy food to Native Elders throughout the local community, as part of their weekly Food Share programme which takes place every Friday and Sunday.
Sogorea Te’ Land Trust
Located in San Francisco, this urban women-led land trust works to return Indigenous land to Indigenous people—otherwise known as rematriation. They are always looking for volunteers to distribute postcards and help spread the word about Sogorea Te’. You can sign up to take part in a range of community engagement programs that are designed and led by Indigenous communities, such as studying recommended readings, working on Native land or attending documentary screenings.
Show up for Indigenous Communities and Make a Difference Today
With these ideas, you can be an ally to Indigenous Peoples throughout the United States and beyond. Whether you want to make a direct donation to a Native American charity, get involved with community engagement or start your own fundraiser—there are endless ways that you can channel your generosity to help Indigenous communities. It’s quick, safe and easy to start your own Indigenous fundraiser on GoFundMe, and the donations you receive can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Today and every day, let’s support, celebrate, and uplift Indigenous communities.