It’s Indigenous People’s Day. We’ve been celebrating this one for a while now, and it gives us a chance to appreciate some of the historical, ethical and emotional contributions of the various Native American communities across the continent.
As we’ve discussed in our podcast, the influence of the Iroquois League on the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights are unmistakable. The land ethic of many tribes of North America is informing aspects of sustainable agriculture and the environmental movement to ensure we have a productive home to live on for generations, and we’ve similarly discussed the direct learning native medicine men have passed and continue to pass on in some cases, of a deeper connection with a higher power.
The historical group trauma indigenous communities harbor as a
result of the genocide of their peoples is real. The data indicating lower access to quality food, health care, and specifically, mental health services only serves to compound this historical wound.
We’re choosing to donate $1 from every order this week to the First Nations Development Institute to help forward the causes of:
- Achieving Native Financial Empowerment
- Investing in Native Youth
- Strengthening Tribal & Community Institutions
- Advancing Household & Community Asset-Building Strategies
- Nourishing Native Foods & Health
- Stewarding Native Lands
The mission of the FNDI is to strengthen American Indian economies to support healthy Native communities. It invests in and creates innovative institutions and models that strengthen asset control and support economic development for American Indian people and their communities.
With the support of EFM and all of you, FNDI can impact Native communities through technical assistance & training, advocacy & policy, and direct financial grants in the aforementioned areas. There's plenty of data to support the work of organizations like FNDI - check out the reduction in kidney disease that may serve as a model for other illnesses in the U.S.
During checkout, you’ll be prompted to also round up your order to donate. We’ll match any of these donations in addition to our $1 per order. Thank you for helping us support the First Nations!