Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) is working to reshape the philanthropic sector, applying Indigenous values to build more respectful, meaningful, and trusting relationships.
While every tribal nation has its way of articulating its Indigenous values and worldview, we achieve our mission and vision by following the Five Rs of Indigenous Philanthropy: Respect, Relationships, Responsibility, Reciprocity, and Redistribution.1
The Five Rs of the Indigenous Philanthropy framework embody important equity principles that guide our mission and vision. While these principles are deeply rooted in Indigenous-based knowledge systems and traditions, they are human values and can be operationalized throughout organizations. Through these principles, we honor unique perspectives, strengthen relationships with communities, recognize our responsibilities, uphold reciprocity, and support redistribution to ensure that communities most impacted by the work of philanthropy are able to be leaders and seen as co-creators and experts in the solutions.
Listening is a fundamental part of the Five Rs. It involves meeting people where they are, fostering mutual understanding and support, and ensuring a balanced exchange between all parties. At its best, listening within the Five Rs framework is truly relational and has reciprocity and respect baked in.
“This report is the culmination of an extensive outreach and discussion with Tribal leaders, Tribal government officials, Native non-profit organizational leaders, Indigenous community organizations, and Elders who have generously shared their perspectives.”
When we take the time to listen to others without any preconceived notions, we open ourselves to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. This act of listening enables us to understand better the needs, concerns, and aspirations of those around us. By genuinely hearing what others say, we become better equipped to respond in a considerate, practical way that aligns with the interests of the individuals involved.
Ultimately, listening fosters empathy, sparks dialogue, and enables us to take purposeful actions that resonate with our communities’ values and needs. Listening also helps build the kind of authentic relationships that can empower Native-led solutions and maintain sovereignty and self-determination among Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities.
One way in which NAP embodies these values is through our Tribal Nations Listening sessions. Beginning in 2021, we spent time in each region of the United States listening to the needs and priorities of tribal nations and receiving input from online surveys.
We found a strong feeling among participants that philanthropic institutions don’t understand Native history, culture, sovereignty, or community needs. Participants described conventional funding models as prescriptive and externally driven, and said foundations should shift their focus to learning about, listening to, and building relationships with Native communities. They also expressed a desire to see more Native program officers and foundation staff with a deep understanding of Native issues make funding decisions, and more participation among Native communities in priority-setting and program design. Importantly, participants said, they wanted increased visibility and to tell their own stories.
A report we released last year based on our findings is one of the first practical steps in helping philanthropy learn the best ways to support tribes and build relationships around shared priorities. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique needs and values of tribal nations. It underscores the need for meaningful collaboration, respect for sovereignty, and the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge in grantmaking processes.
The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation is one funder learning some of these lessons. Last year, Ben & Jerry’s, which calls itself a social justice organization, organized a funder tour in South Dakota, meeting with their grant partners, prospective grant partners, and other nonprofits. The foundation is now in the process of creating a specific portfolio supporting new partners and ensuring long-term funding based on Indigenous priorities.
Native Voices Rising (NVR) is another funder working to respond to community voice — and promote participatory grantmaking approaches that put communities in closer proximity to grantmaking decisions. NVR is a research, donor education, re-granting, and capacity-building collaborative created and led by NAP and Common Counsel Foundation for the purpose of focusing philanthropic attention on the need for increased investment in and sustained support for grassroots community organizing and advocacy in American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities.
Dedicated to lifting up the lived experience of Native communities, NVR walks the walk by making sure it listens and responds to its own grant partners. After hearing from grantees about their need for assistance beyond funding, NVR developed Supportive Assistance, a capacity-building program based on an ongoing feedback loop: Grant partners outline the areas in which they require additional support, and then, in collaboration with Native consultants who work closely with the organizations, NVR helps provide tailored and dedicated assistance around organizing and other essential work.
At NAP, we recognize the weight of our responsibility to support the sector in creating the will and space for equitable, effective, and community-driven philanthropy. Despite past lapses in philanthropic relationships with Native communities, our role is clear: We are committed to being good relatives. This commitment is not just a duty, but a source of inspiration and motivation. It’s an opportunity and invitation to live in — and share — our values, amplifying Indigenous voices and working with funders to create a path forward together for our communities.
If you or your organization would like to learn more about engaging with Indigenous communities or implementing the Five Rs Framework, please get in touch with us at NAP. We are always excited to support funders on their journey to being good relatives with our communities.
Five Rs of Indigenous Philanthropy
Respect: At the heart of our work is a deep respect for all people, places, and things. We believe in meeting people where they are and strive to help them understand Native communities and their needs. We honor unique perspectives, sovereignty, and self-determination.
Relationships: Our belief in the value of authentic relationships with Indigenous communities is not just a principle, it’s a commitment. We trust in the power of these relationships to strengthen our bonds with each other, the land, and all living beings. This trust is a sign of respect and it fosters mutual understanding and support, making everyone involved feel valued.
Responsibility: We recognize our responsibilities to each other, to Mother Earth, and to our overall ecosystem in maintaining harmony and balance. Our commitment is demonstrated through our actions and decisions.
Reciprocity: As with Mother Earth, we take care of her, and she takes care of us; we use
reciprocity as a guiding force. We believe that it is important to maintain balance. We share with our communities and take what we need to ensure a centered exchange between all parties.
Redistribution: We ask ourselves, “What are you bringing back to your community, family, or tribe?” Redistribution is not just about funds and resources; it is also about knowledge and opportunities. Through redistribution, we support our communities in their right to autonomy over their own narratives and needs.
About the author:
Brittany Schulman
Footnotes:
1 This articulation of these values originated with Comanche activist and leader LaDonna Harris. See Harris, L.D. and Wasilewski, J. (2004), Indigeneity, an alternative worldview: four R’s (relationship, responsibility, reciprocity, redistribution) vs. two P’s (power and profit). Sharing the journey towards conscious evolution. Syst. Res., 21: 489-503. https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.631
