During this time of equity, tribes and tribal communities are a key constituent that has been overlooked by philanthropy in the past.  Nationally, native Americans represent 2.9% of the population, and yet they receive less than .5% of all philanthropic funds.  And in Colorado the numbers are even more dismal.  According to a recent report by Dr. Foxworth, of First Nations Development Institute, only 1/10 of 1 percent of Colorado philanthropy goes to first nations. The Colorado Health Foundation recently gave a $1.5 Million grant to the First Nations Development Institute to support the Native American Fund for Health Equity.  The Walton Family Foundation and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation have recently made similar large donations to tribal intermediaries and to tribes themselves to support tribal capacity, advocacy, and communications. There are other efforts to engage with tribes that are continuing to be developed. As philanthropic entities begin to work more with tribes and tribal communities, there are many important factors and considerations that are unique to tribes. Tribes are sovereign entities, with their own elected leaders, governors, and tribal governments. In addition, while tribes have great and broad authority over water rights, oil and gas development, roads and other infrastructure, health care, gaming and casinos, and education, their budgets and capacity are funded more at the level of a local town or city. In addition, it is important to understand that there are federal trust responsibilities that the federal government has for tribes. Yet, tribes have often been left out of conversations, and have long, storied histories of being lied to and subject to racial discrimination and even assimilation and eradication policies. This panel will focus on some examples of working with tribes, share lessons learned, and recommendations for how to engage with tribes and tribal organizations.  Attendees will leave with an understanding of the great need and opportunities to make great impacts by working with tribes and will also learn from real world examples about how to approach this work and how to avoid misunderstandings and missteps.

Panelists:

• Heather Tanana, Assistant Professor of Law, University of Utah
• Ted Kowalski, Colorado River Initiative Lead and Sr. Program Officer of Environment Program, Walton Family Foundation
• Chamiza Pacheco de Alas, Director of New Mexico Programs, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
• Daryl Vigil, Co-Director Water and Tribes in the Colorado River Basin