ABOUT #NAPCON2024

The Native Americans in Philanthropy 2024 Annual Conference brought together a community of leaders, practitioners, and learners at the intersection of philanthropy, Native advocacy, and Tribal sovereignty to collaborate on ways to be involved in the movement to Indigenize Philanthropy.

With a firm grounding in Indigenous cultures, the NAP conference honored the past, celebrated the present, and charted the map to the future — together.

About NAP

For over 30 years, Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) has promoted equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities.

The cornerstone of our work is our relatives and our networks. We support several communities of stakeholders that work together to build knowledge, community, priorities, and power in the sector. These networks include Native professionals in philanthropy, elected Tribal leaders, Native youth leaders, Native philanthropic executives and board members, and Native nonprofit leaders.

native american woman walking on a wooden floor dressed in a red dress

Conference Track | Reimagining Collaboration

Exploring new modes of partnerships in philanthropic structure, process, and approach.

These sessions aim to break the mold of “traditional” philanthropic thinking and show all attendees new and successful models of collaboration. They should encourage peer learning amongst funders and relationship building through the amplification of good practice.

group of people sitting at a table eating dinner together

Conference Track | Indigenous Solutions

Amplifying, celebrating, and learning about Native-led solutions to some of our most pressing challenges and opportunities.

These are influential and exciting sessions that broaden perceptions and knowledge of the type of groundbreaking work happening both locally in Minnesota and across Indian Country.

Conference Track | The Future is Indigenous

Harnessing emerging sectors, technologies, and innovations to Indigenize philanthropy.

These breakout sessions will leave attendees with a new or more developed perspective about how to navigate the future of technology in philanthropy with a grounding in Indigenous perspectives.

native american man walking down outside stairs

NAPCON2024 LOCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Carly Bad Heart Bull (Dakota/Muskogee Creek)

Executive Director, Native Ways Federation

Shelley Buck (Prairie Island Indian Community)

President, Owámniyomni Okhódayapi

Rebecca Crooks-Stratton (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community)

Former Secretary/Treasurer, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

Mattie Harper DeCarlo (Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe)

Grantmaking Officer, Bush Foundation

Joe Hobot (descendant of the Hunkpapa Band of the Lakota Nation)

President, American Indian OIC

Lacey Kinnart (Sault Ste. Marie)

Program and Operations Coordinator, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition

Maggie Lorenz (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe)

Executive Director, Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi

Nikki Pieratos (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa)

Executive Director, Tiwahe Foundation

About MNI SOTA MAKOCE

Minnesota has a rich Native American heritage, with a significant population of Indigenous Peoples representing several Tribes, including the Dakota, Ojibwe (also known as Chippewa), and smaller communities from other Tribes. These Tribes have a profound historical presence in the state, with their history, culture, and traditions deeply woven into Minnesota’s fabric. Tribal lands are spread throughout the state, each preserving its unique cultural heritage, languages, and customs. The Native American communities in Minnesota play an essential role in the state’s cultural mosaic, contributing to the arts, education, and political landscape. Issues such as treaty rights, land management, and cultural preservation remain vital to these communities. Additionally, they actively participate in statewide efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainable practices, reflecting their deep connection to the land and natural resources of Minnesota.