"Tribal leaders do not have to shoulder all the responsibility for economic and community development alone. In many Native communities, other non-tribal resources are becoming more and more commonplace. These resources come in the shape of foundations and nonprofit organizations.

In one Native community in which Oweesta works, the tribal council recognized the need to develop a long-range comprehensive strategic plan for its people. This plan would encompass tribal priorities such as education, health care, physical infrastructure, and the overall financial health of the tribe and its members, and it will ideally look five to 10 years into the future. It will be a roadmap for the tribe to reach its goals. For every tribe that is at this point, there are non-tribal resources available to help.

Many foundations are interested in working in Native communities but are simply unsure how, where, when, or even who they can help. Foundations have a stated mission of giving to a certain geographic, socioeconomic, or other defined service area. They either give money directly to a beneficiary or they offer other types of assistance such as coordinating the delivery of goods or services.

To many Native people, foundations seem too good to be true. “Why are they giving us money? What is the catch?” There is no catch. Foundations are created to find and support worthwhile causes in focus areas that they serve."

Get the Story:
Tracey Fischer: Untapped resources (Indian Country Today 6/11)