Our Programs

Connecting and sharing with others is critical to transferring traditional knowledge. ISN is committed to partnering with other Native- controlled and led organizations, tribes and Indigenous communities to bring people together to share, grow and collaborate. ISN will do this through supporting an annual convening, smaller regional gatherings representing diverse eco-cultural areas of traditional homelands, coordination of opportunities for peer mentoring and other ways to create an inclusive and growing network.

ISN believes that passing knowledge to the next generation is a core responsibility and critical to restoring Indigenous-led stewardship across diverse landscapes. ISN supports educational programming designed by Indigenous people for Indigenous communities providing the resources for teaching and information exchanges. ISN recognizes that sharing traditional practices and the knowledge behind it is essential for our communities and landscapes to thrive. ISN supports people locally to share stories, tools and other resources.

ISN offers grants to Native-controlled and led organizations, tribes and traditional cultural practitioners from Indigenous communities. ISN’s grant program supports capacity- building, restoration, training, research and policy change with the goal of returning and maintaining traditional stewardship across traditional homelands. Creating sustainable funding sources and investing in Indigenous communities aligns with ISN’s commitment to progressing community health and wellbeing, Indigenous traditions and cultural values. A long-term goal of ISN is to create and maintain endowments administered by and for the benefit of Indigenous communities.

ISN’s advocacy is responsive to community concerns and needs. It will take many forms, including: advocating for increased funding from state and federal agencies along with private philanthropy; narrative change efforts; representation by ISN members on panels; educating allies about key issues; increasing Indigenous presence through stewardship in the field; and launching campaigns to enact change.

It is essential that Indigenous people engage in partnerships that respect tribal sovereignty, value Indigenous knowledge and pay deference to Indigenous ways of knowing. Partnerships range from relationships with universities and colleges, NGOs, private landowners, along with local, state and federal agencies. ISN understands that effective partnerships can be cultivated to offer effectiveness and efficiencies at a landscape scale. ISN offers its organization resources that will lead to authentic and equitable partnerships and improve access to land for traditional stewardship, sustenance and subsistence. ISN is committed to developing and improving relationships while building bridges of understanding.