Partnership With Native Americans

ICYMI: Congratulations to Dr. Lyla June Johnston, Diné singer-songwriter, scholar, public speaker, and community organizer, on receiving a Trail Blazer Award at the Sierra Club Trail Blazers Ball, an event honoring leaders advancing climate solutions and environmental protection. Her work continues to bridge culture, education, and environmental stewardship.
Watch: https://loom.ly/cCiy5Fk

As America marks its 250th anniversary, it’s important to reflect on the many histories that shape this nation’s story.

PWNA President & CEO, Josh Arce, joined a live panel discussion on NPR's Atlanta affiliate, WABE, exploring what this milestone means for Native communities, highlighting both the deep contributions Native peoples have made to the United States and the ongoing challenges many Tribal communities still face today.

Read or listen to the conversation to hear perspectives on history, resilience, culture, and the future of Indian Country. https://loom.ly/KjyVyH8

At 69, Rose is raising five grandchildren on the Rosebud Reservation while stretching every dollar to keep food on the table. Breakfast staples—eggs, fruit, cereal, oatmeal, and more—help her family get through the month.

“It just helps us survive,” says Rose.

Learn how our Breakfast-in-a-Bag service is helping Rose and other Elders facing food insecurity.
https://loom.ly/AQyazIs

ICYMI: The anniversary of the Indian Removal Act recently passed, marking a painful chapter in U.S. history. The 1830 law authorized the forced removal of Native Nations from their homelands and led to tragedies, including the Trail of Tears.

Remembering this history honors those who endured it and helps ensure their stories continue to be told.

Today, on American Indian Citizenship Day, we recognize the signing of the Indian Citizenship Act on June 2, 1924, which granted U.S. citizenship to Native Americans born in the United States. While citizenship was extended by law, many Native people continued to face barriers to voting and full participation in civic life for decades afterward.

This day is an opportunity to honor the strength, resilience, and sovereignty of Tribal Nations, while reflecting on the ongoing work to protect Native rights and self-determination.

Today marks the anniversary of the , which allowed the Navajo people to return to their homeland and reaffirmed the sovereignty of the .

On this day, we honor Ganado Mucho, a respected Navajo leader, rancher, and peacemaker who guided his people through the hardships of the and Bosque Redondo. After returning home, he helped rebuild his community and continued working for peace until his death in 1893.

Learn more about his legacy: https://loom.ly/jfzT3Is

: Indigenous couture, creativity, and culture took center stage at this year’s Native Fashion Week in Santa Fe. From stunning handcrafted designs to live music and Native-inspired cuisine, the event highlighted the incredible artistry and innovation of Native creatives across every medium.

Designers including Jamie Okuma, Patricia Michaels, and Lauren Good Day helped showcase the power and future of Indigenous fashion.

Read more in the full article.
https://loom.ly/Gct1MLI

At Native Fashion Week, Indigenous Couture Takes Center Stage For 104 years, the Southwestern Association For Indian Arts (SWAIA) has been shining a light on Indigenous design, including its annual Native Fashion Week.

Lissa, a recipient of our American Indian Education Fund - AIEF scholarship, is the first person in her immediate family to attend college. Today, she holds a master’s degree in Integrative Indigenous Education and teaches Crow language, Native art and design, beadwork, and Crow history in her community.

Her story reflects how Native students are using education to preserve culture, strengthen Tribal Nations, and support future generations.
Read more: https://loom.ly/DqwvB3o

This , we honor all who gave their lives in service, and hold a special place in our hearts for Native veterans whose warrior spirit and sacrifice are woven through generations of service and protection.

Your courage helped protect not only this land, but the communities, cultures, and stories that continue to shape it. Today, we remember and honor you with gratitude.