In the US, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is in October and Native American Heritage Month is November. However, it is important to celebrate and honor Indigenous Peoples and their cultures every single day. It is also important to actively acknowledge that we are living on stolen Indigenous land. Indigenous communities are resilient, but it is crucial to recognize that aside from land dispossession, Indigenous Peoples also face loss of language, cultural appropriation, oppression, and systemic racism.
By working together, we can help protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights, lands, and cultures. We’ve gathered ideas for how to help indigenous communities through financial support and direct action.
1. Donate to charities that support Indigenous communities
One idea for how to help Indigenous Peoples is by donating to Native American charities. Showing support and solidarity by providing financial support to Indigenous collectives helps them offer resources, advocate for liberation, and fight for Indigenous land rights. Check out these Indigenous organizations to donate to.
Hopa Mountain
This nonprofit invests in tribal and rural citizen leaders who are working to improve economic development, education, and ecologial health. Through collaborative efforts, a mountain of hope can be created for Indigenous communities in the Great Plains and Northern Rocky Mountains. Donations support their COVID-19 Response Fund which helps keep communities healthy through initiatives led by citizens.
California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project (CHIRP)
Preserving, researching, and documenting the history and culture of the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe is the mission of this nonprofit. Since Nevada City Rancheria is no longer recognized by the US, Nisenan Tribal members are unable to get access to housing, health, and educational federal programs. Through donations and the guidance of Nevada City Rancheria Tribal Council, CHIRP strives to create similar programs that protect and support Nisenan people and push for federal recognition of Nevada City Rancheria.
Indigenous Women Rising
Indigenous Peoples have a right to fair and safe health choices. The mission of Indigenous Women Rising is to honor this right by providing Native & Indigenous People with access to health education and resources. Their community organizing projects are driven by Indigenous womxn for Indigenous communities.
Native American Disability Law Center
Fighting for the rights of Native Americans with disabilities is the work that this private nonprofit does each day. Education and advocacy play a key role in supporting Indigenous peoples with disabilities to live independently within their communities. In addition to advocacy and education, the Law Center also provides resources such as referral information, legal representation, and mental health services to help resolve disability-related issues.
2. Start a fundraiser for Indigenous charities
Beyond donating to Indigenous charities that are doing incredible work, make an even bigger impact by fundraising for your favorite nonprofit organization. It’s fast and easy to start a charity fundraiser on GoFundMe. Our crowdfunding platform offers tools and resources to help you make a difference. The following are what sets GoFundMe apart from the rest:
- Simply share your fundraiser via email, text, and social media for even greater social reach.
- Manage your fundraiser wherever you go
- Our Customer Care team is ready to answer your questions and support you every step of the way.
- GoFundMe offers the first and only donor protection guarantee
- The money you raise is safely and automatically delivered to the nonprofit you’re fundraising for.
3. Volunteer your time to Indigenous organizations
Getting involved goes a long way in helping Indigenous communities. Attend events in your area and connect with those who are advocating for Indigenous people and the reclamation of their lands. Take direct action with these organizations:
Restoring Justice for Indigenous Peoples (RJIP)
Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately affected by the criminal and juvenile justice systems. This organization works to address the inequalities Indigenous Peoples in Northern California face, especially women and children. There are meaningful ways to support their cause through rallies, workshops, and more.
Spirit of the Sun
Spirit of the Sun is an Indigenous womxn-led nonprofit in Colorado that works to empower Native communities, one youth at a time. Their largest need is for volunteers to help with deliveries to Native elders and other Indigenous Peoples at their food shares on Fridays and Sundays. All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
Sogorea Te’ Land Trust
Located in San Francisco, this urban Indigenous women-led land trust works to return Indigenous land to Indigenous people. They are always looking for volunteers to help spread the word about Sogorea Te’. In addition to volunteering, they also offer other ways to engage through recommended readings and documentary screenings.
