Last Updated: 4 years
This comprehensive list serves as a valuable resource, highlighting prominent Native American organizations dedicated to serving and uplifting Native American communities across the United States. These organizations work tirelessly to address a wide range of needs, from education and economic development to cultural preservation and legal advocacy. This list of top Native American Organizations is regularly updated to reflect the evolving landscape of Native American advocacy and support.
American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL)
American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL) stands as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring Native American business professionals. This non-profit organization is meticulously designed to cultivate the next generation of Native American leaders by providing them with the necessary educational resources and professional development opportunities. AIBL distinguishes itself by seamlessly integrating traditional Native American cultural values into its leadership training programs, ensuring that future leaders are not only equipped with business acumen but also deeply connected to their heritage. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events, AIBL empowers Native American students to pursue careers in business and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to the economic prosperity of their communities.
American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund is a cornerstone of higher education access for Native American students. This vital organization provides scholarships and comprehensive support to students pursuing higher education, removing financial barriers that often hinder their academic aspirations. Each year, the Fund disburses approximately 6,000 scholarships, enabling American Indian students to realize their dreams of a college education and a brighter future. Beyond scholarships, the Fund also provides crucial support to tribal colleges, addressing their unique needs, from capital improvements to cultural preservation initiatives. By investing in education, the American Indian College Fund strengthens tribal communities and empowers individuals to achieve their full potential.
American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC)
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) serves as the collective voice and unifying force for the nation’s 37 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). These TCUs represent a unique ecosystem of tribally and federally chartered institutions dedicated to strengthening tribal nations and making a lasting difference in the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives. AIHEC advocates for the needs of TCUs at the national level, promoting policies that support their mission of providing culturally relevant and academically rigorous education. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, AIHEC ensures that TCUs remain vital centers of learning and cultural preservation within their communities.
American Indian Policy Center
The American Indian Policy Center plays a critical role in informing public discourse and shaping policy decisions related to Native American affairs. Its mission is to provide government leaders, policymakers, and the public with accurate and unbiased information about the legal and political history of American Indian nations, as well as the contemporary challenges and opportunities facing American Indians today. Through research, analysis, and public education initiatives, the Policy Center promotes a deeper understanding of Native American sovereignty, treaty rights, and self-determination. By fostering informed dialogue, the American Indian Policy Center contributes to the development of policies that promote justice, equity, and respect for Native American communities.
Association of American Indian Affairs (AAIA)
The Association of American Indian Affairs (AAIA) stands as a sentinel, safeguarding the rights and well-being of Native American communities. With a rich history of advocacy spanning decades, the AAIA has been instrumental in shaping key legislation that protects Native American interests. The organization played an integral part in drafting landmark laws such as the Indian Child Welfare Act, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and the Tribal Governmental Tax Status Act. Through its legal advocacy, public education, and grassroots organizing, the AAIA works tirelessly to defend Native American sovereignty, protect cultural heritage, and ensure the health and well-being of Native American children and families.
Indian Country Media Network
The Indian Country Media Network serves as a vital platform for amplifying Native American voices and perspectives. This online media hub focuses on issues that are of paramount importance to Native American communities, including youth and education, cultural preservation, and sovereignty. Through news articles, feature stories, and multimedia content, the Indian Country Media Network provides a platform for Native American journalists, artists, and community leaders to share their stories and perspectives with the world. By promoting Native American narratives, the Network helps to counter stereotypes and foster a greater understanding of Native American cultures and issues.
National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association (NANAINA)
The National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association (NANAINA) is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Native American communities by supporting Native American nurses. NANAINA’s mission is to promote a continuum of health among Native Americans, serve the professional needs of Native American nurses, and collaborate with other organizations to address health disparities in Native American communities. The organization provides professional development opportunities, scholarships, and mentorship programs for Native American nurses, empowering them to become leaders in healthcare. NANAINA also advocates for culturally appropriate healthcare services and works to eliminate barriers to healthcare access for Native American consumers.
National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA)
The National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA) champions the rights and well-being of Native American children by supporting tribal child care programs. As a representative organization for the 266 tribal CCDF grantees, NICCA advocates for policies and resources that strengthen tribal child care programs and ensure that Native American children have access to high-quality early childhood education. Tribal child care programs play a vital role in preserving Native American languages and cultures while providing children with the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. NICCA provides training, technical assistance, and advocacy support to tribal child care programs across Indian Country.
National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA)
The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) is a leading advocate for the health, social, and economic well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native Elders. NICOA works to ensure that Native American Elders have access to the services and supports they need to age with dignity and independence. The organization provides advocacy, training, and technical assistance to tribal organizations and service providers who work with Native American Elders. NICOA also operates as a National Sponsor of the federal Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in fourteen states, providing employment opportunities for low-income Native American Elders.
Native American Art Council
The Redhawk Native American Arts Council is a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about Native American cultures through art, music, and dance. Based in and around New York City, the Council presents a variety of programs that showcase the traditions and societal contributions of Native Americans. Through performances, exhibitions, and educational workshops, the Redhawk Council breaks down stereotypes and fosters a greater appreciation for the rich diversity of Native American cultures. The Council also provides a platform for Native American artists and performers to share their work with a wider audience.
Native American Business Alliance (NABA)
The Native American Business Alliance (NABA) is dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial relationships between private and public businesses and Native American-owned companies. NABA works to create economic opportunities for Native American businesses and to educate the business community about Native American culture and economic development. The organization hosts networking events, workshops, and conferences that connect Native American businesses with potential partners and investors. NABA also provides technical assistance and advocacy support to Native American businesses, helping them to thrive and contribute to the economic prosperity of their communities.
Native American Capital (NAC)
Native American Capital (NAC) is an investment firm that provides private equity capital to promising new and developing high-growth businesses in Native American and Alaskan Native communities. NAC’s mission is to foster business and economic development in Indian Country by investing in enterprises that have the potential to create jobs and generate wealth. In addition to providing capital, NAC also provides the technical assistance necessary to ensure the growth, development, and profitability of these enterprises. By investing in Native American businesses, NAC helps to build a stronger and more sustainable economy in Indian Country.
Native American Disability Law Center
The Native American Disability Law Center advocates for the rights of Native Americans with disabilities in the Four Corners area. The Law Center’s mission is to ensure that Native Americans with disabilities have access to justice and are empowered and equal members of their communities and nations. The organization provides legal representation, advocacy, and education to Native Americans with disabilities, helping them to overcome barriers to employment, education, healthcare, and housing. The Law Center also works to raise awareness of disability issues within Native American communities and to promote culturally competent disability services.
Native American Financial Officers Association (NAFOA)
The Native American Financial Officers Association (NAFOA) works to improve the quality of financial and business management of tribal governments, their entities, and their businesses. NAFOA provides training, technical assistance, and advocacy support to tribal financial professionals, helping them to manage tribal finances effectively and transparently. The organization also promotes best practices in tribal financial management and works to build the capacity of tribal governments to manage their own resources. By strengthening tribal financial management, NAFOA contributes to the long-term economic stability and self-sufficiency of tribal nations.
Native American Journalists Association (NAJA)
The Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) serves and empowers Native American journalists through programs and actions designed to enrich journalism and promote Native cultures. NAJA provides training, scholarships, and mentorship programs for Native American journalists, helping them to develop their skills and advance in their careers. The organization also advocates for greater diversity in the news media and works to ensure that Native American stories are told accurately and fairly. By supporting Native American journalists, NAJA helps to amplify Native American voices and perspectives in the media landscape.
Native American Public Telecommunications (NAPT)
The goal of Native American Public Telecommunications (NAPT) is to produce and develop educational telecommunication programs for all media, including public television and public radio. The organization’s mission is to distribute and encourage the broadest use of such educational telecommunications programs, ensuring that Native American stories and perspectives are shared with a wide audience. NAPT supports the production of documentaries, dramas, and other programs that showcase Native American cultures, histories, and contemporary issues.
Native American Rights Fund (NARF)
The mission of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is to preserve tribal existence, protect tribal natural resources, and promote Native American human rights. NARF provides legal representation to tribes and Native American individuals in cases involving treaty rights, land claims, environmental protection, and other important issues. The organization also advocates for policies that protect Native American sovereignty and self-determination. NARF is a leading voice for Native American rights in the legal and political arena. This List of top Native American Organizations includes NARF.
The Native American Times
The Native American Times is an online news source focusing on news stories directly affecting Native populations. The publication provides a platform for Native American journalists to report on issues that are important to their communities, including tribal governance, economic development, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. The Native American Times also features opinion pieces and commentary from Native American leaders and community members.
National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (NNAAPC)
The NNAPC’s mission statement is to eliminate HIV/AIDS and confront related health and social determinants that negatively impact American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Indigenous peoples. The Center has programs, resources, and publications dedicated to supporting prevention efforts and fostering healthy attitudes toward sexuality. The NNAPC works to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS in Native American communities and to improve the health and well-being of those living with HIV/AIDS.
National Native American Bar Association (NNABA)
The National Native American Bar Association (NNABA) serves as the national association for Native American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. Founded in 1973 as the American Indian Lawyers Association, NNABA works to promote issues important to the Native American community and works to improve professional opportunities for Native American lawyers. NNABA provides networking opportunities, professional development programs, and advocacy support to its members.
National Native American Law Enforcement Association (NNALEA)
The mission of the National Native American Law Enforcement Association is to promote and foster mutual cooperation between Native American law enforcement officers, agents, and personnel, their agencies, tribes, private industry, and the public. NNALEA provides training, technical assistance, and advocacy support to Native American law enforcement agencies and officers. The organization also works to improve communication and collaboration between Native American law enforcement and other law enforcement agencies.
Native Peoples Magazine
Native Peoples Magazine is a widely circulated magazine dedicated to showcasing the art, culture, and history of Native American peoples. The magazine features articles on a wide range of topics, including traditional arts, contemporary Native American artists, cultural events, and historical figures. Native Peoples Magazine is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Native American cultures.
Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations (WEWIN)
Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations (WEWIN) exists to provide Native women with the knowledge, support, and resources necessary to achieve success in their personal and professional lives. The WEWIN Annual Conference is an opportunity for Native women to engage in professional renewal, inspire others, and network. WEWIN empowers Native women to become leaders in their communities and to achieve their full potential. This is an important aspect when considering a List of top Native American Organizations.