The Christensen Fund

01/20/2025

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy in the fight against white supremacy and his profound impact on the Native American rights movement.

"Our nation was born in genocide when it embraced the doctrine that the original American, the Indian, was an inferior race. Even before there were large numbers of Negroes on our shores, the scar of racial hatred had already disfigured colonial society"

-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Why We Can't Wait” (1963)

As we reflect on Dr. King's powerful words, let us continue to strive for a future where all communities can thrive free from systemic racism and oppression.

01/16/2025

Welcome to Tallgrass Institute! https://www.tallgrassinstitute.org/

The team from First Peoples Worldwide at CU Boulder have launched this Center for Indigenous Economic Stewardship to continue and expand on the work and projects developed at University of Colorado since 2018.

“While our name and brand has changed, our role remains the same: connecting Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives, solutions, and leadership with investors and the private sector. We see this as a critical moment to support the growing ecosystem of Indigenous Peoples’ economic power through programming that simultaneously builds investor knowledge and action to forward Indigenous Peoples’ priorities.” – Kate R. Finn, Founder & Executive Director, Tallgrass Institute.

Through targeted research, training, investor networks, and corporate and international engagement, Tallgrass Institute forwards Indigenous solutions to market challenges and macro-economic issues by leading with Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination and fostering equitable partnerships and practices. We aim to redefine the private sector’s role as one that respects Indigenous Peoples’ rights, lands, and economic priorities.

Find us at

01/16/2025

Indigenous Peoples’ Principles and Protocols for Just Transition webinar from our partner SIRGE Coalition coming up. Register today!

Join us next Wednesday for our webinar on Indigenous Peoples’ Principles and Protocols for Just Transition! 🌱

Indigenous representatives from the seven socio-cultural regions convened the Indigenous Summit on Just Transition in Geneva in October 2024 to discuss our perspectives, knowledge, and lived experiences related to just transition. 🌍

During our webinar, we will present the outcome document, share strategies to uphold Indigenous rights in the low-carbon transition, and highlight case studies and best practices that exemplify progress toward achieving a just transition.

Speakers:
▪ Galina Angarova - Executive Director, SIRGE Coalition
▪ Desalegn Kebede Kaza - Board Chairperson, Tsehay Golgota Community Development Organization
▪ Beaska Niillas - Parliament Leader, Norwegian Saami Association
▪ Lakpa Nuri Sherpa - Head of Environment Programme, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP)
▪ Jakelin Curaqueo - President, Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones Comunidad de Historia Mapuche
▪ Vyacheslav Shadrin - Grand Chief, Council of the Yukaghir Elders
▪ Janene Yazzie - Director of Policy and Advocacy, NDNCollective
▪ Te Ngaehe Wanikau - Director, He Kainga

Moderator:
▪ Rodion Sulyandziga - Chair, Indigenous Peoples Global Coordinating Committee (IPGCC)

📅 Wednesday, January 22, 2025
🕒 11am-12:30pm ET
🌐 Languages available in English, Spanish, & Russian

➡️ Register: https://bit.ly/justtransitionwebinar

01/15/2025

🌟 Big Announcement! 🌟

We’re excited to share that the Oweesta Solar for All portal is officially live TODAY, January 15th! This user-friendly platform will make it easier for Tribal communities to access financial assistance, program support, and technical help on their journey towards a sustainable future.

Thanks to a generous $156 million from the EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the Oweesta Solar for All program is set to launch residential and community solar projects across the U.S. We're providing financial support for Tribes, Native CDFIs, and Native-led non-profits—including Alaskan Native Villages and Native Hawaiian Homestead Associations—to bring solar energy to eligible households.

Here’s what you can expect from the portal:
✨ Easy Registration: Tribes, CDFIs, and non-profits can sign up as subrecipients, while vendors can begin their registration process.
✨ Simple Login: Access the portal quickly with your login credentials and complete any two-factor authentication.
✨ Helpful Guidance: Get tailored instructions for navigating the application process smoothly.

Vendor Application: Join us as a preferred vendor and enjoy perks like specialized support, training, and greater visibility on our website. We especially encourage tribal and women-owned businesses to apply!

Subrecipient Application: Eligible organizations can play a key role in implementing the program and gain essential resources for compliance and project tracking.

We’re prioritizing shovel-ready projects to create immediate job opportunities and boost the economy.

By registering today, you’ll gain access to invaluable resources, training, and support for your solar initiatives.

Visit the portal now: https://oweestagreen.org/

01/15/2025

Read the full article form Tallgrass Institute Founder Kate R. Finn on the launch: https://www.tallgrassinstitute.org/articles/welcome-to-tallgrass-institute-a-message-from-founder-kate-r-finn

01/15/2025

🎓✨ Ready to take your college and career journey to the next level?

Join the AISES Student Success Team for our Spring 2025 College & Career Readiness Webinars! 🌟 These monthly webinars are packed with invaluable insights to help you succeed in college and explore exciting opportunities in STEM fields.

📅 When: January 29, February 26, March 26, April 30, and May TBD at 6 PM CST
💻 Where: Online

Here’s what’s coming up:
📖 January 29: Scholarship Resources with Dr. James Wagnon Jr.
💡 February 26: Health Career Exploration
📝 March 26: Scholarship Walk-Through with Dr. James Wagnon Jr.
🌱 April 30: Indigenous Food Sovereignty with Chef Nico Albert Williams
🎉 May TBD: Celebrating Success - A Fun-Filled “C U L8R” Event with Dr. Johnny Poolaw & Anita Pahsetopah-Smith

Don't miss out on these opportunities to prepare for your future! For more details and to sign up, visit aises.org/events

📌 Save your spot today!

01/15/2025

01/15/2025

Internship opportunity from our partner Siċaŋġu Co--

Applications for the 2025 𝐖𝐚𝐢č𝐚ȟ𝐲𝐚 𝐈č𝐚ǧ𝐚𝐩𝐢 𝐊𝐭𝐞​ (𝐖𝐈𝐊) 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 are NOW OPEN!

This is a fantastic opportunity for motivated individuals to gain hands-on experience, work on impactful projects, and contribute to our mission of strengthening food sovereignty on Rosebud.

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦:
WIK is an 8-month paid internship designed for those who want to:
1️⃣ Learn about food production to increase self-sufficiency.
2️⃣ Grow and produce food to improve local food access on Rosebud.

Whether you're interested in starting your own business or simply want to supplement your income through food production, this program will provide the skills, knowledge, and support to help you succeed. Our goal is to empower local food producers, entrepreneurs, and mentors for the future of our community.

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬:
- Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
- Program Start Date: April 14, 2025
- Program End Date: September 26, 2025

Check out the flyer attached for more details! Scan the QR code on the flyer to apply or click the link below.

Apply here: https://shorturl.at/ebYJe

01/14/2025

Advocating for Indigenous Women’s Rights through the United Nations System

This is an opportunity for with experience in supporting Indigenous Peoples' communities, to gain hands-on experience in engaging with and navigating the United Nations’ human rights system.

This online course is developed in collaboration between Land is Life and The University of Arizona.

📆Registration period from January 13 - February 10, 2025
ℹ️Know more: https://www.landislife.org/open-call-for-applications-online-course-advocating-for-indigenous-womens-rights-through-the-un-system-9050/
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdow_vCH-LhHPL7RGIuf1Oc4-pyIkNEmvNlUPGRIAVpw7k49A/viewform?usp=sf_link

01/14/2025

We are so inspired by the work of our partners. Follow Samburu Women Trust to learn about their important work in advancing the rights of Indigenous women and girls.

01/08/2025

01/08/2025