City of Philadelphia Employees Stands Firm for Native Justice

Need

Support from the City of Philadelphia Employees, like you, have made our work possible. The Native American Rights Fund believes in empowering individuals and communities whose rights, economic self-sufficiency and political participation have been systematically eroded or undermined.

Solution

At its inception in 1970, NARF believed that the best hope for Indian survival and development rests with the maintenance of the tribe as an institution. The inherent sovereign powers of a tribe to hold land, to govern tribal members and to command the respect of other units of government are essential to an Indian nation concept. Throughout its history, NARF has held fast to this hope and through its work has insured that this concept has become a reality. For the past 40 years, NARF has represented over 250 Tribes in 31 states.

Impact

NARF continues to work on priority areas: (1) the preservation of tribal existence; (2) the protection of tribal natural resources; (3) the promotion of human rights; (4) the accountability of governments to Native Americans; and (5) the development of Indian law and educating the public about Indian rights, laws, and issues. Our legal work has resulted in several significant victories and accomplishments in the last year.  After 32 years of NARF assistance the Shinnecock Indian Nation of New York received a favorable Final Determination from the Office of Federal Acknowledgement.  NARF secured the right of a Native student to secure wear an eagle feather at graduation to honor her spiritual beliefs.  In partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union, NARF won a settlement with the City of Bethel and ultimately the State of Alaska to provide additional language assistance for Yupik speakers securing voting rights.  NARF also supported Indian Child Welfare Act issues in Alaska, Nebraska and Wisconsin.