From the Office of the Principal Chief

Pawhuska, OK - On June 1, 2009, Osage Nation Principal Chief Jim Gray introduced Native Ways Federation to Osage employees and Oklahoma, “We are the first government in the United States to join with Native Ways Federation in support of national tribal non-profit organizations.” 

Even before the global financial crisis, only one sixth of one percent of national philanthropic dollars went to Native causes.  So in 2006, seven of the country’s leading national American Indian non-profits came together to form Native Ways Federation to strengthen Native non-profit organizations and combine a portion of their fundraising efforts.

The Native Ways Federation’s mission is to raise awareness of Native organizations in the non-Indian philanthropic community, assist existing non-profits become more effective, and ensure high levels of ethical and fiscal responsibility within national-level Native organizations.

“Tribal governments are giving more than ever before in charitable donations, and we are employing more people than ever before,” observed Chief Gray.  Native Ways Federation now allows the employee to add their voice in support of Native organizations, “With the Native Ways Federation individuals can make their own choice in expressing their generosity,” Chief Gray informed the employees.

“With the partnership of our Human Resources Department, it will be as easy as checking a box, just like donating to the United Way, or Combined Federal Charities Campaign at other employers,” explained Chief Gray.

Native Ways Federation founding member organizations include:  the American Indian College Fund, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, American Indian Youth Running Strong, the Association on American Indian Affairs, the First Nations Development Institute, the Native American Rights Funds, and the National Indian Child Welfare Association.

For more details about the different ways to designate your individual charitable donations, or to start a Native Ways Federation program at your place of employment please visit the new organization on the web at:  www.nativewaysfederation.org.

To view video of the Employee Meeting, click here.