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January 1, 2019

Supporting Community Intellectuals and Partnerships in Native Communities

Authors: Marsha Whiting, Sarah Hernandez

Publishers: First Nations Development Institute, Henry Luce Foundation

Funder: Henry Luce Foundation

This report reveals that Native American community intellectualism is more than the practice of sharing indigenous knowledge. From these four organizations we learned that Native American community intellectuals are tribal members (or descendants) actively engaged in their communities, and in activities that seek to strengthen and empower their tribal communities on many different levels – culturally, linguistically, economically, politically, socially and spiritually. Often, these individuals are engaged in work that helps preserve and perpetuate the tribe's rich cultures, languages, histories and traditions for future generations. Some may not be in the public eye or forefront of their communities but are still important knowledge keepers and contributors to their respective communities.With the help of these four organizations, we have identified five strategies for better supporting community intellectuals and partnerships in Native communities.