Becoming an Ally

​Whether you are a Native person or not, we all must learn to find common ground, obtain the facts about issues important to Native Country, and work together for the best outcomes that support a world where diverse Native cultures and values are lived, protected and respected. Become an Ally is our program centered on public education to make a better world for all of us.

Honoring Native Heritage Month

Native Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the rich, diverse cultures and histories of Native Nations. To engage meaningfully, organizations must avoid tokenism and focus on genuine, ongoing support and partnerships. Here are keyways to ensure respectful and impactful participation.
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Recognize the Diversity of Native Nations
There are over 574 federally recognized Native Nations and approximately 400 other Tribes, Bands, and Nations that are not federally acknowledged by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Each Nation has its own unique languages, traditions, and cultural practices. A "one size fits all" approach overlooks this diversity.
Action Step:
  • Build relationships with local Native Nations by learning about their specific histories, priorities, and needs. Ask how you can support them and engage in respectful collaboration.
Resources:
Support Tribal Museums & Cultural Centers
Tribal museums and cultural centers provide authentic perspectives on Native history, culture, and contemporary issues. They offer resources and materials that can guide your organization’s events, helping avoid stereotypical or oversimplified representations of Native cultures.
Action Step:
  • Partner with Tribal museums and cultural centers to source educational materials or collaborate on events. Highlight their work and encourage your audience to support these institutions.
Resources:
Support Native-Owned Businesses
One of the most impactful ways to support Native Nations is by purchasing directly from Native-owned businesses. Every purchase empowers Native entrepreneurs, supports Native Nations and helps keep cultural traditions alive.
Action Step:
  • Commit to buying from Native-owned businesses for everyday purchases, gifts, or services. Seek out businesses that not only sell authentic Native goods but also reinvest in their Nations. By shifting your purchasing power, you’re contributing directly to economic sovereignty.
  • Learn about Native Nation businesses on their websites. 
Resources:​
  • Explore Native-owned businesses through directories like Buy Native for unique, culturally authentic items that support Native makers and their communities.

Move Beyond Land Acknowledgements
While land acknowledgments are an important start, they should be paired with actions that support Native Nations. This could involve advocating for Native land rights, supporting Native-led projects, or donating to Native organizations that serve the needs of their communities.
Action Step:
  • Consult with local Nations to ensure that land acknowledgments reflect their voices, and take action by supporting Native-led initiatives. This ensures that your engagement is more than symbolic.
Resources:
Avoid Tokenism
Tokenizing Native cultures by hiring a single Native speaker or organizing a one-off event during Native Heritage Month can perpetuate stereotypes and shallow engagement. True allyship involves long-term, meaningful collaboration.
Action Step:
  • Establish long-term partnerships with Native organizations and include Native voices throughout the year. Ensure that Native speakers and consultants are fairly compensated for their time and expertise, and involve them in the planning process for your events.

Engage Year-Round
Supporting Native issues should not be confined to Native Heritage Month. Allyship means committing to learning, listening, and advocating for Native rights throughout the year.
Action Step:
  • Integrate Native perspectives into your organization’s ongoing educational efforts. Support activism, share resources that amplify Native voices, and address systemic issues that affect Native Nations. This ongoing work demonstrates a commitment to Native communities beyond a single month.

Resources for Continued Engagement
Building strong, respectful relationships with Native Nations is an ongoing effort. By supporting Native-led initiatives and cultural institutions, you can engage meaningfully throughout Native Heritage Month and beyond.
Find Local Nations: Support Native-Owned Businesses: Additional Resources:
  • Explore Native-led initiatives on our website for more information on how to support Native projects and movements.
By following these steps, your organization can ensure that its Native Heritage Month celebrations are thoughtful, respectful, and rooted in genuine support for Native Nations. Values-driven engagement shouldn’t stop in November—commit to meaningful relationships and advocacy year-round.

Meet Partner: Team Indigenous Rising Roller Derby

​The Association on American Indian Affairs recently partnered with Team Indigenous to support their mission and promote the team’s advocacy for Indigenous rights and visibility. The partnership is a natural fit, as both organizations are dedicated to promoting Indigenous rights. For example, Team Indigenous is working to raise awareness about issues like Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples, water rights, culture and sovereignty. Through the Association and Team Indigenous’ partnership, we will be working together to inspire a new generation of Indigenous athletes and to raise awareness about the importance of honoring Native culture and traditions. 
 
Learn more about Team Indigenous Rising here: