We are excited to announce that Cultural Survival’s Executive Director Suzanne Benally (Santa Clara Tewa/ Navajo) has joined the Board of Directors of International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP), the only global donor affinity group dedicated solely to Indigenous Peoples around the world. For the past seventeen years, IFIP has built momentum toward a new movement in philanthropy that recognizes Indigenous communities as high-impact investments. Throughout the years, IFIP has organized 14 major conferences, bringing thousands of donors and Indigenous leaders together. IFIP works with a network of some 50 foundations, bringing together Indigenous leaders and funders to talk about critical change.
"There is a dire need for financial backing of projects driven by Indigenous communities.Only 20 percent of global funding goes to human rights issues. With Indigenous Peoples receiving 3 percent of that philanthropic funding, we have work to do to address the inequity. More importantly we must get to the root of the problem and work to shift the philanthropic paradigm so that Indigenous Peoples’ rights are recognized and honored, their self-determination, community and advocacy agendas are truly heard and responded to accordingly. The International Funders for Indigenous Peoples is an important organization to lead the way. I am honored to join the Board," says Benally.
Increased funding to Indigenous Peoples is an imperative in supporting defense and full attainment of Indigenous rights, supporting Indigenous efforts to self-determine their futures, strengthen their traditional governance structures, and fight for Free, Prior and Informed Consent to protect natural and cultural resources.
Benally’s terms began January 1, 2018 and will run for three years.
