Our Purpose
The primary purpose of our work is dedicated to Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination and the sovereignty of Native nations.
As one of the oldest organizations of our kind, we hold a responsibility to model and embody work that respects and supports community-based strategies.
Our vision for community renewal and revitalization is an approach that is responsive and respectful, keeping in mind the uniqueness of each Indigenous community with which we work. Therefore, SGF’s direct support to Indigenous community projects is focused on providing an integrated and dynamic program. We accomplish this through small grants, fiscal management, program-related training, peer learning opportunities, and leadership development.
Indigenous wisdom and prophecy have always informed Seventh Generation Fund’s vision, direction and methodology. Our very name, founded on the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace, reflects traditional teachings and Native law. Today, SGF finds itself at a time and space when opportunities are opening up and social transformation is clearly emerging as if from a seed planted long ago that has now germinated and reaches for the sun. We recognize that the many decades of work in which we have been so deeply committed has helped nurture that growth.
Advancing the effectiveness of Indigenous-led work is the reason why we first emerged. We remain focused on these core tenets:
- Recognizing that Indigenous Peoples, communities, and nations understand their issues and are best suited to design solutions and programs that remedy their concerns.
- Advancing the unique wisdom, knowledge, cultures, and practices that shape and inform the vitality of future generations, supporting Mother Earth’s abilities to nurture and sustain life.
- Mobilizing resources through strategic placement of program-related support with grants, technical assistance, and organizational capacity building to increase assets, knowledge, and skills.
- Engaging civil society, the philanthropic arena, and pertinent partners to advance Native issues, strategies, and perspectives.
- Building collective power and multi-generational leadership through focused campaigns, issue advocacy, intergenerational mentoring, convening, and peer learning.
- Optimizing impact and success through culturally relevant asset development for self-determined, collective prosperity.
