AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND

DEFY THE STORM

“ Defy the Storm is grounded in Native American culture and reflects the tradition of following the buffalos’ lead, as they run into the arrows of their adversaries instead of running away from them. From an early age, we are taught fearlessness and resilience, so when challenges confront us, we do not run away.

WE RUN INTO IT—WE DEFY IT.

Right now, a storm is brewing before us. Our Native culture, language, education, health services, food and housing access and security, and much more – are being threatened by the reduction in both financial and cultural support. Proposed deep federal funding cuts affecting Native communities and education will eliminate important and time-sensitive opportunities for our growth and sustainability.

This “storm” of activity symbolizes both the historical and ongoing erasure of Native people and culture by the federal government’s failure to honor treaty commitments and trust obligations, impacting the ability of Native people to survive and thrive. But we aren’t going to allow this storm to overtake us.

In recent years, as investment in Indian Country had increased, tribal nations, communities, and people could successfully build strength and self-determination – and Native people have been seen and heard. Yet today, all the progress we’ve made is being threatened by federal funding cuts in education, healthcare, agriculture, science, and treaty/trust obligations – creating a storm unlike any we’ve seen in recent years. You can help us defy this ‘storm’ and continue building and bolstering thriving, self-sustaining people and communities, not just Indian Country, but our entire country. Let’s confront these challenges together, like our buffalo relatives. #IndigenousEveryDay” -

From the Defy The Storm landing page