The Christensen Fund

?? Big Announcement! ?? We’re excited to share that the Oweesta Solar for All portal is officially live TODAY, January 15th! This user-friendly platform will make it easier for Tribal communities to access financial assistance, program support, and technical help on their journey towards a sustainable future. Thanks to a generous $156 million from the EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the Oweesta Solar for All program is set to launch residential and community solar projects across the U.S. We're providing financial support for Tribes, Native CDFIs, and Native-led non-profits—including Alaskan Native Villages and Native Hawaiian Homestead Associations—to bring solar energy to eligible households. Here’s what you can expect from the portal: ? Easy Registration: Tribes, CDFIs, and non-profits can sign up as subrecipients, while vendors can begin their registration process. ? Simple Login: Access the portal quickly with your login credentials and complete any two-factor authentication. ? Helpful Guidance: Get tailored instructions for navigating the application process smoothly. Vendor Application: Join us as a preferred vendor and enjoy perks like specialized support, training, and greater visibility on our website. We especially encourage tribal and women-owned businesses to apply! Subrecipient Application: Eligible organizations can play a key role in implementing the program and gain essential resources for compliance and project tracking. We’re prioritizing shovel-ready projects to create immediate job opportunities and boost the economy. By registering today, you’ll gain access to invaluable resources, training, and support for your solar initiatives. Visit the portal now: https://oweestagreen.org/ #OweestaSolarForAll #SolarEnergy #SustainableFuture #TribalCommunities #EnergySovereignty

Strong financial systems enable our partner organisations to: ?? Operate independently and with dignity ?? Secure funding to drive meaningful change ?? Build resilience to overcome challenges In November, we joined 12 Latin American partner organisations* in Bogotá for the Spring Strategies Financial Training Programme. Over five days, leaders, finance officers, and administrative staff sharpened their skills and gained practical tools to strengthen financial and administrative systems. This training is not simply a one-off event but an ongoing journey that started in August last year. Partners will continue to receive tailored support until July 2025 as they implement their action plans. By sustaining this collaboration, we ensure that the skills and strategies gained during the sessions are translated into meaningful impact. *(ACOFOP, CEJIS, CICOL, CNAMIB, CONAIE, CONFENIAE, COONAPIP, FENAMAD, OPIAC, PCN, PRODESO, TIMI)

Join us for an informative webinar featuring subject matter experts from Oweesta and Freddie Mac as they discuss the HeritageOne? mortgage offering. Learn how this innovative program can be utilized to finance manufactured homes on Tribal lands and support sustainable homeownership for members of federally recognized Native American Tribes in Tribal areas. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gWuTe3Dr...

AISES is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 AISES Professional Awards! ?? These awards honor outstanding Indigenous professionals in STEM who are shaping the future, uplifting communities, and leading with excellence. ? Award Categories: ?? Blazing Flame: Recognizing advocates promoting STEM for Indigenous communities. ?? Executive Excellence: Honoring leaders at the top of their field. ?? Indigenous Excellence: Celebrating those advancing Indigenous STEM knowledge. ?? Most Promising Engineer or Scientist: Highlighting early-career professionals on the rise. ?? Technical Excellence: Recognizing significant contributions to STEM fields. ?? Deadline: Submit your nomination by April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM MDT! ?? Awardees will be honored at the 2025 AISES National Conference in Minneapolis, MN, October 2–4, 2025. ?? Learn more and nominate today: https://lnkd.in/gzrWavwB Let’s celebrate Indigenous excellence in STEM! ?? #NativesInSTEM #AISES #IndigenousExcellence

Our December newsletter is posted today, including recent news from our wonderful partners. Check it out! IMPACT Kenya Drylands Learning & Capacity Building Initiative IllumiNative Org People of the Sacred Land Re:wild Global Alliance of Territorial Communities The Indigenous Peoples Rights International IWGIA - International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) International Indian Treaty Council Cultural Survival #IndigenousPeoples #NativePeoples #SelfDetermination https://lnkd.in/gvbyRe6X

Congratulations to our partner, Oweesta Corporation for being a recipient of $7,000,000 in funding from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott through Yield Giving. Oweesta's critical work provides opportunities for Native people to develop financial assets and create wealth contributing to economic independence and strengthening sovereignty for all Native communities. To learn more, read MacKenzie's essay here: https://lnkd.in/gdwYH4HY #IndigenousPeoples #philanthropy #Oweesta

Incredible AI Workshop happening next month with Russ Seagle, Executive Director of The Sequoyah Fund, Inc. Explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence and how it can transform your work and community! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! Register now at: https://lnkd.in/g25ETHUv

?? Exciting News for Indian Country! The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 7779, the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, which now heads to the President’s desk for signature! This critical legislation empowers Tribal Nations, state agencies, nonprofits, and community groups to restore lands impacted by abandoned hardrock mines and improve water quality without facing legal liability. The National Congress of American Indians proudly supported this legislation, recognizing its potential to safeguard environmental and cultural resources while promoting Indigenous-led environmental stewardship. Let’s celebrate this important step toward environmental justice! ????

United for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: We are unwavering in our commitment to raising our voices to protect Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities rights, defend ancestral territories, and share traditional wisdom with the world. To our community—and the 8+ million others who have engaged with our content—thank you for taking the time to learn about and support the critical role Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities play in safeguarding the planet’s biodiversity. Your support strengthens our struggle and unites us across distances, from the Amazon Basin to Indonesia, the Congo Basin, Mesoamerica, and across Brazil. Let’s continue this journey together as we welcome 2025. ???? ?????Continue supporting our work at globalalliance.me Articula??o dos Povos Indígenas do Brasil (APIB)

Keep up the wonderful work, The Indigenous Peoples Rights International!