Nations vs. Nonprofits : How Well-Meaning Allies Can Tell The Difference

Many well-meaning allies want to stand with Indigenous people but struggle to know where their support should go. Some organizations present themselves as “tribes” when they are actually nonprofits or corporations, and the difference is often unclear to the public. This confusion can leave allies uncertain, hesitant, or worried about making the wrong choice.

Nations vs. Nonprofits: How Well-Meaning Allies Can Tell the Difference is a live online presentation designed to answer those questions. Together we will explore:

• What the word “tribe” really means, including its colonial baggage and its current legal meaning.

• How sovereign Native nations differ from cultural groups, nonprofits, or incorporated organizations.

• Case studies where corporations claimed to be tribes, and what happened when they were exposed.

• Clear red flags and a practical checklist you can use to evaluate organizations that ask for your support.

This seminar will help you gain confidence in understanding the difference between Indigenous nations and nonprofits, so you can make informed decisions about where to place your energy, trust, and resources.

If you are committed to Indigenous justice, reparative giving, or building respectful partnerships, this presentation offers a vital foundation. You will leave with tools, knowledge, and clarity that empower you to support Native communities with confidence and care.