IllumiNative

Our advocacy work for Native peoples and our communities will never end and we look forward to sharing with you our plans for the future.

- Crystal Echo Hawk, CEO and Founder & Michael Johnson, President (5/5)

We are deeply grateful to our staff, funders, partners, and collaborators who have worked tirelessly to increase the visibility of – and challenge the narrative about – Native peoples. (4/5)

While the IllumiNative organization will sunset, we are determined to ensure that the mission we set forth to achieve continues. (3/5)

We are proud of the work that this organization has done, and of the many people who worked toward our shared vision of Native and narrative power. (2/5)

IllumiNative graphic: "Our advocacy work for Native peoples and our communities will never end. - Crystal Echo Hawk, CEO and Founder & Michael Johnson, President"

Over the last seven years, IllumiNative has been honored to stand alongside Native communities, artists, storytellers, researchers, and advocates to amplify Indigenous voices. (1/5)

In Pokémon, every creature has a story, a spirit, and a deep connection to nature, just like Indigenous cultures. This #NationalPokémonDay, we celebrate the intersection of pop culture & Indigenous storytelling, amplifying Native voices & representation.

@nativerights.bsky.social

Why some Native American citizens worry about getting caught in ICE's net Some Native Americans now carry extra identification, worried they could get caught up in ICE raids.

"Whether it is simple ignorance or worse, outright disrespect for and harassment of Tribal citizens, ICE’s law enforcement tactics reflect an abdication of U.S. trust and treaty responsibility with Tribal nations and their citizens, and cannot stand."
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...

📚✨Crossing Waters, Crossing Worlds by Tiya Miles: Shedding light on the intersection of Native and African American cultures.

📚✨An Afro-Indigenous History of the United States** by Kyle T. Mays: A groundbreaking book exploring shared history from pre-Columbian times to present day.

📚✨The Colors of Nature co-authored by Lauret E. Savoy: Exploring the natural world through multicultural heritage.

📚✨Original Sins by Eve L. Ewing: Examining how education has perpetuated racism against Black and Indigenous children.

📚✨Saints of the Household by Ari Tison: A YA graphic novel exploring a young Black and Indigenous girl's experiences in a world where her identities are erased.

📚✨Beautiful You, Beautiful Me by Tasha Spillet-Sumner: A children's picture book celebrating Afro-Indigenous identity.

📚✨Surviving the City (Graphic novel series): Exploring the lives of two young Indigenous women, one Black, navigating urban challenges.

📚✨Book of the Little Axe by Lauren Francis-Sharma: An Afro-Caribbean Apsáalooke (Crow) story weaving together two women's experiences in the early 20th century American West.

📚✨The Love Songs of W.E.B DuBois** by Honorée Fanone Jeffers: A historical novel exploring W.E.B. DuBois' life and connections to Indigenous peoples.

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black people in the United States. This month, we're highlighting books that explore the intersectionality of Black and Indigenous experiences.🧵👇

Groundbreaking moment for Indigenous storytelling! @jnoisecat becomes first Indigenous film director to be nominated for an Academy Award for 'Sugarcane.' As the Oscars approach, this milestone amplifies Indigenous voices & stories. Watch now on Disney+ & Hulu! #SugarcaneFilm

Congratulations to Lily Gladstone on her powerful performance in Under the Bridge and her SAG Award nomination!

While the win wasn’t hers tonight, her impact is undeniable. Lily is breaking barriers, inspiring Native talent, and proving Indigenous stories belong on the biggest stages.

Today is #InternationalMotherLanguageDay! For Native peoples, our languages are more than words—they’re the heart of our identity & culture. Films dubbed in Native languages show how cinema can inspire youth & preserve heritage. Let’s keep our language alive!

Over 200 Native programs and grants feel chill of federal funding freeze - MVSKOKE Media Federal funding freeze puts Native programs on thin ice.

Over 200 Native programs and grants have been impacted by the federal funding freeze, which includes Justice, Education, Housing, agriculture, health & more. www.mvskokemedia.com/over-200-nat...

The work isn’t easy, but it’s needed. We need to support each other, speak out against anti-Blackness, and actively build solidarity. Solidarity isn’t just for Black History Month - it's a daily commitment.

Indigenous and Black communities share histories of oppression under colonial rule. Our stories are connected, not divided. It’s time to heal together, not perpetuate the divisions imposed upon us.

Healing means recognizing our shared struggles and building solidarity.

Confronting bias starts within.

Think about how schools, media, and society have influenced your views on Black people.

What can you do today to unlearn and combat those beliefs?

For centuries, many communities have been taught harmful beliefs about Black people through schools, media, and culture. These stereotypes have been passed down from generation to generation, and we need to break that cycle.

Let's confront the uncomfortable truth: Anti-Blackness exists within our own communities too. It's time to break the cycle of harmful beliefs & biases perpetuated by schools, media & culture. What role will you play in this change? #BlackHistoryMonth2025

Indigenous women make up <1% of MN's population but 10% of missing women. Join us in demanding justice & change for our sisters, daughters & mothers who deserve to be safe & seen. Download our MMIP guide to learn more: illuminative.org/wp-content/u...

Leonard Peltier Begins a New Chapter on Tuesday Leonard Peltier will begin a new chapter in his life on Tuesday morning. He will be released from the Federal Correctional Complex Coleman in Florida. He will be flown home to the Turtle Mountain Indi...

Tuesday marks a new chapter in Peltier's life: He will be released from the Federal Correctional Complex Coleman in Florida. He will be flown home to the Turtle Mountain Indian reservation, where he will spend the rest of his life.
nativenewsonline.net/currents/leo...

Let's celebrate the powerful intersection of African & Indigenous cultural legacies! For centuries, Afro-Indigenous peoples have fought to preserve their cultures, languages, traditions & spirituality. Let's give them the recognition & space they deserve in all areas of society. #BlackHistoryMonth