Not Our Native Daughters (NOND) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), as well as the trafficking and exploitation of Indigenous people. Through advocacy, public speaking engagements, and policy influence, NOND works to create systemic change in both state and federal legislation that affects Indigenous communities. In addition to legislative advocacy, we conduct listening sessions with impacted communities and collaborate with law enforcement to streamline communication and improve response systems for Indigenous families facing these crises.
We provide critical MMIP crisis support, offering financial assistance for families facing the immense burden of traveling to retrieve missing loved ones and navigating a fractured system that often fails to provide this support. Our efforts also include providing technical assistance and culturally relevant educational materials to foster greater awareness and understanding across all sectors of society.
At NOND, we are deeply committed to building stronger, safer communities by promoting diversity and engaging with non-Indigenous allies to enhance capacity building. We prioritize collaboration and seek to bridge gaps between Native and non-Native communities, ensuring a united front in addressing issues of systemic violence and exploitation.
Not Our Native Daughters also utilizes the art of photography and multimedia art to tell compelling stories that shed light on the experiences of Indigenous communities. Through visual storytelling, we amplify the voices of survivors and advocates, while promoting cultural preservation and social change. Some of our multimedia artwork was showcased earlier in 2024 at the Longmont Art Studio, highlighting our commitment to using art as a powerful tool for raising awareness and driving impact.
Cultural empowerment is at the heart of our work. We provide educational resources and cultural teachings such as Native American dancing, storytelling, and traditional knowledge shared by our elders and knowledge keepers. These teachings not only support healing but also uplift and preserve the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples. NOND’s impact is not just measured in legislative changes or financial assistance, but also in the empowerment of Indigenous people, the preservation of culture, and the development of future leaders in Native communities. We continue to foster resilience, healing, and leadership to ensure that our work leaves a lasting legacy of positive change.
Our Programs Include:
Indigenous Youth Voices for Conservation Program: This program empowers Native youth to become stewards of both their cultural heritage and the environment. Through outdoor activities, mentorship, and cultural teachings from Indigenous elders, youth develop leadership skills and a deeper connection to the land. Please read more in the next section.
MMIW Crisis Family Support Program: In addition to advocacy and policy work, this program provides critical financial assistance to families affected by the Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis. By covering travel and related expenses, we help families in need navigate the overwhelming challenges of locating and bringing their loved ones home.