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Who We Are

We exist to create a world free of poverty and cultural displacement on a livable planet through traditional wisdom and sustainable Indigenous development.

Our mission is to end extreme poverty affecting Indigenous communities and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet through culturally appropriate development. This is threatened by multiple, intertwined crises including cultural destruction, environmental degradation, and loss of traditional knowledge.

Time is of the essence.

We are writing a new playbook to drive impactful Indigenous development that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable through growth rooted in traditional economies and holistic human development.

Our New Playbook

Inclusive development

Inclusive

Of all Indigenous peoples, including women, elders, and young people, honoring traditional governance systems.

Resilient development

Resilient

To shocks, including climate and biodiversity crises, cultural threats, and community fragility while strengthening traditional knowledge systems.

Sustainable development

Sustainable

Through growth rooted in traditional economies, meaningful employment creation, holistic human development, and food sovereignty.

Tackling Complex, Intertwined Challenges

With Traditional Knowledge, Cultural Experience, and Indigenous Innovation

Traditional healing

People - Traditional Wellness

Promote holistic health, culturally appropriate education, and community-based protection systems.

  • Indigenous Education - Traditional knowledge preservation and culturally responsive learning
  • Community Protection - Traditional social safety nets and cultural support systems
  • Holistic Health - Integration of traditional healing with appropriate modern medicine
Traditional markets

Prosperity - Cultural Economics

Invest in projects, policies, governance, and systems that create opportunity and prosperity while preserving cultural integrity.

  • Traditional Economic Systems - Supporting Indigenous economies and trade networks
  • Cultural Institutions - Strengthening traditional governance and decision-making structures
  • Indigenous Finance & Investment - Community-controlled financial systems and cultural enterprises
  • Cultural Poverty Elimination - Addressing both material and cultural deprivation
Environmental stewardship

Planet - Sacred Stewardship

Provide sustainable food systems, water management, and economies for healthy people and a healthy planet through traditional ecological knowledge.

  • Traditional Agriculture - Indigenous farming, hunting, fishing, and gathering practices
  • Cultural Inclusion - Ensuring Indigenous voices in environmental decision-making
  • Traditional Climate Wisdom - Ancient knowledge for climate adaptation and mitigation
  • Sacred Waters - Traditional water management and spiritual protection of water sources
  • Environmental Restoration - Healing ecosystems through traditional ecological practices
Traditional infrastructure

Infrastructure - Traditional and Modern Integration

Develop culturally appropriate energy, transportation, and community development that respects traditional territories.

  • Renewable Energy & Traditional Resources - Sustainable energy respecting sacred sites
  • Traditional Transport Networks - Supporting ancient routes and modern access to remote communities
  • Cultural Infrastructure Finance - Funding that respects Indigenous decision-making processes
  • Traditional Community Development - Building that honors cultural architecture and sacred spaces
Digital inclusion

Digital - Appropriate Technology

Accelerate digital access while protecting traditional knowledge and creating culturally appropriate economic opportunities.

  • Cultural Digital Transformation - Technology that serves Indigenous communities while protecting cultural protocols

Cross Cutting Areas

Issues affecting all areas of Indigenous development

Indigenous women empowerment

Indigenous Women's Empowerment

Honoring traditional women's roles while creating contemporary opportunities

Conflict resolution

Cultural Conflict Resolution

Traditional mediation and community healing practices

Partner for Indigenous Peoples and the Planet

The world's challenges are increasingly complex. Solving them requires strong partnerships with traditional governments, Indigenous communities, cultural organizations, and respectful businesses that honor Indigenous rights and wisdom.

Accountability

Accountable to Ourselves

Trust is crucial to our work, especially given historical exploitation of Indigenous peoples. We strive to be open, transparent, participatory, and culturally respectful.

Traditional knowledge

Traditional Knowledge

Essential cultural heritage that informs and empowers Indigenous communities, researchers, and changemakers while respecting cultural protocols and Indigenous data sovereignty.

Global impact

Global Impact

Working with all Indigenous communities as one UAN World Bank Group, in close partnership with traditional institutions, Indigenous enterprises, and cultural organizations.