Grateful for the Big Wins in 2024
By Joshua Arce
Massive change, firsts, and uncertainty are the norm in 2024, so it’s a good time to be grateful for blessings. With that in mind, I’m happy to share some of Partnership With Native Americans’ big wins for the year! Here are just a few:
Win #1: UN ECOSOC Accreditation
Since 2024, PWNA holds Special Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic & Social Council. Significantly, this will boost PWNA efforts to champion hope for a brighter future for Native Americans. We are grateful to earn this status and access to the ECOSOC, its subsidiary bodies, and human rights mechanisms. PWNA will focus on four Sustainable Development Goals: eradication of poverty, zero hunger, quality education, and climate action tied to emergency preparedness. All of these currently align with our existing and growing services.
Win #2: Food Justice for Kids Prize
Speaking of zero hunger, Newman’s Own Foundation has supported Indigenous food justice in Tribal communities for years. So, we were thrilled about their campaign to award up to $1.2 million to 12 nonprofits. And even more so when we were selected for a prize out of 500 applicants. Thank you, Newman’s Own Foundation! Together, we’ll work to advance Indigenous food justice, nutrition education, and school food programs for kids across the U.S. PWNA will receive a $50,000 grant to support our work of nourishing and transforming the lives of Native youth facing adversity. And, we have a chance to receive an additional $50,000 in 2025.
Win #3: Community Impact Award
Here’s another big win for the year – 100 top nonprofits receiving $7,500 Community Impact Awards from the PepsiCo Foundation. We at PWNA are especially grateful to the PepsiCo employees for nominating us for a Community Impact Award. We’re proud you trust us to advance equitable access to nutritious food, safe drinking water, and economic mobility. Olo for Good also made a six-figure donation to support food and other needs.
Win #4: Industry Recognition
Other industry recognition came through too, with PWNA earning spots on:
Win #5: Emergency Response Leadership
As always, I am proud to conduct culturally relevant Tribal emergency response and preparedness training. From this year, my three disaster training groups include the Salvation Army, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and PPREP (the Philanthropic, Preparedness, Resiliency and Emergency Partnership). Disaster aid systems often leave out remote Tribal communities. It is comforting to know that reputable groups such as these are serving the tribes when disaster strikes.
Lastly, our revamped website, an MMIW awareness campaign, and Native American Heritage Month activities performed well. Did you like this news? In the coming weeks, watch for our most popular blogs of 2024 and our 2025 predictions for Indian Country!
