Native Governance Center Webinar Series

Recordings from a 4-part webinar series with the Native Governance Center.

Partnering with Native Nations in a Good Way: 

Are you eager to build meaningful relationships with Native nations, organizations, and communities but unsure where to begin? Drawing from years of experience working alongside Native communities, the Native Governance Council will share best practices for relationship-building, including essential pre-engagement reflection activities and important protocols for approaching Tribal leadership. They’ll also touch on the unique worldviews of Native nations which have shaped knowledge and current relationships with animals. The session emphasizes the importance of doing your own research, understanding cultural and organizational protocols, having the right mindset, and being prepared for potential challenges. With practical tools, case studies, and additional resources, this workshop is perfect for organizations seeking to build respectful, lasting relationships with Native communities or to strengthen existing ones.

Appreciation vs. Appropriation: 

Are you interested in appreciating Indigenous culture and avoiding cultural appropriation but feel unsure about where to start? Attendees learn how to spot cultural appropriation and understand why it’s harmful to Indigenous people and nations. Beyond identifying appropriation, this workshop offers actionable strategies for appreciating Indigenous culture respectfully and supporting Native artists and creators in your community. NGC will also explore inspiring case studies from zoos and aquariums that are working to decolonize their spaces by collaborating with Native Nations and integrating Indigenous perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge. Join us to deepen your understanding and commitment to respecting Indigenous cultures in meaningful and authentic ways.

Beyond Land Acknowledgement: 

The practice of Indigenous land acknowledgment is becoming increasingly common at events, but how can we ensure these statements are meaningful and not just performative? During “Beyond Land Acknowledgment,” attendees will learn more about these statements and why it is crucial to go further. This session will guide attendees through an action-planning approach, equipping them with tools to create a meaningful impact in their personal life, workplace, or community. We’ll explore real-world case studies, particularly in zoo and aquarium spaces, to illustrate how organizations can move from acknowledgment to action. Whether you’re crafting a land acknowledgment for the first time or looking to make your existing one more impactful, this workshop offers valuable insights and actionable steps for individuals and organizations alike.

How to Talk About Native Nations/Native Nations 101: 

Join us for an enlightening session that explores language and terminology with a foundational understanding of Tribal sovereignty and governance. Participants will learn how to appropriately discuss Native nations and individuals and understand more about the diverse perspectives on language within Indian Country. Additionally, the session delves into the structure of Tribal governments, understanding sovereignty, and introduces the Native Nation Rebuilding movement. Learn from real-life examples and experiences of Tribal leaders as we discuss the challenges they face and their visions for the future. This session is ideal for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and enhance their ability to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with Native communities.