ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Indigenous Futures Project (IFP) is a joint project between the Center for Native American Youth, IllumiNative, and the Native Organizers Alliance to gather and disseminate critical information and strategies about the priorities and needs of Native communities in preparation for the 2020 election. The keystone of this project is the Indigenous Futures Survey (IFS) — the first survey in Indian Country that provides an opportunity for all Native peoples to be a part of shaping our future, offering a platform for understanding critical issues impacting Indian Country that can be used to motivate change.

Request a download of the reports on the right. Just tell us a little about yourself. You will then get an email with the link to download!

Indigenous Futures Survey Results

Native peoples have burst into the consciousness of many Americans over the course of the last year. From the organizing power against racist Native sports mascots, major victories against oil pipelines that undermine Tribal sovereignty, and the McGirt v. Oklahoma Supreme Court decision that affirmed Native lands, Native peoples have interrupted the dominant narrative of who we are in the 21st Century. The Indigenous Futures Survey (IFS) is the largest research project ever conducted in Indian Country with participation from over 6,400 Native peoples from across the country, representing 401 tribes and from all 50 states with a diverse and representative sample across age, gender and geography.

REPORT: From Protests, To the Ballot Box, and Beyond: Building Indigenous Power

As we face the election of a lifetime, it’s imperative that Native peoples, perspectives, and issues are present in conversations about the future of this country. This report shows that Native peoples vote and are politically active and engaged in the democratic process in a variety of ways. However, many feel as though the voices of our community are not being heard and that our individual and community’s needs and priorities are not being addressed. Like many other communities, Indigenous peoples do not trust the US government and are worried about the direction of the country. Priorities for respondents include improving mental health, caring for tribal elders, and addressing violence against women, children, girls, and LGBTQ2S+ individuals. Learn more about the results of the survey by downloading the report below.

REPORT: The Impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous Peoples

One of the most pressing contemporary issues facing all communities of color, including Native peoples, is the COVID-19 pandemic. We have known that COVID-19 is exacerbating existing inequalities across the country—the Indigenous Futures Survey has revealed just how devastating the pandemic has been for Indigenous communities. The results of the survey revealed that Indigenous households earning less than $45,000 a year were hardest hit by the pandemic. In addition to negative health-related outcomes, they were more likely to report inadequate access to PPE and adverse impacts on financial situations, employment, and wellbeing compared to participants with higher household incomes. Individuals living in rural areas and those identifying as transgender or gender nonconforming are also reeling from the impact of the pandemic, reporting high rates of job loss, worsening financial circumstances and high levels of stress and depression. Learn more by downloading and reading the report.

Request a download of the reports on the right. Just tell us a little about yourself. You will then get an email with the link to download!