FOUNDED IN RESEARCH
The Reclaiming Native Truth project (2018) identified invisibility as the modern manifestation of systemic racism and one of the greatest threats to Native lives and livelihoods. The creation of IllumiNative was fueled by this finding and the need to establish an organization that worked at the intersection of sectors to disrupt this invisibility, advance narrative change, and build power for Native peoples.
Photo: Josué Rivas
BUILDING THE NATIVE POWER MOVEMENT
IllumiNative was an unapologetically ambitious and innovative Native women-led organization, grounded in core Native values and community, guided by research.
We partnered with Native-led organizations, creatives, and more to disrupt and interrupt the erasure of Native peoples by dismantling harmful stereotypes, educating and engaging Americans and key institutions, and activating contemporary and authentic narratives about Native peoples.
Download our final impact report
OUR MISSION
Our mission was to build power for Native peoples by amplifying contemporary Native voices, stories, and issues to advance justice, equity, and self-determination.
OUR VISION
We envisioned a future where the self-determination and sovereignty of Native peoples are respected and supported; where our children see themselves reflected in the world around them; and where Native peoples author our own stories and future.
RECLAIMING NATIVE TRUTH: OUR FOUNDING RESEARCH
In 2018, nearly two dozen Native artists, creatives, thought leaders, nonprofit leaders, journalists, and others came together to review and discuss the early insights from the Reclaiming Native Truth (RNT) project. The following are reports and other materials that came from this research project.
COMPLETE FINDINGS REPORT
Read the full findings report from the landmark 2018 Reclaiming Native Truth study.
MESSAGING GUIDE
This guide is filled with information from the largest research study ever done in Indian Country about the current story and ways to change it. We used what we learned to create a new story—one we have always known is true—and then proved through national testing that it works. It changes people’s understanding of Native Americans and increases support for our issues.
NARRATIVE CHANGE STRATEGY
From the research and collective insights, Reclaiming Native Truth has crafted a new narrative framework and the strategy described in this document. The strategy focuses on changing the dominant narrative from one of deficit, invisibility, falsehoods, and stereotypes to one grounded in truth about our rich history and current contributions, assets, and strength.
ILLUMINATIVE INSIGHTS & ACTION GUIDE
Key insights from Reclaiming Native Truth, the largest formative research project ever conducted by, for, and about Native peoples.
