Our Work
Securing Indigenous guardianship of diverse ecosystems
We all benefit when Indigenous Peoples have the means to protect their homelands and waters. Nia Tero works to accelerate the field of Indigenous Peoples’ guardianship by supporting the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples through direct funding and elevating the role and influence of Indigenous Peoples as essential to ensuring planetary health and habitability.
We are committed to working alongside Indigenous Peoples in geographies central to the well-being of all humanity. Our initial regions include the Pacific Islands, Amazonia, and North America, where we work with Indigenous Peoples who share a collective territory and have strong governance systems in place to protect their lands and waters. By hearing and working with Indigenous leaders, we ensure their vision guides development of sound local, national and global policies.
Our Values
Indigenous Peoples uphold many of the planet's healthiest ecosystems, rich in biodiversity, and systems essential to the security of global food production, fresh water, and ultimately, the Earth's climate. We believe that the peoples who call these places home are the best guardians of their cultures’ vital birthplaces. Core to our vision and mission is the importance of honoring Indigenous Peoples’ rights, sovereignty, and cultural vitality within and beyond their homelands and waters.
Policy
Nia Tero works with Indigenous Peoples around the world to ensure that relevant global, national, and regional policies strongly support Indigenous Peoples' guardianship, and reflect and align with Indigenous spirituality and culture.
Storytelling
Through our storytelling work, we support creative partnerships, fellowships, media trainings, original productions, and communications with an emphasis on establishing reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples and organizations.
GRANTMAKING
Funding Indigenous Peoples’ guardianship of territories is one of most effective pathways for protecting the Earth’s most important ecosystems. Our partnerships, designed collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples, focus on strengthening guardianship by supporting self-determination and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations through direct funding. Learn about our grantmaking to Indigenous organizations, their fiscal sponsors, and allies selected by our Indigenous partners.
Initiatives
Nia Tero supports initiatives globally that align with the organization’s mission and values. From building infrastructure on-site with Indigenous partners to amplifying messages from Indigenous leaders at TED, take a closer look at our initiatives and learn how you can get involved.