A NATIVE AMERICAN FIRM
IN SUPPORT OF
TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY
The bison are our family, an extension of who we are culturally and spiritually. Far more than sustenance, in giving of themselves they represent unity and strength, sacred components of nature's balance. Their return from near extinction attests to their resilience and to the resilience of all Native people. And like tribal nations, you underestimate them at your peril. Over a ton and eleven feet long, they outrun both human and horse, turn on a dime, and leap six feet in the air. And unlike other species, they walk toward the storm, confident that enduring it can be the fastest path to sustainability.
They are bison, not buffalo. The buffalo belongs to Africa and Asia. And "please don't pet the bison" are five words you will never hear spoken to Native people. We respect bison. We honor them. We don't pet them.
SOVEREIGNTY & RESILIENCE
Tribal nations are sovereign nations, declared so by Mother Earth's intent if not always by the American republic's law. Their resilience is steeped in the wisdom of our ancestors and the promise that sacrifice for future generations is the path to true sustainability, prosperity in balance with all we depend on.
Each tribe walks its own path. Where prosperity has been found, Relevance partners to share opportunities and support continued success. Where the way is still being found, we bring the products, services, and expertise of our portfolio companies to help tribes meet their challenges. Those challenges are the challenges many communities face across the country and around the world. Unfortunately, for Native people their effects are often exacerbated.
TYPE 2 DIABETES RATE VS. GENERAL POPULATION
MORE LIKELY FOR NATIVE YOUTH TO DIE BY SUICIDE
NATIVE AMERICANS LACK HEALTH INSURANCE
OF NEED THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE IS FUNDED TO MEET
In this way we fulfill our own obligation to be a component of nature's balance, a balance that is the very foundation of our definition of health. Health through deep connections to each other, our environment, and the Earth itself in balance, not overconsumption, is not a modern invention. It’s an old one that requires reintroduction. We invest in the companies powering it, giving tribal nations tools to assert their sovereignty and, perhaps in so doing, bringing all living things back from the brink of extinction that our overconsumption and lack of mutual respect have propelled us toward.
If your tribe shares our commitment, please contact Relevance Venture Partner and NACIA Executive Director Kelly Holmes, Mnicoujou and Itazipco Lakota, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, South Dakota. Kelly builds relationships with tribal governments, enterprises, and health departments, one conversation at a time, in community, grounded in mutual respect.
KELLY HOLMES
TRIBAL OUTREACH AMBASSADOR,
RELEVANCE VENTURES & NACIA
“I build relationships between our portfolio companies and tribal nations, helping companies create real health impact in Indian Country while supporting tribal economic sovereignty.”