Metropolitan areas like Los Angeles—home to one of the largest populations of Native Peoples in the country— have long been shaped by Native presence, leadership, and culture. But urban Native communities often face challenges that you may not have considered:
🔸 Loss of daily connection to land, languages, cultures, and value systems
🔸 Little access to Tribal support
🔸 Limited resources
🔸 Loss of access to traditional Tribal governance systems that support and protect people living on reservations
While some Native Peoples were displaced by federal initiatives like the Urban Relocation Program, others moved to cities seeking opportunity, education, or safety—only to find new barriers, discrimination, and segregation. Despite this, urban Native communities continue to create vibrant networks of culture, care, and mutual support.
At Native Americans in Philanthropy, we’re committed to uplifting all Native peoples—on the reservation, in rural areas, and in every city across Turtle Island. Because wherever Native people live, Indigeneity thrives.
🌿 There are many incredible local and national organizations working to support urban Native communities. Learn more about a few of them below, or give a shoutout to your local organization in the comments.
NATIONAL URBAN INDIAN FAMILY COALITION | nuifc.org
Relative Arts NYC | relativeartsnyc.com
SACRED PIPE RESOURCE CENTER | sacredpipe.net
Urban Indian Health Institute | uihi.org
Urban Native Collective | urbannativecollective.org
