(MANGO) — The Administration for Native Americans successfully hosted its Annual Grantee Convening from August 27 to 29, 2024, welcoming hundreds of grantees from across the country to Washington, D.C. MANGO’s Franco Santos and Shawna Babauta were in attendance to share ideas and network all while showcasing the great work MANGO has contributed to the CNMI community. The event provided a vital platform for Native-led organizations to collaborate, share knowledge, and enhance the impact of their programs serving indigenous communities.
The convening, held at Crystal Gateway Marriot, brought together representatives from tribal governments, Native nonprofits, and other ANA-supported organizations to celebrate milestones, discuss challenges, and strategize for future success. Attendees included a diverse range of grantees working on initiatives in areas such as language preservation, economic development, environmental sustainability, and cultural revitalization.
Throughout the multi-day event, participants engaged in a variety of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and presentations led by thought leaders and experts in Native affairs. Key topics included funding strategies, capacity building, sustainability practices, and innovative approaches to tackling social and economic challenges facing Native communities today.
Patrice Kunesh, commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, proudly announced that ANA has reached a significant milestone: 50 years of investment in Indian Country. “Established in 1974 through the Native American Programs Act, ANA has spent five decades championing self-determination for Native communities,” Kunesh shared. “This year, we are celebrating our journey of empowering tribal governments, fostering economic growth, healing Native communities, and revitalizing Native languages. Our theme, Our Nations, Our Journey, captures ANA’s enduring legacy and impact, and we are excited to continue this journey together.”
As part of the celebration, the convening featured reflections from former Commissioners, tribal self-determination advocates, and Native thought leaders who have profoundly influenced federal policy and advanced the well-being of Native peoples. Attendees also engaged with special feature stories highlighting ANA’s origins, scope, evolution, and transformational role in Native communities over the last 50 years.
Although the formal 50th Anniversary Celebration took place during the conference, ANA invites everyone to continue the celebration by following its social media channels, subscribing to the ANA newsletter, and visiting the official webpage for ongoing updates.
Kunesh concluded, “We owe so much to our Native Community Partners, whose work has been essential in helping their economies thrive and families flourish. As we look forward to the next 50 years, we extend our heartfelt ‘wopila tanka’ — thank you. We look forward to continuing this journey together.”
One of the highlights of the convening was a grantee showcase, where participants presented their projects and shared success stories. The event also facilitated networking opportunities, encouraging collaboration among grantees working on similar issues.
For more information about the Administration for Native Americans and its programs, visit https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ana/anas-50th-anniversary/.
About ANA
The Administration for Native Americans is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that promotes the social and economic well-being of Native Americans, including federally recognized tribes, American Indian and Alaska Native organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Pacific Islander communities. ANA provides grants, training, and technical assistance to support Native-led initiatives that promote self-sufficiency and cultural preservation.
About MANGO
The Marianas Alliance of Non-Governmental Organizations is a coalition dedicated to the advocacy and advancement of community-driven initiatives in the Marianas. MANGO focuses on environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic development, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve these goals.
