Bring Fruit Trees to Native American Reservations

Happy spring!

With the arrival of warmer weather across the Northern Hemisphere, we are thrilled to announce that we are moving forward with several very special Trees for Tribes projects that have been close to our hearts for some time.

As many of you know, federal funding was suddenly withdrawn from many environmental initiatives last year, including our own. This presented a significant challenge, but we refused to let these vital projects, and the promises made to our partners, fade away. We have worked over the last year to secure alternative funding and, at last, we are ready to move forward.

Scaling Up Across Turtle Island
We aren’t just resuming our work; we are entering a season of expansion. While we are currently finalizing agreements and aren’t quite ready to announce the specific details just yet, we can share that we will be launching multiple projects and partnerships across the whole of Turtle Island over the coming years. This effort will multiply our previous reach, bringing thousands of food-producing trees and plants to tribal lands.

This scale-up is a direct response to the urgent need for long-term food security and resilient Indigenous food systems, allowing us to:

• Plant thousands of food-producing trees in community spaces and family homes, creating a literal canopy of nutrition.

• Engage thousands of new participants in workshops focused on tree care, traditional foodways, and Indigenous horticultural wisdom.

• Transform food deserts into food oases: Many of the areas we are expanding into lack reliable access to fresh, affordable produce. These orchards bring healthy diets directly to community hubs and backyards, ensuring that fresh fruit is a staple, not a luxury.

A Multi-Generational Promise through Partnership
Every aspect of this work is done in true partnership. These projects were designed in tandem with tribal governments and organizations over the past two years to ensure they serve the specific needs and traditions of each community.

In spite of the withdrawal of federal support, these orchards will foster self-sufficiency for tribes for generations to come. Perennial crops like fruit trees are a generational assurance of nutrition, beautiful gathering spaces, and improved ecosystems.

How You Can Help
To our supporters on GlobalGiving: Your ongoing belief in our mission has encouraged us to keep fighting to make these projects a reality. Because of you, our capacity to serve Indigenous communities is growing deeper and wider.

While this new funding is allowing us to expand, we still rely on ongoing and recurring donations to make our other projects possible. We have a long list of tribal partners waiting to work with us, and your support ensures that their visions for a greener future won't be lost while we move forward with these newest initiatives. Please consider a one-time or recurring gift today to help us meet the needs of every tribal community on our waiting list.

Stay tuned over the coming months as we officially launch these projects by sharing updates on social media and right here on GlobalGiving.

Thank you for believing in the power of fruit trees to support Indigenous food systems and sovereignty.

Together, we are creating a resilient, green, and bountiful future.