To Our Community, Donors, and Supporters,
The Na’ah Illahee Fund (NIF) is entering a new chapter of its journey. After careful consideration, the NIF Board of Directors has made the decision to part ways with Susan Balbas, who has served as Executive Director. We acknowledge her years of dedicated service and the impact of her leadership in shaping community-led philanthropy.
At the same time, we recognize the challenges this transition has presented, and we are deeply committed to addressing the harm caused during or prior to this process. Our priority is to move forward with transparency, accountability, and healing, rooted in the values of our Indigenous communities.
We are honored to welcome Lisa Fruichantie, a proud citizen of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, as our Interim Executive Director. Lisa brings extensive experience in Indigenous cultural stewardship, food sovereignty, and community grantmaking. Her thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to our shared values will guide us as we rebuild and strengthen our organization.
NIF’s mission to uplift and empower Indigenous communities across the Northwest remains unwavering. This moment calls us to lean into resilience and self-determination, ensuring that our work continues to honor our ancestors and future generations.
As the Board of Directors, we are steadfast in our commitment to earning and sustaining your trust. In the coming year, we will focus on fortifying our operations, fostering open communication, and continuing the vital work of restoring harmony with the natural world and one another.
We invite your questions, reflections, and continued partnership as we navigate this path together. Thank you for standing with us as we work to heal and move forward in service to our communities.
With gratitude,
Bridget Ray, Interim Board President
Bernadette Zambrano, Vice President
Tim Lehman, Treasurer
Laura John
Charlotte Coté
board@naahillahee.org