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November 15, 2023

Na’ah Illahee Fund 2020-23 Impact Report

Reflecting on the Last Four Years

We are excited to release the Na’ah Illahee Fund 2020-23 Impact Report. As we reflect on the last four years, one thing is clear, the unprecedented challenges have intensified our resolve to build lasting momentum as we strengthen traditional values, practices, infrastructure, food systems, ecologies, and economies throughout Native communities.

Over the past four years, 2020-23, Na’ah Illahee has gifted over $4.5 million to Native community-based organizations – yet there still remained $9 million dollars in unmet need.

“Now that the worst of the pandemic is behind us—and as we seek to lift up our relatives with the resources and support to move forward— the need for investment in Native communities is no less urgent.” – Susan Balbas , Executive Director, Na’ah Illahee Fund

Na’ah Illahee Fund supports Native communities through our resourcefulness and vital connections. Your investment in Native communities strengthens and expands community-based solutions for generations to come.

We invite you to read our 2020-23 Impact Report here
Join us in this sacred work! Please donate here

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Shelly Vendiola

(she/her), Swinomish/Visayan, Community Engagement and Culture Director

Shelly Vendiola, (Swinomish/Visayan) is an enrolled member of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, and Visayan. She has served as an educator, facilitator, activist, and peacemaker/mediator for over 30 years. Shelly co-founded the native Community Engagement and Peacemaking Project and offers consultation in the areas of community engagement and facilitation services including: leadership development, strategic planning, organization mapping, dispute resolution, interest-based negotiations and peacemaking circles throughout the country.

Currently she works as a Community Engagement & Culture Director for the Na’ah Illahee Fund, and serves on the board of the Indigenous Environmental Network and the Skagit YMCA. She continues to work in partnership with the Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection, co-chairs the Protect Mother Earth Subcommittee, and is a member of the Swinomish Health, Education and Social Services Committee. Shelly developed a place-based curriculum about the history and culture of the Swinomish peoples and taught a series of cultural sovereignty courses for over 10 years at the Northwest Indian College – Coast Salish Institute within their Native Studies Leadership Program.

Previously her team provided leadership and consultation for the Lummi Cedar Project – Organized Generations Healthy Lifestyles Program. Ms. Vendiola served as President for the national Indigenous Women’s Network and a Campaign Director for the Indigenous Environmental Network. Shelly received several years of formal dispute resolution training from the Indian Dispute Resolution Services, Inc., and the San Francisco Community Boards Program. She is the recipient of the Native Action Network – Enduring Spirit Award, and a recognized educator and peacemaker in the Northwest region. Shelly has an M.Ed. in Higher Education and practices indigenous pedagogy and indigenous research methodology within all aspects of her work.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Shelly is passionate about gardening. She practices the ancient form of meditation known as Qi Gong for balance, energy, and resiliency, and is a certified Yoga instructor. Her motto is, “There is nothing permanent in the world but change, the key is how we flow with it!”