our work

About Us

The Na’ah Illahee Fund is an Indigenous-led intermediary that advances climate justice, food sovereignty, and self-determination for Indigenous communities of the Pacific Northwest and the kinship routes that connect them. Rooted in ancestral knowledge and guided by Indigenous futures, we move resources to grassroots leaders and organizations through regranting, while also providing advocacy and capacity-building support. Together, we strengthen Indigenous economies, protect land and water, and sustain cultural traditions for generations to come.

Why Indigenous-led Intermediaries Matter

Indigenous-led intermediaries bridge gaps in resources and infrastructure by connecting funders to frontline communities through deep trust and local knowledge. They reduce administrative burdens, deploy funds quickly in times of crisis, and multiply impact by strengthening entire networks.

Nimipuu Protecting the Environment, a leader in the movement to restore the Snake River

Our Approach

Capacity-building

We build lasting capacity for grassroots leaders through kinship-based support, mentorship, and training in financial management, fundraising, and leadership development.

Grantmaking

Our grantmaking is community-led and designed to remove traditional barriers in philanthropy, ensuring resources flow directly to Indigenous leaders and grassroots movements.

Advocacy

We foster partnerships and strengthen networks among Indigenous peoples and allies for the health of Mother Earth and all our relations. We advocate for equitable giving in Indian Country and for Indigenous values to guide a decolonized philanthropic future.

Our Impact Area

Our scope of impact includes urban, rural, and reservation-based Indigenous communities across Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and British Columbia.

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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!”