We are in the beginning stages and need your help
Our journey is just beginning and we are in the start-up phases of our organization. Over the next several months we will be focusing on fundraising initiatives, building our network of attorneys and applying for fiscal sponsorships from other like-minded non-profits as we continue work on the application process of filing for our own non-profit status.
If you wish to contribute to our efforts, please visit our donation page or feel free to offer your talents by filling out the form at the bottom of this page. Thank you for helping us grow our organization and supporting our efforts in healing generational wounds for all Indigenous Peoples living on and off the Reservations in the United States.
Why We Do, What We Do
In the Lakota culture, men and women have distinct cultural roles and the loss of the young men in the tribe disrupts the traditional balance of the individual families and clans. Children grow up never knowing their fathers and uncles until later in life after these men have long become institutionalized.
Many of the people living on the separate Reservations of the Lakota have become institutionalized at a young age, mostly for infractions that would be handled by the tribal courts of a sovereign tribe. But because the United States government has claimed all law enforcement and governmental authority over the tribes of the Lakota Sioux, even minor infractions are considered to be a federal crime that come with harsher sentencing then what would occur in other tribal courts systems. This cycle of incarceration affects tribal members abilities to find stable employment after leaving prison, contributing more to the overall poverty rates on these Reservations.
We envision a future in which every Native American Tribal Member has meaningful access to justice, where Tribal sovereignty is respected and reinforced, and where legal systems operate with equity, cultural understanding, and accountability. In this future, no individual is denied proper protection of their rights due to economic hardship, and Tribal communities are empowered to thrive through strong legal foundations and self-governance.
Advancing Community Development through Collaboration
Established to address systemic inequities, the Foundation for Indigenous Legal Aid & Advocacy (FILAA) designs and implements evidence-based programs that empower underserved Indigenous communities and facilitate measurable, sustainable development.
Through collaboration with tribal community leaders, universities, and private partners, our team leverages comprehensive research to optimize resources and maximize collective impact.
Over the next several months, we will be growing our collaboration efforts and please be on the look out as we announce our new partnerships.
Initiate a Partnership for Lasting Impact
If you would like to become a partner with the Foundation for Indigenous Legal Aid & Advocacy or if you wish to demonstrate interest in offering your talents to our organization, please complete this form and one of our team members will respond promptly to discuss how you would like to work together with FILAA.