Innovative Strategies for
First Nations & Tribal Communities
Our Philosophy
Tribal Sovereignty means...
Indigenous Nations have the inherent right of to self-govern, existing as distinct political entities with authority over their people and territory. Tribal Sovereignty is recognized by the U.S. Constitution and treaties, allowing them to establish governments, laws, courts, and manage their economies, though limited by federal law and subject to a unique government-to-government relationship with the U.S., it also means that while Tribal Citizens are citizens of their state and the U.S., they maintain citizenship with their own Tribe, which governs with unique framework that empowers them with the ability to safeguard and maintain cultural preservation and self-determination.
Indian Country is unique in its operational function and framework of governance. Funding agencies, outside consultants, partnering agencies, community organizations and the public in general are often uninformed or ignorant to variances that the authority that sovereignty empowers Tribes with, and how they differ from certain states rights, and in some cases, exclusion from some Federal and compliances laws and framework. This disconnect of innate knowledge and understanding can be challenging when dealing with government agencies, or private consultants who come with a "one-size-fits-all" legal and systematic understanding and approach.
Rooted in Sovereignty is a 100 percent Native-owned business, with a team of professionals who have real life direct experience working behind the scenes in Indian Country. Our approach is to ensure that every decision, big or little, is made with thorough consultation, intent, and thoughtfulness that reflect the authority, empowerment and goals of the Tribes we work with. Our philosophy is that every step of every decision, no matter how nuanced, isn't made with just "representation," but made with agency, in effort to maintain cultural preservation and self-determination in any and all of the work and services offered. Rather it's writing a grant, developing a program, or updating policy, we work immersive and closely with each Tribe to ensure we are meeting their big picture goals, and that every step and nuance of service is…rooted in sovereignty.
Our Services
Let Rooted in Sovereignty help translate Tribal priorities into fundable, compliant, and compelling grant proposals aligned with federal, state, and philanthropic requirements. From opportunity identification to submission, our approach is grounded in an understanding of Tribal governance and federal trust responsibility.
Rooted in Sovereignty's grant writers are experienced working closely with Tribal leadership, program staff, and finance teams to clarify project goals, align budgets with program activities, and establish the documentation and internal controls funders expect. This includes support for allowable cost determination, accurate financial narratives, and clear performance measures.
Do you have a program that you want to launch, or funding for a program but you don't know where to start? Rooted in sovereignty can help you develop and launch new initiatives and programs from seeking funding, to developing Standard Operating Procedures, and program implementation, Rooted in Sovereignty can help support, lead and guide alongside you every step of the way until your program vision becomes a reality.
Policies are tools for accountability, continuity, and trust. Tribal Nations are expected to deliver critical services, steward resources responsibly, and uphold sovereignty while navigating complex state and federal systems imposed on Indian Country.
Rooted in Sovereignty's Policy Development & Review Services support Tribal governments and Tribal organizations in strengthening governance and operational frameworks that are practical, compliant, and grounded in Tribal values.
We help Tribal Nations transform compliance from a regulatory obligation into a governance strength that supports effective decision-making and long-term stability. Our work ensures policies are clear, usable, and aligned with how Tribal governments actually operate.
Tribal Nations navigate a constantly changing environment while upholding responsibilities to culture, community, and future generations.
Rooted in Sovereignty's Staff Development and Leadership Services are designed to support Tribal governments and Tribal organizations in strengthening leadership capacity, developing staff, and building resilient workforces rooted in Tribal values.
TERO & THPO are unique to First Nations and are very valuable laws to Tribes who choose to exercise these sovereign rights. Rooted with Sovereignty can work with your tribe to conduct a feasibility study to assess if a TERO and/or THPO would work for your Tribe, and help guide your tribe through the processes, which requires the submission of a formal program application, a tribal resolution, and a detailed program plan.
Please send us a direct message if you are interested in talking to one of our Team Members about seeing if a THPO or TERO would work for your Tribe.
Whether you need a commercial or documentary produced, a documentary style video telling your Tribe/Organization/Program's story, training videos that you can utilize over and over again, or a social media strategy, Rooted in Sovereignty can produce professional quality videos, podcasts or can customize a media package that will best suite your organization's needs.
If you're interested in talking to Rooted in Sovereignty about your media project needs, please send us a message detailing the type of media project you are interested in, and the type of support you are looking for.
