WelcomeNakani is a Tlingit word for a person or entity which serves as a connector and go-between for different people and cultures.
The Nakani Native Program, led by Native people, recognizes the deep cultural conflicts that exist between mainstream society and Native Americans. Consequently, we advocate for equity and social justice so that we can enhance our lives, build our resilience, and contribute to the survival of all. |
FREE E-BOOK & PDF DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE HERE:
Our Plant Relatives: A Year-round Guide to Gathering & Processing Native Plant Foods and Medicines Surrounding the Salish Sea by L. Crofoot & T. Greene (2022)
Nakani Actions on COVID-19, May 2020
The Nakani Native Program is shifting priorities and operations to respond to the COVID-19 health crisis.
The resources that we would normally obtain and provide to support the Tribal Canoe Journey, which has been cancelled for 2020, have been redirected to purchase survival supplies for unhoused people in Seattle. With financial support from Healthier Here’s Medicaid Transformation Project,
Under the Advocacy and Building Bridges programs, we have contracted with two well known experts to produce and present educational programs on Traditional Native Foods and Medicines, emphasizing the ecological and social importance of traditional ways, the damage done by industrial society and possibilities for reconciliation. |
Nakani Native Program Supports South Sound Street Medics (SSSM)
The South Sound Street Medics (SSSM) employs an Indigenous governance structure and comprises 20 individuals, it was formed on May 30th, 2020.
They follow the AIM model of street medicine,providing medical services to underserved populations in the community and on the front lines of civil rights protest. Since our formation, SSSM has been involved in over 40 direct actions at locations such as Seattle (CHOP), Olympia and Portland.
Their medics have responded to gunshot wounds, stabbings, broken noses, tear gas attacks, strokes and seizures with the utmost professionalism. Despite treating all injured parties, our medics have been targeted by racists and extreme right wing militia groups, most notably American Wolf, “The Peacekeepers”, and the Proud Boys.
SSSM members have been followed home, chased off the road, had pictures taken of their license plates and death threats made upon their family and been subject to physical assaults requiring reconstructive surgery. Despite this, SSSM continues to provide emergency first aid services to those engaging in civil rights direct actions.
They are in need of supplies. If you are able to donate material supplies please contact their Facebook page.
Thank you for your prayers, donations and support.
They follow the AIM model of street medicine,providing medical services to underserved populations in the community and on the front lines of civil rights protest. Since our formation, SSSM has been involved in over 40 direct actions at locations such as Seattle (CHOP), Olympia and Portland.
Their medics have responded to gunshot wounds, stabbings, broken noses, tear gas attacks, strokes and seizures with the utmost professionalism. Despite treating all injured parties, our medics have been targeted by racists and extreme right wing militia groups, most notably American Wolf, “The Peacekeepers”, and the Proud Boys.
SSSM members have been followed home, chased off the road, had pictures taken of their license plates and death threats made upon their family and been subject to physical assaults requiring reconstructive surgery. Despite this, SSSM continues to provide emergency first aid services to those engaging in civil rights direct actions.
They are in need of supplies. If you are able to donate material supplies please contact their Facebook page.
Thank you for your prayers, donations and support.
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How You Can Get Involved
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Preserving traditional medicineNakani is grounded in Indigenous knowledge bringing traditional and western medicine together
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Advocating for Tribal Sovereignty and Treaty RightsNakani monitors current struggles and informs the public on how they can support indigenous people’s interests.
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Building Bridges Between CulturesAs a “go-between” Nakani provides education and cultural sharing opportunities for mutual enrichment of indigenous people and people from mainstream society.
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What We Do |
Our Story |
The Nakani Native Program (NNP) is a Native-led 501c3 with goal to provide programs that are grounded in Indigenous knowledge which brings traditional and western medicine together and to transform the current way that people access and experience healthcare in King County.
NNP conducts a series of events throughout all the seasons through our Traditional Medicine Program (TMP). We’re currently are in partnership with University of Washington (UW), School of Medicine, Indian Health Pathway Program’s Traditional Indian Medicine Program (TIMP). The UW’s TIMP prepare both Native and non-Native medical students for careers in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) health. Vertical Divider
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“Nakani” is a Tlingit word for a person or entity which serves as a connector and go-between for different people, places and cultures.
Governed by a committee composed mostly of members of Native tribes, Nakani’s priorities reflect the perceived needs of Native communities. We discern these through frequent contact and involvement with our partner organizations. |
Become a Volunteer Today
We are always looking for dynamic and passionate people to volunteer with Nakani Native Program. If you have Community Organizing, Non-profit, Fundraising or Development experience please contact us to see how you can help!