Partner Spotlight: Seattle Urban Native Nonprofits (SUNN)

Through the Seattle Urban Native Nonprofits Collaborative (SUNN), 14 organizations are working in partnership to improve the health and well-being of the urban Native community across King County. SUNN is the first collaboration of its kind in the Native community in King County. Its members are building on work identified in their 2014 report: Together we can lift up the sky: A vision for the urban Indian community. SUNN is focusing their resources and influence to make real change for their community.

SUNN has already brought together community members from across King County. New opportunities for Native professionals and others to come together are fostering collaboration and civic engagement. More than 100 people have already attended SUNN events, strengthening networks and relationships. SUNN has also created a space for smaller organizations to join with larger organizations, amplifying their role in decision-making and their ability to advocate on behalf of the communities they work with.

Collectively, the members of SUNN are working on a shared policy platform to help guide work across the partnerships. SUNN partners are advancing equitable policies to address the needs of urban American Indian/Alaska Natives. For example, Seattle Indian Health Board is educating policymakers about the need for behavioral health services that are accessible and appropriate to the Native community. Chief Seattle Club worked with All Home to address undercounting of Native populations experiencing homelessness during the annual Point-in-Time Count.

Before SUNN, Native-led organizations have had a shared focus — but also faced a scarcity of resources. They were often forced to compete for limited funds and attention. The SUNN Collaborative represents unified public voice that advances equity for all its members and for the Native community throughout our county.

SUNN MEMBERS:

Potlatch Fund | Chief Seattle Club | Longhouse Media | Mother Nation | Na’ah Illahee Fund | National Urban Indian Family Coalition | Native Action Network | Native American Women’s Dialog on Infant Mortality | Red Eagle Soaring | Seattle Indian Health Board | United Indians of All Tribes Foundation | Urban Native Education Alliance | Duwamish Tribal Services | Northwest Justice Project (Native American unit)

Photos: Erin Murphy

“SUNN envisions an urban Native community that is united in spirit and practice, trusting and compassionate in our relationships, and fully embracing the ancient wisdom and healing that will sustain us for generations.”