Education Strategy
Educate every Indian landowner about Indian land tenure issues so that knowledge becomes power when decisions to create positive futures are made.

Rationale
In the community meetings that led up to the creation of the Indian Land Tenure Foundation, a central theme emerged during the discussions. Almost all the participants agreed that there is a lack of knowledge about land tenure among Indian people and this lack of knowledge has been the primary cause of most problems arising with Indian land such as the increase in fractionated interests, the loss of Indian land, and the lack of Indian self-determination with respect to land use decisions. This lack of knowledge is widespread, from young children not understanding the creation stories of their tribe, to the elderly who typically have not been involved in estate planning. Knowledge about Indian land tenure must include information that emphasizes the unique relationship between Indians and their land as well as skills to overcome systemic barriers Indians face in preserving and using their land.

Objectives

• Educate every tribe and Indian landowner about tenure issues
• Provide opportunities for education on strategic land planning in Indian Country
• Develop multi-media learning tools covering Indian land tenure issues
• Develop an information clearinghouse on Indian land tenure
• Educate the public about Indian trust land

Possible future activities
The promotion and encouragement of estate planning practices among Indian land owners; the creation of opportunities for land ownership and management education; preservation and broader communication of elder wisdom concerning land; the development and implementation of workshops for landowners; and the study, development, and communication of replicable planning strategies.

Please note: This information is to inform the general public about the objectives and possible future activities of ILTF. ILTF will not automatically consider or fund unsolicited proposals expressing a desire and outlining a work plan to accomplish the activities above. Please see our Grants page for our current funding opportunities.