Our Organization
Aligned with our mission and values, in 2022 Local Contexts was incorporated as a non-profit organization under the laws and jurisdiction of the Navajo Nation. We have applied for a tax ID and plan to file for non-profit status with the US Internal Revenue Service.
Our Council
The Local Contexts Council is responsible for the strategic framework that ensures the organization’s activities reflect its values and drive its mission success. Currently, the Council includes founders of Local Contexts as Charter Members, as well as invited community members. We will transition to an elected Council in 2023, when we put in place our Member and Subscriber policies. At that point, Member representatives are eligible to serve on Council through a nominations and elections process.
Council Responsibilities
The Council is supported by staff who work with the Council on management of Local Contexts programs. We strive for maximum transparency by posting summaries of our Council meetings and we commit to posting our annual IRS Form 990 financial reports.
Founding Council Members
Laure Haak
Secretary (non-voting)
Edwin Oh
Treasurer (non-voting)
Our Core Principles
1. We prioritize Indigenous sovereignty and ethical data governance. Our work transcends discipline, geographic, national, and institutional boundaries.
2. We have responsibilities and obligations to support Indigenous peoples, communities, and organizations and strive for maximal engagement aligned with our core values.
3. Our platform and services are designed to enable Indigenous community adoption and direct and indirect benefits to Indigenous peoples.
4. We encourage partnership between Local Contexts and those interested in Indigenous sovereignty, data sovereignty, intellectual property, and community management of cultural and other heritage, genetic resources, and community knowledge.
5. We devise creative solutions that meet Indigenous community needs and acknowledge the contexts in which we work.
Related Links
Bylaws
Council Policies
Council Meeting Summaries
Certificate of Incorporation
Articles of Incorporation