Misperceptions of Native American Life Fuel Discrepancies in Hiring, Study Says

Inaccurate perceptions about Native American life contribute to a sharp under-representation of Native Americans employed by U.S. foundations, according to a new report from the First Nations Development Institute.

The report, “Searching for Inclusion in Philanthropy — a Guide to Equitable Practices in Foundation Hiring,” examined how hiring practices affect the inclusion of Native Americans in U.S. foundations.

Based on data from a 2017 Council on Foundation report on diversity in the field, the researchers estimate fewer than 35 Native Americans have control over grant portfolios at private foundations, and most of those individuals were involved in Native-specific causes.

The Council on Foundation report found that 75 percent of U.S. foundation employees are white and that only 0.4 percent of foundation staff are Native American or Alaskan Natives. The Census Bureau estimates Native Americans and Alaskan Natives account for 2 percent of the national population, about 5.6 million people.

The report includes feedback from Native Americans who work at foundations. They reported feeling tokenized and undervalued and said they lack opportunities for advancement. Many described being burned out for having to shoulder expectations that they are experts in all things related to Indigenous life, history, and policy.

Researchers also interviewed 12 employees at four anonymous recruiting firms with backgrounds placing candidates at charities, foundations, and other nonprofits, ranging in size from 11 employees to more than 6,000. Only one of those firms had placed Native American candidates at a charity.

Staff at those recruiting firms told researchers they struggle to recruit and place not only Native Americans but also African Americans and other people of color.

Researchers said the recruiters lacked an understanding of “where Native Americans live, their ties to their ‘homelands,’ and challenges to relocating for a job.” Some were surprised to learn many Native Americans live outside reservations.

“Most all firms assumed some level of difficulty in relocating Native American candidates,” reads the report. “Search firm recruiters also expressed discomfort about ‘pulling’ Native people from their communities.”

The report also has recommendations for boosting Native hiring, including prioritizing non-traditional backgrounds and work experiences in job descriptions and being upfront about how the accumulation of the foundation’s wealth may have impacted Native American communities.