First Nations and Tribal Engagement

Members of the Cities Initiative recognize the importance of working more closely with Indigenous communities to protect and restore our precious freshwater resources, promote community resilience, modernize water infrastructure, and advance economic transformation in the spirit of true partnership. The Turtle Island Scholarship, created in 2023, was the first major step in our journey towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples as an organization and to raising the profile of Indigenous voices in in the Cities Initiative’s work. The program provides complimentary membership to the Cities Initiative for First Nations and Tribes, fostering collaboration among local governments.

In 2025, the Cities Initiative launched a First Nation and Tribal Engagement Committee, with the adoption of a member resolution sponsored by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. The Committee is mandated to discuss engagement, recruitment, and reconciliation with First Nations and Tribes as membership in the Cities Initiative increases among these communities.

The First Nation and Tribal Engagement Committee submitted its first report to the Cities Initiative board of directors in May 2026. Cities Initiative membership subsequently endorsed the report.

Read the 2026 First Nation and Tribal Engagement Committee Report

The Committee continues to meet and will continue to advise the Cities Initiative on the organization’s journey towards reconciliation. First Nation and Tribal members also invited and encouraged to participate in other Cities Initiative activities and events to ensure that the diverse array of perspectives are reflected in our work.

First Nations and Tribal Members of the Cities Initiative

U.S. Tribes

  • Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
  • Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
  • Forest County Potawatomi
  • Ho-Chunk Nation
  • Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
  • Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
  • Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
  • Oneida Nation of Wisconsin
  • Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
  • Sokaogon Chippewa Community Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
  • Stockbridge-Munsee Community

 First Nations

  • Anishinabek Nation (ON)
  • Saugeen Ojibway Nation (ON)
    • Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation* (Neyaashiinigmiing)
    • Saugeen First Nation
  • Wendat Nation (QC)

Are you a First Nation or Tribal government representative interested in learning more about membership with the Cities Initiative and receiving the Turtle Island Scholarship? Please contact us at admin@glslcities.org.

 Collaboration with Biinaagami

Since 2024, the Cities Initiative has collaborated with Biinaagami, a multimedia storytelling initiative rooted in Indigenous knowledge that aims to uplift voices, tell stories that engage and inspire, and bring people together to understand the history and the future of the Great Lakes. Members of Biinaagami’s Shared Circle have participated in various organizational activities, including Annual Conferences, the 2024 Honoring Our Waters event in Chicago, and the 2025 Ontario Water Leaders Summit in Oakville.

The Biinaagami Shared Circle has developed recommendations on how governments and organizations can build relationships with First Nations. We are pleased to share these on our website with the permission of Biinaagami.

Principles for respectful collaboration with Indigenous Peoples

Supporting the Turtle Island Scholarship

Please visit our webpage to learn how you can contribute to developing our Scholarship Fund and support our First Nation and Tribal Engagement activities.