Why First Nations Leadership Matters (and how we’re supporting it)

Hey friends

I want to take a moment to lift up a partnership that means a lot to me, and to Earth Medicine Apparel Co.—one that reflects our commitment to community, justice, and conservation. I’m proud to announce that we are officially supporting First Nations Development Institute as our impact partner for the Mountain Messengers collection.

What is First Nations Development Institute?

Based right here in Longmont, Colorado, First Nations Development Institute is a Native-led nonprofit whose mission is to uplift and sustain the lifeways and economies of Native communities across the United States. They affirm that real change comes when First Nations lead their own solutions, whether that’s through community-based enterprises, land stewardship, youth empowerment, or culturally grounded economic development. (First Nations)

Over the decades, FNDI has awarded thousands of grants supporting education, food security, land protection, tribal institutions, and community resilience. (First Nations) Their values — reciprocity, community, equity, respect for traditional knowledge, and the belief that Indigenous ingenuity and culture must be honored — align deeply with everything we intend Earth Medicine Apparel to represent.

This kind of community-led conservation and sovereignty matters not only for the well-being of Indigenous peoples but for the health of ecosystems, biodiversity, and all living beings on Earth. Research consistently shows that lands stewarded by Indigenous and local communities maintain higher biodiversity, lower deforestation, and stronger ecological resilience than many other conservation models. (World Resources Institute)

So for this collection, we pledge that 3% of profits from the Mountain Messengers tees will go directly to First Nations Development Institute. Your purchase helps sustain land-based traditions, cultural survival, and ecological guardianship.

Quick Reflection from Denver + What’s Next

Last weekend's "Wings and Wonder” pop-up with Denver Audubon Society was magical. I met passionate conservationists, bird lovers, activists, biologists, and artists… folks who care deeply about wild places, native species, and community. I’m so grateful for every person who listened to the stories behind our designs, asked questions about materials and impact, and offered support.

I’m humbled to share that 84% of customers during the event chose to pass along their special holiday discount directly into the impact fund — investing not in savings, but in stewardship. As of today, our accumulated donation toward First Nations Development Institute stands at $155. I’m honored by the generosity and heart of this community, and committed to continuing this path. This is from selling around 40 shirts - imagine what can be done when we sell 400, or 4,000 shirts.

Thank you for being part of this circle. Thank you for believing — with me — that business can be more than transactions. It can be a tool for healing, for justice, and for deep-rooted connection.

With gratitude,

Earth Medicine Apparel Co.

Holiday Vending 2025

We’re starting to apply for 2026 vending opportunities and looking forward to a bit of rest after these last two events in 2025. See us in person, feel how soft our shirts are, and hear more about the designs AND community-led conservation projects we support.

• Saturday, December 13th - Highlands Bazaar | 10-4:30 | W 32nd Ave & Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO

• Sunday, December 14th - Boulder Ecstatic Dance | 6:15-9:30 pm | Avalon Ballroom, Boulder