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Our Mission

Our North Star as an organization
Providing the Urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community in the greater DMV metropolitan area with an Indigenous knowledge and culture hub through customized and culturally based platforms, forums, practices and organically grown community initiatives.

Our Vision

Our vision for a Native Community Center
A community center that garners and harnesses the local, national, and international resources available in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia area to cover the local AI/AN community needs; and promotes, fosters, and expands the availability of community development opportunities.

Organizational Pillars

Our Focus Areas

We envision a welcoming, thriving, and vibrant community space where natives gather for all types of activities including feasts and dinners, blessings and ceremonies, elder and youth events, fundraisers, and celebrations.  This space must work for the community–so please bring your ideas and energy for many successful events we could host!

Capital Native Nations was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic when simply getting vaccines, which were available via the Indian Health Service, to our most vulnerable community members was a huge challenge due to lack of a central Indian Health clinic in DC. 

We will be providing vaccine clinics, nutrition seminars and are exploring how to provide culturally safe primary care.

All of this in addition to our community garden work to power and care for the health of our AI/AN people.

Capital Native Nations sponsors lacrosse, stickball programs and is working toward a Judo program focused on teaching women and youth how to protect themselves with self-defense courses.

Our Facility

Joesphine Butler Parks Center - Meridian Hill
Josephine Butler Parks Center - Outside
Josephine Butler Parks Center - Outside with Sign
Josephine Butler Parks Center - Entryway with LGBT Pride Flag
Josephine Butler Parks Center - Entryway
Josephine Butler Parks Center - Ballroom
Josephine Butler Parks Center - Foyer to Balcony

Capital Native Nations is proud to partner with Washington Parks and People to utilize the Josephine Butler Parks Center (also known as the Embassy of Earth) to center our operations.

Josephine Butler Parks black and white photo of her face with a prominent "DC Statehood Now" button pinned to her knitted hat.

Mrs. Josephine Butler was an organizer, activist, and pioneer of healthcare and education in Washington, DC. We can think of no better home for the Capital Native Nations community as we build our ecosystem and advance our mission very much in alignment with similar values that she fought for during her life.