top of page
AHA-1-4.jpg

BEING A
GOOD RELATIVE

Sacred Interdependence

Three Sisters Strategy

The Being a Good Relative (BAGR) initiative is built upon a foundation of holistic harmony. Just as the Three Sisters—Corn, Beans, and Squash—thrive only when planted together, our strategy relies on the unbreakable bond between its three core pillars (Outreach, Policy, Partnerships).


No single element stands alone. The strength of the Corn (Outreach) is sustained by the nitrogen of the Beans (Policy), while both are shielded by the broad leaves of the Squash (Partnerships). To weaken one is to diminish the whole. We work with the understanding that:

​

  • Reciprocity is Embedded: Each pillar feeds and informs the others; data from the field shapes policy, and policy creates the space for deeper community outreach.

  • There is Collective Vitality: The success of Native American students in New Mexico is not a result of isolated efforts, but of a balanced, living system where every component is held as equally sacred and essential.

  • We Advance a Unified Vision: Like a well-tended garden, when these three pillars are nourished equally, we create a sustainable environment where our students don't just survive, but flourish for generations.

What People Say

Darius Lee Smith (Diné), Chair of the Native Leadership Collective of ABQ and the Executive Director of the Native Professional Advancement Center (powered by the NIYC)

"The Native Leadership Collective of ABQ (NLC) welcomes this report as a powerful tool for positive change. We, as community leaders, recognize the inherent collective wisdom of urban Natives to uplift youth. This collaborative effort underscores the critical importance of community involvement in the future success of Native students. The NLC is committed to working with the community in moving forward the recommendations of this report."

© 2026 by One Generation, a Project of the Tides Center

bottom of page