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TONATIERRA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
Phoenix, AZ · EIN 860723874 · Form 990 · FY2020 · NTEE B99Z · Education · Micro (<$100K) · www.tonatierra.org
revenue
$80K
expenses
$59K
net assets
$456K
employees
2
volunteers
500
program ratio
68%
mission · from form 990

TO SERVE AS A COMMUNITY VEHICLE OF EMPOWERMENT FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN PURSUIT OF SELF-DETERMINATION ON POLITICAL, CULTURAL EDUCATIONAL, AND ECONOMIC LEVELS.

profile · synthesized from sources

TONATIERRA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE operates the Nahuacalli Embassy of Indigenous Peoples, advancing self-determination for Original Nations of Indigenous Peoples across local, regional, and global levels. The organization engages in international advocacy through the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, supports Indigenous youth and women's leadership, and fosters solidarity with colonized peoples, including Palestinians. It has played a continuous role in continental Indigenous summits since 1990.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2020

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $1K
    XINACHTLI: CULTURAL EMPOWERMENT THROUGH CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS AND MUSIC THROUGH AN INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S PERSPECTIVE BENEFITTING AT LEAST 1,000 LOCALLY.
  2. #2 $11K
    MACEHUALLI: ORGANIZING DAYLABORERS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES.
named programs · 5 · from sources

what they call their work

Global Indigenous Peoples Caucus
Preparatory and advocacy body for Indigenous nations at the UN, coordinating statements and policy recommendations
Global Indigenous Women’s Caucus
Annual international gathering co-hosted at the UN Permanent Forum to advance rights and leadership of Indigenous women
Nahuacalli Embassy of Indigenous Peoples
Cultural and political hub in Phoenix, AZ that serves as a bridge for Indigenous self-determination across the Americas and at the United Nations
Solidarity with Palestine Initiative
Hosts Palestinian youth delegations and advocates for recognition of Palestinians as Indigenous people facing colonization and genocide
Youth Delegation Program
Trains and sends Indigenous youth to participate in the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
activities · 5 groups

what they do

  • Indigenous Rights Advocacy & International Solidarity 20 activities
    • Advocacy for Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Self-Determination
      Engages in advocacy for Indigenous Peoples' rights, including serving as a plaintiff in the ACLU federal lawsuit against AZ SB1070, supporting the Protecting Mother Earth Conference, and participating in the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The organization also issues statements of solidarity with Indigenous Peoples globally, such as those in Palestine, calling for an end to violence and genocide.
    • Advocacy for Indigenous Peoples' Self-Determination and Rights
      Serves as a bridge organization for the Indigenous Peoples movement for Self Determination across the hemisphere, providing continuity, documentation, translation, and dissemination of the narrative of the Original Nations of Indigenous Peoples. This includes participating in international forums like the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and supporting conferences like the Protecting Mother Earth Conference.
    • Advocacy for Indigenous Self-Determination and Human Rights
      Serves as a bridge organization for the Indigenous Peoples movement for Self Determination across the hemisphere, participates in international forums like the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and issues statements of solidarity and calls for action on issues affecting Indigenous Peoples globally, including the conflict in Gaza.
    • Advocacy for Palestinian Indigenous Peoples
      Issued statements of solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples of Palestine, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, an end to genocide, and urging international bodies to withhold funding from corporations profiting from marine gas extraction in conflict zones. The organization also hosted a delegation of Palestinian youth to share their story and ensured their voices were included in a collective statement.
    • Advocacy for Palestinian Rights and Ceasefire in Gaza
      Issued statements of solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples of Palestine, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the genocide, and hosted a delegation of Palestinian youth to amplify their voices in a collective statement.
    • Co-hosting UN Side Events
      Co-hosts UN side events, such as one with the American Indian Law Alliance, to honor significant figures and promote Indigenous issues on an international platform.
    • Documentation and Dissemination of Indigenous Narratives
      Provides continuity, documentation, translation, and dissemination of the narrative of the Original Nations of Indigenous Peoples.
    • Documenting and Disseminating Indigenous Narratives
      Provides continuity, documentation, translation, and dissemination of the narrative of the Original Nations of Indigenous Peoples.
    • Facilitating Indigenous Encounters and Summits
      Organizes or participates in continental Indigenous encounters and summits across the Americas to foster collaboration and dialogue among Indigenous Peoples.
    • Indigenous Peoples' Rights Analysis and Publication
      Publishes "Indigenous Nations’ Rights in the Balance," an analysis comparing different versions of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP) and their implications, available in both English and Spanish.
    • Indigenous Peoples' Rights Research and Publication
      Publishes "Indigenous Nations’ Rights in the Balance," an analysis comparing different versions of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP) and their implications, available in both English and Spanish.
    • International Indigenous Peoples' Diplomacy and Representation
      Established the Nahuacalli as an Embassy of Indigenous Peoples in Phoenix, Arizona, engaging with Original Nations of Abya Yala (the Americas). The organization also serves as a bridge organization for the Indigenous Peoples movement for Self Determination, organizes and participates in continental Indigenous encounters and summits, and provides continuity, documentation, translation, and dissemination of the narrative of the Original Nations of Indigenous Peoples.
    • Operating the Nahuacalli Embassy of Indigenous Peoples
      Established the Nahuacalli as an Embassy of Indigenous Peoples in Phoenix, Arizona in 1996, engaging with Original Nations of Abya Yala (the Americas) and serving as a bridge organization for the Indigenous Peoples movement for Self Determination across the hemisphere.
    • Operating the Nahuacalli Embassy of Indigenous Peoples
      Established the Nahuacalli as an Embassy of Indigenous Peoples in Phoenix, Arizona, engaging with Original Nations of Abya Yala (the Americas) and serving as a hub for Indigenous Peoples' movements.
    • Operating the Nahuacalli Embassy of Indigenous Peoples
      Established and operates the Nahuacalli as an Embassy of Indigenous Peoples in Phoenix, Arizona, engaging with Original Nations of Abya Yala (the Americas) and serving as a hub for Indigenous Peoples' movements.
    • Organizing and Participating in Indigenous Encounters and Summits
      Organized or participated in seven continental Indigenous encounters and summits between 1993 and 2013 across Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, and Colombia, and co-hosted a UN side event with the American Indian Law Alliance.
    • Organizing and Participating in Indigenous Encounters and Summits
      Organizes or participates in continental Indigenous encounters and summits across the Americas, facilitating dialogue and collaboration among Indigenous Peoples.
    • Participation in UN Forums for Indigenous Issues
      Participates in sessions of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, bringing youth participants to learn about international work, and co-hosted a UN side event with the American Indian Law Alliance.
    • Publishing Analysis of Indigenous Nations' Rights
      Published "Indigenous Nations’ Rights in the Balance," an analysis comparing three versions of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP) and their implications for Indigenous Peoples and Nations, available in both English and Spanish.
    • Publishing Analysis of Indigenous Nations' Rights
      Publishes "Indigenous Nations’ Rights in the Balance," an analysis comparing different versions of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP) and their implications for Indigenous Peoples and Nations, available in both English and Spanish.
  • Immigrant Rights Advocacy & Legal Challenges 3 activities
    • Advocacy for Farmworkers' Rights
      Conducts advocacy for farmworkers' rights at both local and state levels in collaboration with a community liaison.
    • Legal Advocacy for Indigenous Migrant Workers
      Served as a plaintiff in the ACLU federal lawsuit against AZ SB1070 in 2010, representing Indigenous Peoples as Migrant Workers.
    • Legal Advocacy for Indigenous Peoples
      Engages in legal advocacy, including serving as a plaintiff in the ACLU federal lawsuit against AZ SB1070 in 2010, representing Indigenous Peoples as Migrant Workers.
  • Coffee Social Enterprise Training 3 activities
    • Operating the QuetzalCo-op Project for Indigenous Coffee Farmers
      Operates the QuetzalCo-op Project, launched in 1996, to support the economic sustainability of Indigenous coffee farmer cooperatives in Mexico and Guatemala by purchasing green coffee at above-market value, roasting it, and selling it to the public. All profits are reinvested to support international economic networking of Indigenous Peoples' cooperatives.
    • Operating the QuetzalCo-op Project for Indigenous Coffee Farmers
      Operates the QuetzalCo-op Project, launched in 1996, to support the economic sustainability of Indigenous coffee farmer cooperatives in Mexico and Guatemala by purchasing green coffee at above-market value, roasting it on-site, and selling it to the public. All profits are reinvested to support international economic networking of Indigenous Peoples' cooperatives.
    • Operating the QuetzalCo-op Project for Indigenous Coffee Farmers
      Operates the QuetzalCo-op Project, launched in 1996, to support the economic sustainability of Indigenous coffee farmer cooperatives in Mexico and Guatemala by purchasing green coffee at above-market value, roasting it, and selling it to the public. All profits are reinvested to support international economic networking of Indigenous Peoples' cooperatives.
  • Basic Needs Provision for Youth and Families 2 activities
    • Farmworker Food and Essential Item Distribution
      Operates the Miltecayotl - Farmworkers Food Distribution project, providing food assistance and distributing essential items such as clothing, sun protection, diapers, and pet food to farmworkers through collaborations with local groups and students.
    • Farmworker Food and Essential Item Distribution
      Operates the Miltecayotl - Farmworkers Food Distribution project, providing food assistance and distributing essential items such as clothing, sun protection, diapers, and pet food to farmworkers through collaborations with local groups and students.
  • Uncategorized 7 activities
    • Advocacy for Farmworkers' Rights
      Conducts advocacy for farmworkers' rights at local and state levels in collaboration with a community liaison.
    • Advocacy for Farmworkers' Rights
      Conducts advocacy for farmworkers' rights at local and state levels in collaboration with a community liaison.
    • Community Garden and Park Maintenance
      Operates a community garden open to students, families, and community members, and organizes monthly community cleanups and events at Barrios Unidos Park to maintain the park and garden. The organization also received approval for the Centzonmilpan Community Heritage Garden expansion project.
    • Community Garden and Park Maintenance
      Operates a community garden open to students, families, and community members, and organizes monthly community cleanups and events at Barrios Unidos Park to maintain the park and garden. The organization also launched the Xinachtli Seed Library and received approval for the Centzonmilpan Community Heritage Garden expansion project.
    • Operating Community Gardens and Seed Libraries
      Operates a community garden open to students, families, and community members, and launched the Xinachtli Seed Library in January 2025. The organization also organizes monthly community cleanups and events at Barrios Unidos Park to maintain the park and garden spaces, and received approval for the Centzonmilpan Community Heritage Garden expansion project.
    • Operating Community Gardens and Seed Libraries
      Operates a community garden open to students, families, and community members, and launched the Xinachtli Seed Library in January 2025. The organization also organizes monthly community cleanups and events at Barrios Unidos Park to maintain the park and community garden, and received approval for the Centzonmilpan Community Heritage Garden expansion project.
    • Xinachtli Seed Library Operation
      Launched the Xinachtli Seed Library in January 2025 and hosts community art nights to create plant signage honoring Indigenous languages for community garden spaces, celebrating the library's anniversary.
financials · form 990 · fy2020
revenue
Total revenue$80K
Contributions & grants$65K81%
Program service revenue$2K2%
Investment income$1K2%
Other revenue$12K
expenses
Total expenses$59K
Program expenses68%
Admin / overhead32%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$32K
Grants paid out$2K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$458K
Cash$53K
Investments$0
Liabilities$2K
Net assets$456K
Liquid reserves10.8 mo
1 years on record · 2020–2020
relationships · 22

who they work with

  • ACLU Partner — TONATIERRA was a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit filed by the ACLU against AZ SB1070.
  • Ajo Farmers Market & Cafe Partner — Sells QuetzalCo-op Cafetzin coffee.
  • American Indian Law Alliance Partner — Co-hosted a UN side event to honor Tupac Enrique Acosta.
  • Arizona Food Bank Network Partner — Partner in the Miltecayotl - Farmworkers Food Distribution project.
  • Chevron Partner — Called upon the World Bank and UN agencies to withhold funding from corporations like Chevron that would profit from marine gas extraction in conflict zones.
  • City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board Government — Voted in support of the Centzonmilpan Community Heritage Garden expansion project.
  • Continental Commission Abya Yala Partner — Organized the "Encounter of Indigenous Peoples of Abya Yala for Self Determination – Decolonization" press release.
  • Early Bird Vegan Partner — Sells QuetzalCo-op Cafetzin coffee.
  • Global Indigenous Peoples Caucus Partner — Annual co-host for the caucus.
  • Global Indigenous Women’s Caucus Partner — Annual co-host for the caucus.
  • Honor the Earth Partner — Guest with Tonatierra at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
  • Indigenous Environmental Network Partner — Held the Protecting Mother Earth Conference, which Tonatierra supported.
  • Indigenous regions of the Mayan peoples Partner — Source of fair trade organic coffee beans
  • Maersk Partner — Called upon the World Bank and UN agencies to withhold funding from corporations like Maersk that would profit from marine gas extraction in conflict zones.
  • Maricopa County Organizing Project (MCOP) Partner — TONATIERRA transitioned from MCOP in 1994, and its co-founder supported MCOP's farmworker strike in 1977.
  • National Iwi Chairs Forum Partner — Supported the efforts of the Iwi Chairs in holding the New Zealand government accountable to the Te Tiriti o Waitangi Treaty.
  • O’odham Farmers Market Partner — Sells QuetzalCo-op Cafetzin coffee.
  • Palabras Bookstore Partner — Sells QuetzalCo-op Cafetzin coffee.
  • SRPMIC Cultural Resources Department Partner — Shared Indigenous names of plants in O'Odham and Piipaash for use in community garden signage.
  • Sana Sana Partner — Sells QuetzalCo-op Cafetzin coffee.
  • St. Mary’s Food Bank Partner — Partner in the Miltecayotl - Farmworkers Food Distribution project.
  • World Bank Partner — Called upon to withhold funding from corporations profiting from marine gas extraction in conflict zones.