The many variations of mica minerals come from the diverse ways in which they are formed. Easily recognizable by the brilliant shine of its crystalline layers, mica is responsible for the flashes of light seen in many composite rocks. When combined with other minerals, mica forms the strongest of rocks.

Every culture has its own unique brilliance and strength. MICA Group brings other “minerals” – in the form of partners – to our projects so that, when combined, cultures and nations form the strongest of rocks.

In 2006, Wilma Mankiller (Cherokee) and Della Warrior (Otoe-Missouria) established the MICA Group as a vehicle to share their fundraising and programmatic expertise with underserved Indigenous communities. The founders recognized that Indigenous communities need greater access to public and philanthropic support and sustainable partnerships. They understood that, in Indigenous communities, only community-driven approaches would be effective and sustainable. Incubated for three years under the umbrella of Chief Mankiller’s nonprofit, One Fire, MICA was a fiscally sponsored project of the Tides Foundation from 2009-2017.

In 2017, MICA became a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization in its own right. Although Chief Mankiller passed away in 2010, MICA President and CEO Della Warrior ensures that the Founders’ vision of strong, culturally rich, sovereign Native communities guides MICA today.

With working relationships with over 300 Tribal Nations, federal agencies, NGOs, mission-aligned corporations, and private philanthropy, MICA is well-positioned to encourage Tribes and Tribal communities to dream big for their people and to support them in mobilizing resources to make these dreams achievable.