Emily Johnson Wows Appreciative Guests at the Alaska Native Heritage Center

Dancer and choreographer Emily Johnson traveled from her Minneapolis-based studio to Anchorage, where she gave a dance performance to an appreciative audience, which included NACF board and staff, Rasmuson Foundation staff, and many others from the local art community, on May 19 at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Emily was the recipient of a $20,000 NACF Individual Artist Project grant. Earlier in the evening, Emily also was interviewed for a NACF video piece that will highlight her work and how her NACF grant has helped her to continue pursing her dancing and choreography.

“The act of giving was part of the ‘gifting economy’ of the Northwest where one’s wealth was measured by generosity, good work and a good heart. That is the work of philanthropy too: It’s an honor to have plenty and to share. There is no lack when you have this process in place and the most important mindset to have while participating is gratitude, or giving thanks and promising to care for all, no matter what.”

Elizabeth Woody, Navajo/Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama

Board Secretary, Native Arts & Cultures Foundation

“These gifts demonstrate strong tribal interest in creating a powerful funding engine for protecting and preserving Native art and culture—the very cornerstones of tribal sovereignty. A foundation of this nature will help reverse the long history of government suppression of Native culture done as part of the United States' assimilation program. Through gifts of this nature, Indian Country can direct its resources to protect what is closest to home to all Indian tribes—our own cultures."

Walter Echo-Hawk, Pawnee

Of counsel, Crowe & Dunlevy, P.C.

Emily Johnson Wows Appreciative Guests at the Alaska Native Heritage Center

2011/2012 Grantees

2010/2011 Grantees