American Indian Center

Artist and Community Collaboration Initiative

Location:

Chicago, IL

Award:

$10,000

Project:

Enter the Circle

Website:

www.aic-chicago.org

In collaboration with community members and facilitation by master artists, non-reservation urban Indian youth will be initative into intertribal powwow culture through dancing, singing, drumming, song writing, and creating regalia and hand drums. The project will culminate in a music and dance performance at a graduation powwow, transforming the youth into culture bearers and strengthening intergenerational ties.

“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

Board Chair, Native Arts & Cultures Foundation

American Indian Center

2011/2012 Grantees

2010/2011 Grantees