Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Artist and Community Collaboration Initiative

Location:

Atmore, AL

Award:

$10,000

Project:

Weaving the Past With Present and Future

Website:

www.poarchcreekindians.org

Funding for the project will reconnect the Poarch Band of Creek Indians community with the utilitarian art of traditional rivercane basketry. Community members will first assist in harvesting mature cane and then processing it by splitting the cane and follow with several steps of peeling it. The community members will work with local renowned weaver, Mary Smith, and the efforts will culminate in a set of four baskets from harvested and processed rivercane for display at the Cultural Education Center so that future generations may embrace this art form.

“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

“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

Poarch Band of Creek Indians

2011/2012 Grantees

2010/2011 Grantees