Longhouse Education and Cultural Center

Regional Collaboration Pilot Program

Location:

Olympia, WA

Award:

$40,000

Project:

Regional Collaboration Pilot Program

Website:

www.evergreen.edu/longhouse

Artist in Residence Program

As one of five public service centers at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, the “House of Welcome” mission is to promote indigenous arts and cultures. Originally focused exclusively on Pacific Northwest tribal artists, the Longhouse Education and Cultural Center now works on a national and international level with indigenous artists from the Pacific Rim. They maintain a Native artist marketing service, art sales, art exhibitions, artist gatherings, artist-in-residence workshops as well as a grants program for individual artists and for communities to bring master artists to teach.

“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.

Longhouse Education and Cultural Center

2011/2012 Grantees

2010/2011 Grantees