Native America: A Fundamental Part of Who We Are

Monday, October 17, 10:00am – 11:30am

Organized and moderated by Lulani Arquette (Native Hawaiian), President & CEO, Native Arts and Cultures Foundation.

Presented by Arleta Little, Arts Program Officer, The McKnight Foundation; Lori Pourier (Oglala Lakota), President & CEO, First Peoples Fund; and Gabrielle Strong (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate/Mdewakanton Dakota), Program Officer, Arts and Cultures Program, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.

This learning lab will explore the reality of contemporary Native communities; the encompassing role art and culture play in the daily life of Native Americans; and how Native America, working with others, can make a fundamental contribution to philanthropy’s efforts in advancing social fairness and cultural equity in the United States. The session will provide an overview of Native America, and then in roundtable discussions with artists and panelists, participants will explore the barriers and successes grantmakers encounter when funding arts organizations and artists in Native communities. Relevant handouts and a review of examples of how particular barriers have been overcome will conclude this session. Participants will leave the session with greater understanding of working in Native America, examples of successful programs, and practical takeaways to consider for their own organizational philanthropy.