Tiwahe Foundation again received a near record number of applications for the American Indian Family Empowerment Program (AIFEP) this round. We were inspired by the ways these applicants are working to preserve and revitalize Native culture and economies in Minnesota, and it is our honor and privilege to support our grantees in this work.

AIFEP awards grants to individuals working to be in service to their community, connected to their culture, and to realize their full potential. AIFEP awards grants under four impact areas: Culture and Language, Economic Independence, Health and Wellness, and Education.

Below you will find grantee stories from each impact area, as well as a full list of this round’s grantees and the tribal affiliations represented. We look forward to sharing more grantee stories with you as they complete their projects

Congratulations again to all of our grantees! Welcome to our Tiwahe. 

Sally Lee is a 79-year-old grandmother from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. She learned the skills of quill working, beadwork, and sewing by watching her mother, aunts, and grandmothers. She received a grant to support her efforts to pass on these cultural teachings and knowledge of making star quilts to her granddaughters.

Serene Eidem received a grant to become a healing touch practitioner so that she can teach energy healing modality within her community.

Isaiah Mahto received a grant to help him acquire the appropriate equipment to develop a reliable source of supplemental income during economic downturns in his profession of ironworking. His industry has experienced much more than traditional seasonal layoffs. He will use his grant to acquire equipment to turn his art into textiles that he can sell.

Devon Standing Strong is pursuing an associate degree in computer forensics at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. He received a grant to help him obtain industry standard certifications that will allow him to become a more competitive candidate in his chosen field. In addition to the certificate program, he will use his funding to obtain the business attire that he will need for interviews and future employment.

Bois Forte, Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Anishinaabe, Grand Portage Band of Chippewa, Lac Courte Oreilles, Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma, Sicangu Lakota, Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, Standing Rock, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Waskaganish Cree and White Earth Ojibwe

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for funding from AIFEP, please note that the next grant round will be open from October 1 through November 15, 2022. To learn more and apply, please visit our website at www.tiwahefoundation.org.