Tiwahe Foundation
  • About
    • Reports and Financials
    • Contact Us
  • Programs
    • AIFEP
    • Oyate Leadership Network
    • Linking Leaders Partnership
  • News + Stories
    • Events
    • Grantee Stories
  • Donate
  • Menu Menu
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Honoring Our Relatives: 2022 AIFEP Recipients

As Indigenous peoples, our strength comes from our community. Our flagship program, AIFEP, starts by investing in Native individuals. When one member of our tiwahe (family in Dakota) thrives, it ripples out to their families, and eventually their communities.

Last Saturday, our tiwahe was able to meet and celebrate our relatives. Staff, board of directors and members of our Wisdom Council joined together to honor AIFEP recipients from 2022.

Receiving an investment through AIFEP is just the start of our relationship with recipients. We are the proud family members cheering on our relatives for all of their successes.

Thank you to Spirit Boy Drum Group for sharing prayers with your drum and songs.

Our meal at the honoring was by Old Southern BBQ, a local, Native-owned restaurant. Thank you to the Minnesota Humanities Center for hosting the event and continuing to support our work.

James Vukelich shared his journey with us and gave the keynote at the honoring. James received an AIFEP investment in 2018 to purchase a laptop and equipment to create “Ojibwe Word of the Day” videos. A descendant of Turtle Mountain Ojibwe, James is a renowned international speaker, digital creator and author.

“Your spirit is strong and that will take our people forward. Thank you for trusting us with your dream, together those dreams become reality.”

Carrie Day AspinwallWisdom Council Member

 Although there isn’t a precise translation of philanthropy, there is one word we use in anishinaabemowin that I think is perfect. If you looked in Lakota, Dakota, Nakota and Haudensoanse (Iroquois), you would probably find an equal word.

For us the word would be zhawenim. It does not just have a binary translation- zhawenim can mean to love unconditionally, to have compassion, empathy or pity for someone, as well as to bless them.

The very first time I applied for Tiwahe grant, I feel like I was shown zhawenim, that unconditional love.

James Vukelvich2018 AIFEP Recipient, Turtle Mountain Ojibwe descendant, Author, Speaker, and Digital Creator

To our AIFEP recipients, it has been a great pleasure to work with many of you throughout your journey, through your application process and as you saw your goals come to fruition. I am honored to be a part of your journey today as we recognize your goal and the impact it will have on our community.

Tony DrewsAIFEP Program Coordinator

jeams

Tony Drews is with James Vukelvich, AIFEP alumni who gave the keynote speech.

53187332334_cb368a5de1_k

2022 AIFEP Recipients

P9090084

Reid Raymond, member of Tiwahe Foundation's board of directors, speaks.

P9090090

Wisdom Council member, Carrie Day Aspinwall, shares hope for the future.

P9090102

P9090109

Amalia Galvan and Derek Nichols (AIFEP Recipients) pictured with Tony Drews.

P9090111

Tony Drews with Spirit Boy Drum Gropu.

P9090114

2022 AIFEP Recipient

P9090117

James Vukelvich signs books for AIFEP recipients.

P9090133

2023 Tiwahe Foundation Staff, from left to right: Tony Drews, Nikki Pieratos, Tyra Payer, and Baswewe Gayle.

P9090134

The Seven Grandfather Teachings from book by James Vukelvich.

53187634973_c860cbb096_o

2022 AIFEP Recipients and AIFEP alumni

Copyright © 2021 Tiwahe Foundation
332 Minnesota St., Suite W1520, Saint Paul, MN 55101

612-722-0999

Newsletter Sign-up

Sign up to our newsletter for program updates, AIFEP stories, community events, and resources for our people.

Announcing Our Oyate Leadership Network Director!
Scroll to top