October 2017
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Copyright © 2021 Tiwahe Foundation – Site by Agency MABU
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612-722-0999
September 2017
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Oyate Network: Mary LaGarde
The Oyate Network is an opportunity for Tiwahe Foundation grantees to expand and apply their knowledge and energy toward their communities. After participating in quarterly network cohorts facilitated by Tiwahe Foundation, participants are eligible for project grants used to advance their communities.
Mary LaGarde (White Earth Ojibwe) participated in the second cohort of the Oyate Network. Mary is the Executive Director of the Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC), the epicenter of Native events in the Twin Cities area. She is currently working on the redesign of the Minneapolis American Indian Center as a central place for services to the Native community.
After completing the Oyate Network sessions, LaGarde submitted a small grant proposal to engage the MAIC Board of Directors and staff to assess the needs and develop goals around the MAIC building redesign.
When asked about her involvement with the Oyate Network, LaGarde shared, “Having worked within the south Minneapolis American Indian community for more than 25 years, I have had opportunities to develop programs, services and organizations that support urban Native youth, families and elders. Often times, I would find myself working independently to make changes. The Oyate Network has challenged my perception of collaboration, and has helped me to look beyond my immediate network of usual partners for my community work.”
To learn more about the Oyate Network, please contact Deanna StandingCloud, Program & Community Network Director by email at dstandingcloud@tiwahefoundation.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Why I Give, by John Bobolink
Tiwahe Board of Directors
“I believe in the mission of the Tiwahe Foundation because it is in the business of helping Natives and their families, which makes for better communities. These grants are not handouts, it is Natives supporting Natives. When I donate, it makes me feel proud to share and that I am part of something helpful.”
“The Seventh Generation Endowment Campaign is working to support the future. When I think about the future, I dream of a healthy and safe community, which accepts and celebrates cultural diversity. Like many in the community, I would like to pass on the history of our people, the knowledge of the struggles our people have had to survive and the hope of imagining a better future for our children.”
Please join me in donating to the Seventh Generation Endowment Campaign Donate Today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
August 2017
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Why I Give, by Amanda Norman- Tiwahe Board of Directors Secretary
I donate to the Tiwahe Foundation because of its remarkable leadership and staff, its innovative model of direct giving, its lean and responsive staff roles, and its unique brand offerings. The Tiwahe Foundation is uniquely led by a board of directors comprised 100% of our up and coming American Indian leaders. Its staff and board work closely together to create a foundation culture of growth and development.
Tiwahe grantees are also some of the most creative, well-regarded, American Indian leaders across the continent. Because of the quality of its leadership, grantees, and direct granting model, my gift to this organization multiplies itself hundreds of times over. I am assured of the positive impact whenever I meet with Tiwahe grantees. I encourage you to join me in giving to the Tiwahe Foundation today and in perpetuity.
To learn more about joining Amanda in giving, visit our website.
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Oyate Leadership Network Update: Ojiibik Root Medicine Project
Oyate Leadership Network leader, Darren Landgren (Ojibwe), launched his project promoting traditional tobacco use in his community, the Bois Forte reservation in northern Minnesota. Darren participated in Cohort 2 of the Oyate Network from September 2016 to January 2017. After completing the cohort, members are eligible to apply to Tiwahe Foundation for a community project grant in work they are passionate about.
Darren Landgren worked with Tiwahe to make his vision become a reality for his community. In hopes of reducing the use of harmful commercial tobacco, Darren is gathering materials to build an all seasons greenhouse to grow traditional medicines. He hopes the greenhouse will promote culture and wellness for tribal members on the Bois Forte reservation. To learn more about the Ojiibik Root Medicine Project, visit its website.
Mii’gwech to all our Oyate Network leaders for doing amazing work in their communities![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Bluedog Blues Band
The Bluedog Blues Band was originally formed in 2001 by Joni (Weston) and Eric Buffalohead, both American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund alumns! Their latest album, Red, White and Blues, was nominated for Best Blues Album by Indigenous Music Awards 2017.
Bluedog Blues Band has several upcoming shows throughout August, beginning August 4th at the Four Sisters Farmers Market from 3-6PM. To learn more about the band, their upcoming shows and to buy their latest album, visit their website.
Congratulations on all of your musical success, Joni and Eric![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
July 2017
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Meet the June 2017 AIFEP Grantees
Congratulations to the American Indian Family Empowerment Program grantees! Of the nearly 30 applications received this grant round, 12 individual grant requests were funded.
Tiwahe Foundation’s American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund (AIFEP) grants are made in partnership with the Two Feathers Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation. AIFEP strives to reverse the social, educational and economic challenges facing American Indians by investing in human capital, skills and cultural strengths through three priority areas: cultural connections, educational achievement and economic self-sufficiency. Over the past 20 years, the AIFEP fund has awarded over 800 individuals close to $1.5 million.
Goal 1: Preserving & Renewing Cultural Connections
Natasha Galvez-Tirado (Leech Lake Ojibwe) for supplies to create and design regalia for her family.
Alesha Goodwin (White Earth Ojibwe) for materials to create cultural crafts and to launch drum making workshops in the Little Earth community.
Donavan Mountain (Red Lake Ojibwe) to purchase a laptop as a tool for learning and teaching the Ojibwe language.
Goal 2: Educational Achievement
Ira Buffalohead (Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota) to support his education at Augsburg College. He is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.
Raine Cloud (Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota) to support her education at the University of Minnesota. She is currently pursuing a Dakota Language Teaching Certification.
Jessica Lackey (Cherokee Nation) to support her education at the University of Minnesota. She is currently conducting research for her Ph.D. in Natural Resources Science and Management.
Tasheena Lachapelle (White Earth Ojbwe) to support her education at Augsburg College. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Leadership Studies.
Rachel Nelson (Yurok) to support her education at Metropolitan State University. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Management with a minor in Project Management.
Isaiah Simon (Cheyenne River Lakota) to support his education at Augsburg College. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine.
Victoria Swain (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe) to support her education at Augsburg College. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
Goal 3: Economic Self-Sufficiency
Victoria Johnson (Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota) to support the launch of an Indigenous Lotus yoga pilot program for Native youth in the Twin Cities area.
John Other Medicine (Crow Nation) to support upgrading equipment for his business, Sacred Visions Photography LLC.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Tiwahe’s Seventh Generation Endowment Campaign Continuing to Grow
The Seventh Generation Endowment Campaign works to secure funds for our American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund, leadership development initiatives and organizational development and capacity building. To date, our endowment is close to $4million. Help us reach the Campaign’s $6 million dollar goal by donating here. Learn more about the Campaign, former grantees such as Brian Heart, above, and all of Tiwahe’s great work from this past year by reading the 2016 Annual Report. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Why I Give, by Joe Regguinti
Tiwahe Board of Directors
I’m a member of the Leech Lake band of Ojibwe. For the past two years, I have dedicated my time and money to this unique organization. Tiwahe is a special gift given to our community. For the past 20 years, the American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund has been giving grants to ordinary urban American Indians doing extraordinary things in our community.
I can personally attest to seeing Tiwahe’s impact in the following ways: students obtained funds to take the next step towards graduate school, a grandmother received funds to make jingle dresses for her grand babies, and showed the next generation the artistry of constructing dresses and dancing. We’ve had first generation college students able to afford their college education because of this grant, and I’ve witnessed the entrepreneurial spirit of a dedicated woman use the grant to start her own quilt making business. Not only am I a donor and board member, but I’m also a former grant recipient. This grant empowered me to extend my education further than I thought possible.
I speak on behalf of most Tiwahe grant recipients in saying the grant is not solely about the funding- it is also about the energy, focus and faith that has been bestowed upon us through this opportunity. As American Indians, we are taught to think about our choices, and how these choices will impact our descendants for the following seven generations. Tiwahe, in choosing to create an endowment for the American Indian Family Empowerment Program is thinking, dreaming and believing in these next generations. As a board member, former grant recipient and current donor, I know that I too, am making a commitment to the next seven generations.
Please join me in making a financial contribution to the Seventh Generation Endowment Campaign. I encourage you to learn more here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
June 2017
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Oyate Network News: Chari LaDuke-Clark
Anishinabe Legal Services Celebrates
50 Year Anniversary
Chari has been an Administrative Director with Anishinabe Legal Services for over 10 years. Chari participated in the second Oyate Network Weaving training to help build core network leaders across urban and tribal communities. As an Oyate Network cohort fellow, she was able to secure funding to undertake a comprehensive review of the assistance provided by Anishinabe Legal Services to ensure that activities and projects align with the ever-changing needs of the community. Anishinabe Legal Services is the first independent Native American legal service organization in the country. It now serves the communities of Red Lake, Leech Lake, and White Earth reservations with legal assistance to low-income individuals and families.
Anishinabe Legal Services will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary on Friday, June 23rd at 5pm at the 7 Clans Event Center in Red Lake, Minnesota with a keynote presentation by Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Anne McKeig. To RSVP, call Chari at 218-335-2223 ext. 102 or by email: claduke-clark@alslegal.org. Learn more about Anishinabe Legal Services here: www.alslegal.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Tiwahe Grantee Paul Wenell Awarded First Peoples Fund Fellowship
American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund grantee and Minneapolis based hip-hop artist, Paul Wenell Jr. (Leech Lake Ojibwe) was awarded a 2017 Artists in Business Leadership Fellowship from First Peoples Fund, which supports Indigenous artists throughout Indian Country. As a fellow, Wenell will be eligible to receive funding for his craft, technical support and professional training to grow his thriving performing and recording artist career. Wenell is a unique lyricist, integrating the Ojibwe language into his track, “Prayers in a Song.” To hear more about Paul Wenell Jr.’s story as an AIFEP grantee, check out the Tiwahe Foundation YouTube channel. To learn more about Paul, follow him on his Facebook page. Congratulations, Paul![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Awards $100,000 Grant
Tiwahe Foundation recently received a $100,000 grant from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for the Seventh Generation Endowment Campaign. Our partnership with the Shakopee community is strong- in fact, SMSC gave one of the first gifts to the Endowment Campaign back in 2009. Along with being the Campaign’s first tribal donor, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has given over $125,000 to the Endowment Campaign. Thank you to the SMSC Business Council and community members for your gift!
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth and good employer, the SMSC is committed to charitable donations, community partnerships, a healthy environment and a strong economy.
Investments in the endowment secure and double our grantmaking, build leadership development initiatives and increase capacity for the Foundation.
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May 2017
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Oyate Network News: Linsey McMurrin
Oyate Network leader, Linsey McMurrin is a Prevention Specialist with Peacemaker Resources, a non-profit located in Bemidji, MN which promotes peacemaking initiatives through community, empowerment, and skill buiding. She is currently the program coordinator of Girls Lead on the Go! and an educator about Adverse Childhood Effects (ACES) that can result in trauma in Indigenous communities.
Linsey recently participated in the Oyate Network cohort with other Native organizers and leaders from across the state. After completing the collaborative cohort sessions, she was granted funding to support Building the Bridge: Courageous Action on Racial Reconciliation, a community event planned for later this year that will bring communities in northern Minnesota together to build relationships and learn about Anishinaabe culture, promoting understanding and awareness through fun activities, art, and video projects. To learn more about Peacemaker Resources, click here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Welcome the New Oyate Network Cohort
The Oyate Network is growing! The third cohort had their first gathering in April 2017 on the Mille Lacs reservation. The group connected through their affinity with culture and language. Tiwahe is honored to host such an amazing and talented group of Indigenous leaders doing incredible work in their communities. Stay tuned to learn more about their work throughout the year.
Cohort 3:
Mikayla Schaaf (Mille Lacs Ojibwe, Witchita & Blackfeet)
Neil McKay (Spirit Lake Dakota)
Kyle Hill, PhD. (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe, Sisseton-Wahpeton & Cheyenne River Sioux)with “Aki the Husky”
John Boyd (Red Lake Ojibwe)
Nicole Buckanaga (Leech Lake Ojibwe Pillager Band)
Afton Delgado (Oglala Sioux)
Megan Ballinger (Mille Lacs Ojibwe)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Twin Cities Native Lacrosse Awarded $50,000
American Indian Family Empowerment Program grantee John Hunter (2014) received funding to help launch the Twin Cities Native Lacrosse organization to engage Native youth in the traditional and modern game of lacrosse. The traditional game brings the community together around health, wellness, fitness, and fun.
The Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee awarded a $50,000 Legacy Fund grant to Twin Cities Native Lacrosse to allow the team to purchase more equipment, field time, and a vehicle to transport the youth to practices and tournaments around the country. The team is planning to play in Toronto this summer for the North American Indigenous Games. Congratulations to John and the entire Twin Cities Native Lacrosse team![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 2017
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Tiwahe AIFEP Alum: One Year Later Follow-up with Lenny Hayes
Lenny Hayes, Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota, received an Economic Self-Sufficiency Grant in 2016 to help support the Two-Spirit weekly co-facilitation he was conducting at the MN Indian Women’s Resource Center. Lenny participated in planning weekly culturally-specific activities for the group, and supported individual group members. One project featured participants designing a mask to show how they identify as a “Native American” and a “Two-Spirit” person. He also connected with the Minnesota Two-Spirit Society, as well as planned a Native American Community event bringing together over 100 participants to connect, educate and bring awareness of the issues impacting the Two-Spirit/ Native LGBTQ people.
Lenny continues to work locally and nationally to advocate, support and connect with Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ people. Most recently, Lenny was selected to be on an Advisory Committee for the Center of Native American Youth in Washington DC addressing the needs of Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ youth. To learn more about Lenny and his work, visit his website.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Oyate Network News: Missy Whiteman
Two-time AIFEP Grant recipient and member of the Alumni Network cohort #2, Missy Whiteman, Northern Arapaho, premiered her film “The Coyote Way: Going Back Home” this month at the Walker Art Center. Missy’s sci-fi docu-narrative follows Charlie, who is forced to choose between joining a Native street gang or going on an epic pilgrimage. The film features an entirely Native American cast, and was shot in the Phillips and Little Earth neighborhoods of Minneapolis. To learn more about Missy and her project, click here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
AIFEP Grantee in the News: Marcie Rendon
Three-time AIFEP Grant recipient Marcie Rendon, White Earth Anishinabe, recently published her debut mystery novel, Murder on the Red River. A playwright, poet and freelance writer, Marcie’s new novel centers around the female protagonist, Cash. In their review, the Star Tribune notes, “Rendon uses the novel as a vehicle for shameful reminders, political and cultural lessons about the devastation that American policies have rained on Indian families and children.” To learn more, read the full article here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
March 2017
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Tiwahe Announces New American Indian Family Empowerment Program Grantees
Eleven grants were awarded to Native American individuals in the Twin Cities through Tiwahe Foundation’s American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund (AIFEP). These grants are made in partnership with the Two Feathers Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation. AIFEP strives to reverse the social, educational and economic challenges facing American Indians by investing in human capital, skills and cultural strengths through three priority areas: cultural connections, educational achievement and economic self-sufficiency. Over the past 20 years, the AIFEP fund has awarded over 800 individuals close to $1.5 million.
During the January 2017 grant round, the following individuals received awards:
Goal 2: Educational Achievement
Brittany Austin, Standing Rock, to support her education at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Brittany is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Education.
Jolene Chestnut, White Earth, to support her education at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Jolene is in her final year of the Master of Tribal Administration and Governance Program.
Akikwe Cornell, Sault Saint Marie, to support her education at the University of Minnesota. Akikwe is completing a doctoral program in the Department of American Studies.
Honor Lamont, Ogalala Sioux, to support her education at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Honor is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Human Services.
Amber Leger, Leech Lake, to support her education at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Amber is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Business Management.
Anne O’Keefe-Jackson, Lower Sioux, to support her education at Augsburg College. Anne is pursuing a Masters of Business Administration.
Jason Poitra, Turtle Mountain, to support his education at Dunwoody College of Technology. Jason is pursuing a one year welding certificate.
Samora Redding, White Earth, to support her education at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Samora is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Human Services.
Sasina Samreth, White Earth, to support her education at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Sasina is pursuing a certificate in Accounting.
Goal 3: Economic Self-Sufficiency
David Bernie,Yankton Sioux, to bring Indigemojis, an Indigenous Sticket Emoji app, to the Android market. Indigemojis launched for iOS August of 2016 and includes categories such as Women Warriors, Francis Frybread, Indian Love, Pow Wow and Activism.
Benjamin Spears, Red Lake, to upgrade business equipment for Spears Tree Care. Benjamin has worked as a Certified Arborist for the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board for over a decade and runs his own business providing consultation and diagnosis, trimming, removal and disease control.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
New Program & Community Network Director Making Connections
Boozhoo, Relatives! Mii’gwech for a warm welcome to my new position as the Program and Community Network Director here at Tiwahe Foundation. My community has been very supportive in my transition into my new role in the philanthropic world. It is truly an honor to be a part of such a wonderful organization.
I started on February 1st and hit the ground running to make great connections in my work. I will be spearheading much of the work with the American Indian Family Empowerment Program, as well as connecting Native leaders statewide to the Minnesota Native Alumni Network. My vision moving forward is to support our Native communities across the state. All too often, we are not able to have the space to work through our Indigenous cultural lens when working towards advancing our communities. Through this network, we will collaboratively work together, sharing opportunities, information and resources. These practices are more Indigenous, therefore, often more natural to our work. I also see our Native communities throughout Minnesota becoming a best practice model for Native Leadership networking in Indian Country.
We are evolving as Indigenous people, so the time is now to take on leadership roles to carry our cultural values into the future. I look forward to working together to create positive changes in our communities! Mii’gwech & Pidamiyaye, Deanna StandingCloud[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Ojibwe Leader Expands His Network
A member of the Network Weavers cohort #2, Mille Lacs Ojibwe band member Bradley Harrington works diligently every day to preserve Ojibwe culture, history, and language. In the Ojibwe language, he is known as “Nazhike-awaasang” meaning “Lone Shining Star.”
A father to 8 children, Bradley began learning about the Ojibwe culture as a way to bring wellness to his family. Having experienced incarceration and drug addiction, he understands the importance of culture and language as a way of bringing life to his community. He has been sober for over 8 years and his work in his community has had many positive effects. Recently, he helped organize a summit around opiate abuse, opening up conversations of the drug epidemic in Native communities. He is also currently a Native Recovery Coach with the Minnesota Department of Human Services at the Four Winds Treatment Facility. As an Ojibwe Language Apprentice with the Mille Lacs Band, Bradley is the President of “Ojibwe Ozhichiganan” which provides Ojibwe language products to promote fun and practical ways to learn the language.
After completing the Network Weavers cohort, Bradley reflected on the experience saying, “I was able to connect with other Native leaders that are interested in doing work that greatly benefits our communities.” He is also enthusiastic about collaborating with others, noting, “The Network Weavers cohort put me at the table with others whom I wouldn’t have otherwise connected with.” You can connect with Bradley on LinkedIn.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
January 2017
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Tiwahe Introduces New Board Members
Tiwahe Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three new Board Members: Valerie Larsen, John Fetzer and Wakinyan LaPointe. These individuals possess diverse backgrounds and skills that will enhance our mission, vision and future work of the Foundation. We are honored to have their expertise and leadership.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]
Valerie Larsen is an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Valerie is a founding member of the Tiwahe Foundation and is returning to help in perserving our humble beginnings. She gives back to the community by serving on the Native American Community Clinic Board and volunteering at the Women’s Correctional Facility at Shakopee, MN. Valerie holds a B.A. in Public Policy with an emphasis on Indian Child Welfare. She currently works as a Community Resource Specialist at MIGIZI Communications.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]
John Fetzer is an enrolled member of the White Earth Ojibwe Nation. A graduate of North Dakota State University, John has worked as a legislative aide and on the Bush Foundation’s Native Nations team. He currently works as a program officer at the Northwest Area Foundation. Born and raised in Bemidji, MN, John loves the outdoors, good food and traveling.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]
Wakinyan LaPointe is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. He has worked as a community youth worker in indigenized experiential learning and as an advocate of Indigenous Peoples’ human rights at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. He is a senior undergraduate student of Political Science at the University of Minnesota. Wakinyan’s vision in life to nourish the gifts of Indigenous Peoples.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Tiwahe Introduces New Staff Member, Deanna StandingCloud
We are thrilled to announce that Deanna StandingCloud will be joining us as the Tiwahe Foundation’s Program and Community Network Director on February 1st. Deanna is a three-time American Indian Family Empowerment Grantee and currently in our Minnesota Alumni Network Weavers session. Deanna comes to Tiwahe with eight years of experience in programming at Minneapolis Public Schools Indian Education Program. Her role with Minneapolis Indian Education was in community and parent/student engagement. Deanna participated in Native Americans in Philanthropy Circle of Leaders program in 2012-13 and is an accomplished writer for the Circle Newspaper. She recently performed with New Native Theater and is working to become a fluent Ojibwe speaker. Deanna is a leader and mentor to many Native girls and women in our community. We are honored to have her join the Tiwahe Foundation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Alumni Network Cohort #2 Wraps Up Sessions
The Alumni Network Weavers Cohort #2 concludes this month with a final meeting at Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. The Network Weavers cohort model is a process intended to help Native leaders expand support for issues about which they are passionate. The sessions emphasize relationship-building, conversations that matter, Network building for social action across urban and tribal communities and development of projects that utilize a network approach. We look forward to the expansive networks that will be built with this core group of leaders and the projects that we will fund as a result.
Network Leaders in this session:
Travis Zimmerman, Grand Portage Ojibwe
Bradley Harrington, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Linsey McMurrin, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Melissa Whiteman, Northern Arapaho
Darren Landgren, Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe
Chari LaDuke-Clark, Red Lake Band of Ojibwe
Mary LaGarde, White Earth Band of Ojibew
Deanna StandingCloud-Green,Red Lake Band of Ojibwe
Naida Medicine Crow, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
December 2016
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Dear Friends:
The gift of giving and receiving are intertwined. You cannot have one without the other. To be a part of a Tiwahe (Family) is one of our most sacred ties. The journey of the Tiwahe Foundation has been one of dreams, vision, love, self- determination and community leadership. It has taken each and every one of us to be a part of this effort and we value your gifts you bring to the Foundation and our community.
Our one of a kind grantmaking program has had tremendous impact on the individuals we fund and the greater community. Over the past year we have honored 30 individuals in their pursuits in educational attainment, small businesses and cultural activities that included filmmakers, elders, lawyers, entrepreneurs, musicians, youth workers, artists, college graduates and community leaders. We are in awe of the leadership and accomplishments of our grantees and how they continue to give back to our community and Tiwahe Foundation.
In 2010, we had one major donor to the Tiwahe Foundation. Today we have over 450 donors to Tiwahe and we have raised $3.4 million toward our Seventh Generation Endowment Campaign to secure our American Indian Family Empowerment Fund grants. Our success over the past 6 years to establish an American Indian community foundation is due to people like you that are committed to our innovative grants to individuals and belief in the creation of a permanent resource in philanthropy.
We hope you will consider a gift and continue to invest in future grantees and leaders in our communities. Your gift will be matched by the Northwest Area Foundation. Your support means so much to our small, developing foundation.
It would be an honor if you would join us this year with a contribution.
Pilamayaye,
Kelly Drummer
President and CEO
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