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Copyright © 2021 Tiwahe Foundation
125 SE Main St, Suite 222, Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-722-0999
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December 2019
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Shirley Sneve as New CEO
Connect and learn more at Tiwahe’s Circle of Giving Event, November 14
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The Tiwahe Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of our new president and CEO, Shirley K. Sneve. Shirley is a longtime advocate and community leader whose experience and passion will further the Foundation’s mission: providing resources to American Indian people to live culturally centered, economically independent, and healthy lives—grounded in sovereignty and Indigenous worldview.
Shirley brings a powerful range of experience to this work. Most recently, as executive director at Vision Maker Media (VMM) she has helped VMM empower and engage Native People to share stories that represent the cultures, experiences, and values of Native Americans through Public Broadcasting. A member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Shirley served as director of Arts Extension Service in Amherst, MA, and the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science’s Visual Arts Center in Sioux Falls, SD. She has been an adjunct professor of Native American Studies and began her career as a producer at South Dakota Public Broadcasting. Shirley is secretary of the Native Americans in Philanthropy Board of Directors.
“I am very excited that Shirley Sneve will be taking the role of Tiwahe President and CEO,” said Tiwahe Foundation Board Chair Amanda Norman. “In her new position, Shirley will continue to exemplify a dedication to philanthropy, collaboration and support within our American Indian and broader communities. Please join me in celebrating our success and welcoming Shirley as the new President and CEO of The Tiwahe Foundation at our Circle of Giving Event on November 14.”
“I have long admired the work the Tiwahe Foundation does to support and invest in Minnesota’s American Indian community,” said Shirley. “I’m truly honored to join the team and have this opportunity to work alongside the Board and staff as we pursue the Foundation’s mission.”
Shirley will start at the Tiwahe Foundation part-time on November 11th, join us at our November 14th Circle of Giving event, and start full time on December 2nd.
For questions or for more information please contact Roger Meyer, Interim Director, at [email protected].About the Tiwahe Foundation
Founded in 1993, the Tiwahe Foundation is a place for giving—and giving back—that benefits the well-being of American Indian people and communities in Minnesota. We are a community foundation of friends and supporters—Indian and non-Indian—who have resources, time, and talents to share. Together, we all work to unleash more philanthropy and generosity that are not only held within every person but also embodied collectively. We think of this as the Circle of Giving—a continuous cycle of success grounded in indigenous culture that recognizes that giving benefits both giver and receiver.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Connect and learn more at Tiwahe’s Circle of Giving Event, November 14
November 2017
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October 2017
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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 [email protected][/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: [email protected]. 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]