May 2016

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Celebrating 20 years of Grantmaking!

The American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund is celebrating its 20th year of grantmaking in 2016. With three grant rounds per year, the fund has awarded nearly 800 grants in the areas of preserving and renewing native cultural connections, educational achievement and economic self-sufficiency. Tiwahe Foundation is proud to share the following stories of three recent grantees.[/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]

Dennis Jones received funding under Goal 1: Preserve and Renew Native Culture Connections.

The grant supported Ojibwe cultural activities including learning water drum songs, speaking Ojibwe and teaching about the water drum, sweat lodge, spring fasting camp and sugar camp. Dennis writes, “By teachings others how to practice our traditions, we are helping to foster and create more positive and healthy American Indian families.”[/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]

post-jessica

Jessica Rousseau received funding under Goal 2: Educational Achievement.

The grant supported her educational costs while attending Metropolitan State University. Jessica graduated this spring with a Bachelors in Psychology. Jessica notes, “The financial support was the initial reason for applying, but it’s the emotional support that is most tremendous and helpful (especially during the recognition ceremony). It was motivating to see others, like me, who were proactively pursuing their desires.”[/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]

post-dyani

Dyani White Hawk received funding under Goal 3: Economic Self-Sufficiency.

The grant helped support creating a website for her artwork. Dyani noted that the website has been a necessary step in establishing herself as a professional artist. Dyani writes, “Generosity and reciprocity are values I believe are central to the Tiwahe Foundation and they are values I work to maintain in my own artistic practice and life.”

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giving-forum

We’re featured in MCF’s Giving Forum!

Have you read Giving Forum? We’re thrilled to be included in Minnesota Council on Foundation’s new magazine. Check us out in the feature titled “The Tiwahe Foundation: Growing an Endowment Toward the Art of Reciprocity” on their website!

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April 2016

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Tiwahe Foundation Awards Alumni Grants

The Minnesota Native Alumni Network completed a six month Network Weaving training in December and we launched our first grants offered to participants in this training. Alumni are working together on fantastic projects. We look forward to launching a new co-hort of Network weavers in July, 2016.[/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]

Sharon Day received funding to create a fundraising event for Indigenous Peoples Task Force’s Mikwanedun Audisookon Art and Wellness Center. The fundraising event, hosted at All My Relations Gallery, will be a part of a series of events supporting the art lab/studio, theater, commercial kitchen and retail consignment art store. The Center will provide office, training and education, creative and community spaces for the use of the Indigenous community and the Phillips neighborhood. Learn more about Wellness Center here.[/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]

Melissa Olson received funding supporting her public radio audio documentary, We Are All Connected. The project documents multiple inter-generational stories of Indigenous women displaced by trans-cultural adoption. We Are All Connected will air on KFAI Radio in Minneapolis during the spring of 2016.[/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]

A group of four alumni, Susan Beaulieu, David Cournoyer, Justin Beaulieu and Jennifer Cross, received funding for their “Indigenous Resilience and Relationships Gathering,” a convening around strengths-based resiliency strategies and resources relative to Indigenous communities. The workshop is intended to create a learning space for practitioners for sharing, practicing and building relationships in both Minnesota and surrounding states.[/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]

AIFEP Grantee In The News

MPR News interviewed recent Tiwahe AIFEP grantee James Cross about his life challenges and his current work advocating for his community through the Natives Against Heroin group. Want to learn more about James? Find the link to the article here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

March 2016

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Tiwahe Foundation Announces Board Officers

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” 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=”1/4″][team_member image_url=”3402″ team_memeber_style=”meta_below” link_element=”none” color=”Accent-Color” name=”Jackie Dionne” job_position=”Chair” description=”Jackie Dionne is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe. She is the Director of American Indian Health, Tribal and Community Liaison for the Minnesota Department of Health. As a Alumni Tiwahe grantee, Jackie brings a wealth of experience working with the Twin Cities American Indian Community. She has previously served on the Indian Health board and American Indian Cancer Foundation board.
“][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″][team_member image_url=”3412″ team_memeber_style=”meta_below” link_element=”none” color=”Accent-Color” name=”Carly Bad Heart Bull” job_position=”Chair” description=”Carly Bad Heart Bull is a member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. She is a Ron McKinley Philanthropy Fellow at the Bush Foundation and Alumni grantee of Tiwahe. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School, she worked as a law clerk for District Court Judge Anne McKeig. Carly enjoys spending time with her husband and lab, as well as cooking and reading.”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″][team_member image_url=”3401″ team_memeber_style=”meta_below” link_element=”none” color=”Accent-Color” name=”Paul Meyer” job_position=”Treasurer” description=”Paul is a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. He is the President and CEO of Meyer Contracting. A graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, he has vast experiences in starting and growing businesses. Paul enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and coaching.”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″][team_member image_url=”3411″ team_memeber_style=”meta_below” link_element=”none” color=”Accent-Color” name=”LeMoine LaPointe” description=”LeMoine LaPointe is a member of the Sicangu Lakota, the Titunwan division of the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires). Currently working as a consultant, LeMoine has more than 35 years of engagement-centered facilitation and leadership of at-risk youth and adult experience. He chairs the boards of the American Indian OIC and AIM Interpretive Center and also is a member of the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis.” job_position=”Secretary”][/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]

A Message from Jackie Dionne, Board Chair

The Tiwahe Foundation, under the leadership of our CEO Kelly Drummer, has reached a major milestone. We are half way to our goal of establishing a $6 million dollar endowment. This is an amazing achievement in a few short years, when a group of dedicated community members volunteered to lead an effort to raise 6 million dollars by 2017.  The Tiwahe Foundation was incorporated Eight years ago and hired Ms. Drummer to lead the organization.  Tiwahe has given over 700 micro-grants (under $2,500) to individuals for cultural connection, economic advancement and educational achievement.  The American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund has been giving out micro-grants for twenty-years!

Reaching our endowment goal of $6 million will allow The Tiwahe Foundation to sustain the American Indian Family Empowerment micro-grant program for many years to come, without having to rely on other sources for support. WE CAN MAKE OUR GOAL!  The momentum is strong and achievable. Tiwahe is an amazing organization and I am proud to be the Board Chairperson.  We have an extremely dedicated Board of Directors, a skilled and very talented CEO and committed community members who believe and support the organization.  Much of our support has come from individual contributions from our American Indian community. We are very proud of that achievement. Please consider a donation or monthly contribution to our effort, it has changed lives in our community and you can be a part of helping our community members achieve their goals!

Migwitch, Jackie Dionne, Tiwahe Board Chair[/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]

Save the Date

Circle of Giving Event
December 1, 2016
McNamara Alumni Center
Billy Mills, Oglala Lakota
1964 Olympic Gold Medalist

Come celebrate the work of Tiwahe Foundation and our 20 years of grantmaking with our keynote, Billy Mills, the first American Indian and only American to ever win a gold medal in the 10k event. He is also the founder of Running Strong for American Indian Youth and a nationally known speaker on youth, giving back to community and living a healthy life.

Mark your calendars and Join us on our Journey![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

February 2016

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American Indian Family Empowerment Fund Grants
Awarded by Tiwahe Foundation

Tiwahe Foundation’s Grantee Honoring was held this past week, celebrating ten Native American individuals from the Twin Cities. These grants are made in partnership with the Two Feathers Fund. The American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund 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.

During the February 2016 grant round, the following individuals received awards:

Goal 1: Preserve and Renew Native Cultural Connections
Cheryl Feather, to support creating traditional regalia for her grandsons to wear while dancing in community powwows

Goal 2: Educational Achievement
Eli Buffalohead, to support his education at Augsburg College
Reva Lumbar, to support her education at Takoda Institute of Higher Education
Dylan O’Brien, to support his education at the University of Minnesota
Joy Rivera, to support her attendance and presentation at the “World Indigenous Cancer Conference” in Australia

Goal 3: Economic Self-Sufficiency
James Cross, for transportation to remain volunteering in the community at Natives against Heroin talking circles and sweat lodge ceremonies for Native American men in Stillwater and Oak Park Heights prisons
Marissa Goodsky, to purchase masonry apprenticeship equipment and vehicle repairs
Leonard Hayes, to support his consulting business which provides facilitation and curriculum for the Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ support groups
Deidre Whiteman, for closing costs and down payment assistance on her first home
Dietrich Wilke, to purchase equipment needed to establish a media production business[/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]

Pollen features Tiwahe Foundation’s Growing Endowment

Pollen’s story, “Growing an Endowment Toward the Art of Reciprocity,” beautifully describes the work of Tiwahe Foundation. The article focuses on relationships, alumni grantees and the American Indian community.

For more insight on Tiwahe Foundation, read it here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

January 2016

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Tiwahe Foundation Honors Founding and Outgoing Board Members and Staff

Tiwahe Foundation held an intimate gathering to honor our founding and outgoing Board members Yvonne Barrett, Juanita Espinosa, Daniel Lemm, Andrew Adams and staff, Leslie Apple.   All of these individuals have been the heart and soul of the foundation and their contributions will be felt for generations.

We honor their service and dedication to the creation of our unique place in history and philanthropy.

Wopila Tanka, for your time, talent and investment in the Tiwahe Foundation.   You will be greatly missed![/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 Foundation Announces Four New Board Members

Tiwahe Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of New Board Members, Monica Flores, Paul Meyer, Amanda Norman and Joseph Regguinti to the Tiwahe Foundation Board of Directors. All of these individuals have been involved with the work of Tiwahe Foundation and 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” 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=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Monica Flores is a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes and an Alumni grantee of Tiwahe Foundation. She is the Executive Director of Bii Gii Wiin Community Development Loan Fund in Minneapolis. She has numerous years of experience working in Native American communities and Tribal governments both locally and nationally. Monica’s primary areas of practice are financial management, program development, strategic planning, tribal government, non-profits, grants management and policy and leadership development. Monica holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Business Management & Accounting. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Business Administration and pursuing her Certified Public Accountant certification with the state of Minnesota. Monica volunteers in numerous sporting disciplines such as Coaching, Training, Cornering MMA fighters and Teaching Boxing & Women’s Empowerment Classes.[/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=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Paul Meyer is a member of the White  Earth Band of Ojibwe and grew up in  Forest Lake. Paul attended the  University of Minnesota where he earned  his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil  Engineering. Upon graduation, he worked  at Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH), a  local engineering firm and received his  professional engineering license in 1999.  He left SEH in 2000 to work for Meyer Contracting and helped Meyer grow from 4 employees to over 180.  In 2008, Paul started Versacon,  a general contracting company and in 2012 he sold his interest in the company.  In 2011, he founded Meyer Real Estate Group and is currently the CEO.  In 2013, Paul bought Meyer Contracting and is currently the CEO.  Paul enjoys coaching, golf, & family.[/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=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Amanda Norman is a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and is the Executive Director of the future, Thor Foundation. The Thor Foundation will be the private corporate foundation arm of, Thor Construction, Inc. a locally owned company and the largest African-American construction company in the nation.  She has a degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Morris and is a current Masters in Education student at Augsburg. Amanda is currently the President of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota.  She is a member of the Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable, Board member with The Guthrie Theater and the New Native Theater. She is an emerging philanthropist, and, is deeply committed to include more persons of color in impactful, philanthropic, pursuits. Amanda has been married for 19 years to her husband Ravi.  Amanda and Ravi have three children, Sydney, Richard and Saylah.  In her free-time she enjoys attending to the arts, education, travel, writing, and reading.[/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=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Joseph Regguinti is a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and an Alumni grantee of the Tiwahe Foundation.  Joe served on the  Leech Lake Local  Indian Council  from 2012 to 2015. In 2007, Joe graduated from Augsburg College with a bachelor’s degree in English and American Indian studies. Since graduating he has worked at the Anishinabe  Wikiagun, American  Indian Family Center, and The Division of Indian Work as an advocate for American Indian families. In his free time, Joe enjoys harvesting wild rice, traveling, hunting and gathering of traditional foods and spending time with his son.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

December 2105

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Seasons Greetings

The Winter Solstice is here!  We will begin to hibernate a bit more, share stories and begin a New Year.  In this season of change, we are grateful for the founding leadership of the Tiwahe Foundation.   We recently held our Annual meeting and honored our founding and outgoing Board members Yvonne Barrett, Juanita Espinosa, Daniel Lemm and Andrew Adams.  We also had the opportunity to acknowledge Leslie Apple for her dedication to Tiwahe for the past 3 years and wish her well on her new journey.   As we enter this season of change, we reflect on the strength of our community, the generosity that has blessed Tiwahe Foundation and the exciting journey ahead.   We look forward to introducing our recently elected Board members at the start of the year.

In gratitude,
Kelly

Double your donation! Make an impact by making a tax deductible gift or pledge before the New Year

Please JOIN OUR Tiwahe (Family) by making a one time gift or multi year pledge. Your gift will be matched by our Challenge Grant with the Northwest Area Foundation.

Your support helps to invest in the future leaders in the American Indian community!

It would be an honor to have you join us this year with a contribution. Make your gift today!

Alumni Grantee, Felicia Wesaw was awarded an Alumni Project grant to support  her vision for an Urban Garden

In the spring of 2015, Felicia Wesaw was awarded a Native American Leadership Alumni Grant to support her vision for an Urban Garden in Minneapolis. Watch the video to see the transformation and impact the garden had on Franklin Avenue and the people that came to support her vision.

2015 American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund Grantees

The American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund (AIFEP) is a grant-making project of the Tiwahe Foundation, which awards grants to individuals working to be of service to their community, connected to their culture, and to have their potential realized.

Reflecting on 2015, the American Indian Family Empowerment Fund awarded 42 grants totaling $83,376.00 to American Indian individuals in the Twin Cities Metro area.

 Preserving and Renewing Native Cultural Connections
  • Charissa Blue – awarded a grant to purchase regalia
  • Susan Center – awarded a grant to develop and maintain jewelry and regalia making
  • Jaida Grey Eagle – awarded a grant to conduct interviews for book-Oyate Ta Icante (Hearts of our Nation)
  • Eileen Hudon – awarded a grant to purchase a computer, printer, and supplies to make hand drums
  • Dennis Jones – awarded a grant to teach Ojibwe language and cultural activities
  • Neil McKay – awarded a grant to purchase Dakota language books for language table classes
  • Grace Smith – awarded a grant to visit hometown of Pitka’s Point, Alaska
Educational Achievement   
  • Nigel Cook – awarded a grant to help with the cost of tuition at Augsburg College
  • Afton Delgado – awarded a grant for educational expenses at Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
  • Melanie Hanks – supported to purchase a computer and transportation expenses related to school
  • Raquel Hernandez -Tarango – awarded a grant to help with college related expenses
  • Keenan  Humphrey – awarded a grant to purchase a laptop for graduate school at the University of Minnesota
  • Katrinka Jack – awarded a grant to help with college related expenses
  • Elaine Jones – awarded a grant to help with college related expenses
  • Rochelle LaChapelle-Thoen – awarded a grant to help with tuition at Rasmussen College for nursing degree
  • Ashley LaFriniere – awarded a grant to help pay for expenses related to attending law school
  • Samaria Mountain – awarded a grant to help with college related expenses
  • Cory Mottaz – awarded a grant to support educational goals at Takoda Institute
  • Jeremy  Nelson – awarded a grant to pursue a B.A. degree at the University of Minnesota
  • Lisa Owen – awarded a grant to help with college related expenses while attending Minneapolis Community and Technical College
  • Leah Premo-Lemm – awarded a grant to help with second year at the Duke Center for Documentary Studies
  • Andrew Regguinti – awarded a grant to purchase a computer and help with living expenses while attending Minneapolis Community and Technical College
  • Laura Roberts – awarded a grant to help with cost of tuition at the University of St. Thomas
  • Jennifer Robinson – awarded a grant to pay for GED exam
  • Jessica Rousseau – awarded a grant to help with educational expenses-tuition, books, fees, laptop and internet.
  • Rhonda Rousseau – awarded a grant to help with living expenses and supplies for College
  • April R.  Strait – awarded a grant to purchase a computer and pay for GED exam
  • Abigail Smith – awarded a grant to help with tuition at St. Olaf College
  • Rory Taylor – awarded a grant to attend an internship at the Center for Native American Youth in Washington, D.C.
  • Morgan Thompson – awarded a grant to help with the cost of tuition at Augsburg College
  • Adam Williams – awarded a grant to pay for tuition at the University of Minnesota
  • Monica Yellow Bird – awarded a grant to help pay for expenses related to Certified Public Accounting certification
Economic Self-Sufficiency   
  • Leonard Skinaway – awarded a grant to support his small business.
  • Naida Medicine Crow – awarded a grant to purchase a vehicle.
  • John Boyd – awarded a grant to help with living expenses while completing an internship for B.A. degree.
  • Christine McCleave – awarded a grant to start an independent photography business.
Native American Leadership Alumni Projects
  • Sammie Ardito Rivera – awarded an alumni grant to support the project: Indigenous Reproductive Health and Birth Learning
  • Nancy Cain-Kouri – awarded an alumni grant to support the project: Sacred Circle
  • Melissa J. Olson – awarded an alumni grant to support the project: We Are All Connected – A Digital and Visual Storytelling
  • Arlana Omaha – awarded an alumni grant for the Gathering of Sacred Voices IV: Annual Youth Leadership Summit
  • Felicia Wesaw – awarded an alumni grant for the project: Four Sisters Urban Garden in Minneapolis, MN.
  • Melissa Whiteman – awarded an alumni grant for the project: The Coyote Way

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October 2015

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015

6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | McNamara Alumni Center
University of Minnesota 200 Oak St. Minneapolis, MN 55455
Parking available at the University Avenue Ramp

6:00 Hors d’Oeuvres, cash bar
6:45 Program

FEATURING
An inspiring Keynote address by scholar and author Anton Treuer, and a moving story from Tiwahe Grantee, Grace Smith.
Live Auction, Book purchase and signing with Anton Treuer during reception

TICKETS $100.00
Purchase tickets online by October 28

Buy Now!

07d09f5e-78c6-4251-b618-af30de8bc209
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Anton Treuer is currently a professor at Bemidji State University and author of 14 books. His new book, Warrior Nation: A History of Red Lake Ojibwe was released September 1, 2015. He has a B.A. from Princeton University and a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. He is Editor of the Oshkaabewis Native Journal, the only academic journal of the Ojibwe language. His equity, education, and cultural work has put him on a path of service around the region, the nation, and the world. He has received over 40 prestigious awards and fellowships and has impacted
Indian country with his tireless work in Ojibwe language, education and fostering understanding of Tribal Nations.
Congratulations to the Recent American Indian Family Empowerment Fund Grant Recipients

The Tiwahe Foundation is honored to announce twelve grants awarded to American Indian individuals in the Twin Cities seven county metro area through its American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund (AIFEP). This grantmaking program awards $70,000-$80,000 annually to American Indian individuals and families seeking financial resources to achieve their goals, shape their future and make positive contributions to their community through three priority areas: Economic Self-sufficiency; Education and Cultural Connections.

Grants range from $500 to $2,500-enough to make a significant impact on grantees and the community and contributing to the self-determination of individuals. During the October grant round individuals received awards in the following focus areas:

Goal 1: Preserve and Renew Native Cultural Connections
Eileen Hudon support to purchase a computer, printer, and supplies to make hand drums.

Goal 2: Educational Achievement
Melanie Hanks support for a computer, bus card and school materials.
Keenan Humphrey support for a laptop for graduate school at the U of MN.
Elaine Jones support for tuition at MCTC.
Cory Mottaz support for attending Takoda Institute.
Andrew Regguinti support while attending MCTC.
Laura Roberts support for tuition at the University of St. Thomas.
Jennifer Robinson support for attaining a G.E.D
Rhonda Rousseau support for living expenses and supplies while attending college.
Abigail Smith support for tuition at St. Olaf College.

Goal 3: Economic Self- Sufficiency
John Boyd support internship for B.A. degree at Augsburg College
Naida Medicine Crow support for a computer,and community related use.

The next AIFEP fund deadline is February 6, 2016. Please see the REVISED Grant application at Tiwahe Foundation AIFEP Grant Application

Tiwahe Foundation on First Person Radio
On November 4th at 9:00 a.m. Tiwahe Foundation will be interviewed on First Person Radio-KFAI with hosts Laura Waterman Wittstock and Roy Taylor.

Listen in at http://kfai.org/firstpersonradio

Tiwahe Foundation Open House
On November 10th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. there will be an Open House at the Center for Progressive Philanthropy – Please Join Tiwahe Foundation, Headwaters Foundation, Native Americans in Philanthropy and PFund for some good conversation, networking, snacks/beverages and explore our remodeled office suite!

Give to the Max Day-November 12th
Tiwahe Foundation is counting down to Give to the Max Day (#GTMD15). Join US on Thursday, November 12th! Your donation will be matched dollar for dollar. Help us continue strengthening the American Indian Community by making a donation today.

Pilamaya (Thank you)!

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT TIWAHE FOUNDATION!

Sincerely,

Kelly Drummer
Tiwahe Foundation
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September 2015

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Please Join us for the Tiwahe Foundation

Circle of Giving:

Renewing Community

Event

 with keynote speaker

 Dr. Anton Treuer

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Dr. Anton Treuer is a Professor at Bemidji State University and author of 14 books.  His new book, Warrior Nation; A History of the Red Lake Ojibwe was released September 1, 2015. He has a B.A. from Princeton University and a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. He is Editor of the Oshkaabewis (pronounced o-shkaah-bay-wis) Native Journal, the only academic journal of the Ojibwe language. Dr. Treuer has presented all over the U.S. and Canada and in several foreign countries on Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask, Cultural Competence & Equity, and Tribal Sovereignty, History, Language, and Culture.

November 5, 2015 6:00 to 8:00 pm

McNamara Alumni Center – University of Minnesota

200 SE Oak St, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Tickets $100.00

Thank you to our 2015 Event Sponsors!

Minnesota Native American Leadership Alumni Network Collaboration

Tiwahe Foundation kicked off the Alumni Network Weaving Training on July 18th at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum. This was the first of 8 learning sessions that will take place through November 2015. The first cohort participants are:

  • Joseph Allen -Blandin Foundation Alumni
  • Justin Beaulieu – Bush Foundation Alumni
  • Jennifer Cross – Tiwahe Foundation and Bush Foundation Alumni
  • Sharon Day – Headwaters Fund of the Sacred Circle Alumni
  • Leslie Harper – Blandin Foundation Alumni
  • Pamela Johns – Tiwahe Foundation and Bush Foundation Alumni
  • Melissa Olson – Tiwahe Foundation Alumni
  • Susan Beaulieu – Native Americans in Philanthropy Alumni
  • Kelly Drummer – Tiwahe Foundation
  • Valerie Shangreaux,- Blandin Foundation
  • David Cournoyer – Tiwahe Foundation

Our beginning sessions have focused on relationship building and network weaving utilizing our Alumni mapping project completed in May 2015.  Together,  we are working on weaving passions, ideas and resources into a network of leaders focusing on self determined projects that will benefit from an expanded network.

 The Minnesota Native American Leadership Alumni Collaboration is grateful to see this come to fruition and we look forward to the continued collaboration and participation of leaders. Partners in this collaboration are:  Tiwahe, Blandin, Bush, Northwest Area and Headwaters Foundations’ and Native Americans in Philanthropy.

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Congratulations to the June 2015 American Indian Family Empowerment Fund Grant Recipients

The Tiwahe Foundation is honored to announce that at their Board meeting on June 9, 2015 eleven grants were awarded to Native American individuals in the Twin Cities seven county metro area through its American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund (AIFEP). This program awards $70,000-$80,000 annually to American Indian individuals and families seeking financial resources to achieve their goals, shape their future and make positive contributions to their community through three priority areas:  Economic Self-sufficiency; Education and Cultural Connections.

Grants range from $500 to $2,500-enough to make a significant impact on grantees and the community and contributing to the self-determination of individuals. During the June grant round individuals received awards in the following focus areas:

Goal 1: Preserve and Renew Native Cultural Connections

  • Grace Smith – support to visit hometown of Pitka’s Point, Alaska.

 Goal 2: Educational Achievement

  • Nigel Cook – support for tuition at Augsburg College.
  • Raquel Hernandez-Tarango – support for educational expenses-tuition, books, and supplies.
  • Katrinka Jack – support for educational expenses – tuition, books, supplies and transportation.
  • Samaria Mountain – support for educational expenses – tuition, books, supplies and transportation..
  • Jeremy Nelson – support for the pursuit of a BA degree at the University of Minnesota.
  • Leah Premo Lemm – support for second year at Duke Center for Documentary Studies.
  • Rory Taylor – support for a summer internship at the Center for Native American Youth in Washington, D.C.
  • Morgan Thompson – support for tuition expenses at Augsburg College.

 Goal 3: Economic Self- Sufficiency

  • Christine McCleave – support to purchase a DSLR camera and accessories to start independent photography business.
  • Leonard Skinaway – support for marketing of small auto repair business.

AIFEP, strives to reverse the social, educational, and economic challenges facing American Indians by investing in human capital, skills, resources and cultural strengths that people possess that allow them to live healthy and productive lives, build strong relationships, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. The next AIFEP fund deadline is February 6, 2016.

Sincerely,

Kelly Drummer

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June 2015

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Minnesota Native American Leadership Mapping presentation 

The Native American Leadership Alumni Network presented at the Native Americans inPhilanthropy’s 25th Anniversary Celebration –  2015 Native Philanthropy Institute at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, MN.

Two sessions were presented. The first was an overview of the Native American Alumni Leadership Collaboration and Networking maps. The network maps show how leaders are currently connected around important issues and how they want to be connected in the future.

The second session was Leadership and Community Building. Participants had an opportunity to get to know one another, build connections and learn about Network Weaving.

The goal for the Native Leadership Alumni Network is to advance a collective leadership movement and map the interests of Native alumni across their programs in order to consider possible joint strategies. As we continue to develop the Native Leadership Network we will engage alumni from the collaborating organizations.

Thank you to the collaborators, presenters and alumni!  We look forward to building our continued partnership.

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Tiwahe Foundation President and CEO, Kelly Drummer was Awarded the Louis T. Delgado Distinguished Grantmaker Award at the Native Americans in Philanthropy’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. The Louis T. Delgado Distinguished Grantmaker Award represents Kelly Drummer and her work in the philanthropic sector. She continues to be a bridge for the Native American community and mainstream philanthropy.  Kelly is a member of the first cohort (2006-2007) of the Circle of Leaders Program at Native Americans in Philanthropy.

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