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Shaun Peterson ('05 Native Arts) (Qwalsius Studios)

Funding Native Arts: Empowering the Center of Tribal Life [pdf]

Native Arts Grants

Native American art in the Northwest has always played a central role in all facets of Tribal life. Artists are important educators and opinion leaders in Tribal communities. Through art, people learn to imagine other ways of seeing, doing, and interacting with each other and the environment.

Potlatch Fund is proud to support the Native Arts in Northwest Indian Country. Here is how you can help.

2009 Grants

Twenty-seven grantees in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana are receiving a total of $40,000 with funding from

The Boeing Company
The WK Kellogg Foundation (challenge grant)
Supporters, like you, of our 2008 Gala

Delbert Miller
Skokomish Nation WA, $4,250

Funds to purchase tools, materials and equipment to make cultural and spiritual implements, to enhance my skills as an artist and to share the knowledge, skills and resources with children and adults as a means for education, cultural preservation, etc.

Kalispel Tribe of Indians
Usk WA, $4,250

Funds for general support of the Kalispel Ambassadors' Performing Arts and language Revitalization Initiative through September 2010.

Quileute Tribal School
La Push WA, $4,250

Funds to purchase tools for Quileute Tribal School students and community members to facilitate learning about traditional NW Coast Native art styles and carving practices. Materials and work space will be provided by the Tribal School and Council.

Nooksack Indian Tribe
Deming WA, $2,750

Funds to provide art materials for their at risk youth to provide positive direction. Native youth become artists, and in the process, re-identify their cultural heritage that has gone astray.

Kaila Rose Farrell-Smith
Eugene OR, $2,500

Funding to participate in two large art expositions. 15 pieces at The New York Fine Art Expo and the Santa Fe Indian Market. Funds will offset booth fees, printing & framing, advertisements, and shipping.

Blackhorse Pride
Helena MT, $2,000

FFunds to support their work to preserve and promote the art of traditional storytelling as a way for their Native youth to reconnect with their heritage.

Matika Wilbur
Seattle WA, $2,000

Funds to purchase a Canon Digital SLR Camera in support of her projects entitled 1) Save the Indian and Kill the Man, 2) I-human and 3) We Are One People

Northwest Indian College
Bellingham WA, $2,000

Funds to support a three-day Weavers Teaching Weavers Conference plus Native Arts Sale Day to be held April 21 -24, 2010.

One Sky tchnk'wasq'it Arts Council
Plummer ID, $2,000

Funds for a laptop, printer, software and website development funds for their newly formed tchnk'wasq't Art Council so that they can promote their Tribe's artists and artwork via a website and also coordinate our Council's work.

Shaun Peterson
Fife WA, $2,000

Funds to begin the process of making paddles Natives can afford. Possible to grow into a Native company where capital will allow for the creation of other items.

Mark Charles
Port Angeles WA, $1,000

Funding to purchase a shed to keep the artist's band saw and other carving equipment in. Also to build a little awning in front of the shed to work under.

Anthony Callaway
Seattle WA, $750