A new foundation aims to support American Indian, Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native artists.

The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation will be based in Portland, Oregon. Walter Echo-Hawk, a member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, will serve as chairman of the board of directors, along with Tara Lulani Arquette (Native Hawaiian), who will serve as president and executive director, and Joy Harjo (Creek Muskogee), Jayne Fawcett (Mohegan) and Elizabeth Woody (Navajo/Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama).

"In a sense, it’s part of our quest for self-determination and restoring our sovereignty," Arquette told The New York Times.

The Ford Foundation already pledged $10 million for the effort. The Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians has donated $1.5 million and will donate another $1.5 million if other tribes raise the same amount.

Get the Story:
New Group Is Formed to Sponsor Native Arts (The New York Times 4/22)