A new foundation hopes to start awarding grants to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian artists by the end of the year.

The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation is based in Portland, Oregon. The organization will be choosing an office in the next month or so, Walter Echo-Hawk, a member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma who serves as chairman of the board of directors.

"Our cultures have survived," said Echo-Hawk, the Associated Press reported. "They've persisted and thrived."

The Ford Foundation donated $10 million to the organization. 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.

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Foundation established to support nation's Native arts and cultures (AP 4/22)

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New foundation will support Native art and culture (4/22)