Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Awardfor Native Artists and Culture Bearers
At First Peoples Fund, we recognize that Native art is about so much more than simply creating. There is a spirit in what we create, which is often infused with ancestral knowledge, culture, and tradition. It is in this spirit that we announce the open nomination window for the annual Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award.
Named after First Peoples Fund's founder Jennifer Easton, the annual Community Spirit Award program recognizes Native artists who have worked selflessly throughout their lives to share their cultural knowledge and ancestral gifts with their communities. Recipients receive an award of up to $50,000. The award is designed to support these essential bearers of cultural practice to carry forward their wisdom and help Native communities heal and thrive.
If you know of a Native artist or culture bearer who you’d like to see honored with a Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award, nominations are NOW OPEN, starting May 13 through June 17 at 5:59 PM MT.
This award is given by nomination only and is open to practicing Native artists working in any medium—traditional or contemporary—including music, dance, basket weaving, beading, storytelling, clothing design, and more.
Nominees must:
Be deeply rooted in and connected to their Native community
Demonstrate a commitment to strengthening Indigenous
communities by sharing their gifts
Practice and pass on their cultural and artistic traditions in meaningful ways
Have a minimum of a 10 years in their art practice
We look forward to uplifting another cohort of inspiring Native artists and culture bearers in 2027. Learn more, nominate, and share today!
For questions, contact fox@firstpeoplesfund.org.