- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, based in Minneapolis, is one of nine organizations selected to receive a non-matching grant of $150,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This funding will support projects that explore local arts and cultural approaches to promoting social connection, a sense of belonging, and mental health through the arts.
In addition to the financial support, the nine grant recipients will participate in a collaborative learning process, sharing best practices and insights with other organizations engaged in similar work.
The grant awarded to the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition will fund a series of virtual, artist-led workshops designed to foster healing for those impacted by the federal Indian boarding school system. These workshops will specifically address the collective trauma experienced by individuals whose lives were disrupted by these institutions.
From 1819 to the 1970s, the U.S. government established Indian boarding schools with the aim of forcibly assimilating Native children, removing them from their families, communities, languages, religions, and cultural traditions. The healing workshops will provide a safe space for participants to reconnect with their cultural heritage through traditional Native American art forms. Led by masters of these art forms, the workshops will offer hands-on, virtual instruction in mediums such as beading, weaving, pottery, and painting. Participants will receive at-home art supplies and guided sessions designed to foster healing, reduce stress, and build self-esteem, while reconnecting with collective, intergenerational cultural practices.
To complement the art workshops, the project will also involve a licensed mental health professional and will promote fieldwide learning through public webinars. These resources will offer guidance on facilitating virtual healing art workshops for marginalized and trauma-affected communities, with a focus on respecting and honoring participants' stories, experiences, and cultural beliefs.
More Stories Like This
Artesian Arts Festival Call for ArtistsHere's What's Going On in Indian Country Dec. 6 — Dec. 12
The Grand Rapids Public Museum Announces Anishinabek: The People of This Place Exhibit Redesign Collaboration
Vanderbilt Honors Mater; Hushtola Art Market Draws Near
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.
