The United States is home to a vibrant constellation of Native cultures and Indigenous arts. There are 574 federally recognized Native tribes across the country, and Native artists and organizations pursue creative work in every state and jurisdiction. Not every state arts agency, however, currently is in dialogue with its Native residents.
To help you address this need, NASAA is pleased to announce the release of a new resource: Strengthening State Arts Agency Relationships with Native Communities.
In this report you will find:
- insights to inform work with Indigenous groups;
- action steps to cultivate relationships with tribes, Native organizations and Indigenous artists; and
- examples of successful programs and practices adopted by state arts agencies to serve Native communities.
Whatever your role with your state arts agency or regional arts organization, we hope that this information can inspire deeper connections with Native constituents.
NASAA’s work in this realm is guided by an Indigenous Circle of Advisors and informed by more than 70 interviews with tribal leaders, tribal liaisons, Native nonprofits, elders, artists and culture bearers. NASAA seeks to honor their experiences and elevate their voices through this report. We’re deeply grateful to all who have contributed time and expertise to our initiative so far.
And there is always more to learn! NASAA will continue to grow our understanding of Native cultures, tribal consultation practices, and ways that state government can make programs and services more responsive to Native communities—and we encourage state arts agencies to do the same. To that end, this guide offers referrals to many supplemental materials and training resources that you can explore over time. NASAA also hopes to offer professional development programming for state arts agencies interested in this work in the future.
In the meantime, please enjoy this report and feel free to circulate it to partners and colleagues in your state or region who may find it relevant. NASAA will distribute the guide to national Native arts, culture and philanthropy networks as well as national associations serving state government.
As always, NASAA welcomes member questions and feedback. If your agency is doing work with Native constituencies in your state, please let NASAA know, so that we can continue to serve state arts agencies as a hub of information on this important topic.
Best regards,
Kelly J. Barsdate
Chief Program and Planning Officer
Declan Wicks
Research Associate
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