Community Spirit Award

Each year, First Peoples Fund honors and celebrates exceptional Native artists and culture bearers across the country through the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Awards. These artists embody their People's cultural assets in their creations and their way of life. The Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award recognizes artists who:

• Demonstrate an artistic practice that passes on the traditions and the lifeways of the people.

• Show a commitment to building the strength of Native communities by sharing their skills and talents with others in their respective communities;

• Are deeply rooted and maintain direct ties to their tribal community.

Bringing spirit to the community is an important responsibility for artists — it is part of a sacred honor system. Through this award, First Peoples Fund strengthens that honor system by recognizing exceptional artists who have worked selflessly throughout their lives to weave their cultural knowledge and ancestral gifts into their communities.

Since 2000 we have recognized over 100 culture bearers across Indian Country through the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Awards. Honorees are selected for sustaining and growing to understand the creative practices and cultural values of their People.

Each honoree will receive a grant of $25,000 to continue carrying on their work.

Application Dates

• Part I - Nominator Application Deadline: July 22nd by 11:59 pm MDT -- *EXTENDED to AUGUST 5, 2022 at 11:59pm*

• Part II - Nominee Application Deadline: August 31st by 11:59 pm MDT

2023 Fellowship Awards

• Grant Amount: $25,000

• Selection Announcement: December 2022

To learn more, click here.