President's Letter
February 2010
I began my tenure as the founding President of the Native Arts & Cultures Foundation in May 2009. Since that time I have focused on launching our operations and grantmaking program with solid organizational capacity and a clear, long-term vision. I am deeply grateful to all those that have provided guidance and assisted me on this journey so far.
In late June 2009, we moved into our offices at Fort Vancouver in the Portland metro area. We ramped up quickly and efficiently to ensure that we would be ready to begin 2010 with a fully staffed and operational organization. We have put together a capable team and carved out a clear vision and path to guide our coming work.
We have built organizational capacity through an intensive and productive strategic planning process that resulted in a 5-year strategic plan (2010-2014). This plan solidifies the mission, goals and objectives and enables us to move forward with solid groundwork in place. The strategic plan will be available for download on our website.
I have also had the joy of experiencing the great creativity and beauty of our Native communities and peoples for many years, and especially since the beginning of my work with the Foundation. I am humbled by the intricate work of the Pacific Northwest and Maine basket weavers, the discipline of Hawaiian hula productions and language revitalization . Stunning Native glasswork from Preston Singletary and others has created a whole new genre of art that is helping to heal communities. The words of orators such as Chief Oren Lyons and Judge Thomas Kaulukukui inspire us to new heights. From the songs of Jana Mashonee, the flute of Rona Yellow Robe, and the music of Raiatea Helm, the Native pulse continues. We are provoked into deeper thought through the exhibitions of installation artist Brian Jungen, and Inuit artist Annie Pootoogook. I am overwhelmed standing inside the Santa Fe Indian Market and then feel grateful for the work of so many diverse artists. I feel the history and spirit of indigenous peoples when I touch the carved wood and stone from Native carvers across the country. As I appreciate the new drum made by Tlingit performing artist Margie Morris, I think how the drumbeat is present throughout the continental United States, Hawai`i, and Alaska, calling us together to dance, sing, and celebrate life.
I have met with many key Native American arts and cultures organizations, attended conferences and talked with numerous individuals who care deeply about the state of Native arts and cultures. I am grateful, again, for the introductions, acceptance and energy surrounding this effort. I have confidence and hope in the potential of this Foundation to have a great impact on Native communities and beyond.
Though it is still an uncertain time, the coming year holds a lot of promise. We will continue our efforts to fulfill the Yocha Dehe Challenge and will launch our very first grantmaking program. As we begin to dig into this work, I am filled with hope. This is just the beginning.
Lulani Arquette
