Maada'ookiing ('distribution') exists to strengthen relationships with Indigenous community, build partnerships with Tribal Nations and communities, and expand capacity in Northeast Minnesota. Maada’ookiing recognizes that Indigenous people are actively resilient and rich in creative solutions that strengthen and sustain Indigenous community, and it provides support to grassroots, Indigenous-led c
ommunity building that happens outside of formally organized groups or organizations. A grant opportunity offers funding up to $2,500 for Tribal citizens, descendants, or those that have kinship ties or affiliation to Indigenous communities within the foundation’s geographic service area. Grants might be used for projects and activities that support Indigenous youth; strengthen access to Indigenous language, cultural, and spiritual practices, sustain Tribal sovereignty, build Indigenous economy, and more. Who Can Apply:
Individuals or small groups who are Tribal citizens, descendants, or have kinship ties or affiliation to Indigenous communities for projects or activities within the geographic service area. In recognition of Indigenous identity and community identity, eligibility is defined to be inclusive of the broad relationships of belonging. Areas where the project is happening must be within:
• Bois Forte Band of Chippewa
• Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (District I)
• Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe (District II)
• Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and/or St. Louis
Grant Focus Areas:
• Support Indigenous Youth
• Strengthen Use of Indigenous Language
• Create Access to Indigenous Language (digital apps, dictionaries, video projects, and other creative projects)
• Strengthen Indigenous Culture/Spiritual Practices and Activities
• Sustain Tribal Civic Engagement, Sovereignty, and Self-Determination (including non-partison Get Out the Vote or civic education)
• Shift the Narrative and Increase Visibility of Contemporary Indigenous Community
• Promote the Indigenous Leadership Experiences
• Build Indigenous Economic and Entrepreneurship
• Involve Indigenous Grassroots Organizing (projects that strengthen community well-being and/or respond to Indigenous community issues)
If applicants have projects that impact Tribal Nation communities or occur within Tribal Nation boundaries, the Maada'ookiing Advisory Board will consult with Tribal Nations as a matter of respect and recognition of sovereignty. Costs that Grants will Cover:
• Materials and supplies to carry out grant-funded activities
• Food for program participants
• Space rental
• Honorarium for Indigenous knowledge-holders who assist the project (elders, spiritual leaders, etc.)
• Compensation for program organizers
Learn more at https://northlandfdn.org/special-initiatives/maada-ookiing.php or sign up for news and updates here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/cBeygB3/maadaookiingnews
