Tiwahe Foundation

08/14/2026

Last weekend at our Oyate Leaders retreat, we spent time talking about what solidarity with other communities looks like when it is rooted in our own ways of being. Our LinkingLeaders partners joined us for part of these discussions.

We kept coming back to the deep generosity of our people: how we show up even when we are tired, even when it costs us, and even when we are carrying a lot ourselves.

Elder Linda Eagle Speaker shared one example from the Metro Surge. Our elders were exhausted already, but a number of elders in South Minneapolis and reservations across Minnesota still came forward because they knew our young people and families were scared and in distress. They met in groups, one-on-one, and virtually to deliver healing. Linda used her grant resources for gas cards so elders traveling into the city could be supported in showing up.

But she also reminded us that when we call on our elders, we have a responsibility to care for them while they are caring for us—to resource them, feed them, give them a good place to rest, visit with them, and also tend to their spirits.

Elder Susan Ninham shared this quote about growing and developing into a wise elder: “Your capacity was given to you already; it’s your job to harvest it.”

It was such a simple and powerful example of what we talked about throughout our time together: mutual aid and solidarity aren’t practices our people turn on in a crisis. Reciprocity is part of our way of life.

This is just one example of what solidarity and care can look like.

08/10/2026

Our AIFEP Workshop took place July 30, 2026 at the MN Humanities Center in St. Paul with 40+ potential new grantees. Tony Drews used the medicine wheel to illustrate a balanced grant application—grant goal, plan, impact, and budget—and encouraged participants to keep each element of the application in balance and fully developed.

08/05/2026

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to attend the Health Board of Minneapolis Native Youth Day, and left feeling inspired by the incredible sense of community that filled the day.

At Tiwahe Foundation, we believe that when Native organizations support one another and uplift each other's work, our communities grow stronger. We encourage organizations across our communities to continue investing in events and opportunities that recognize, empower, and celebrate our Native youth. They are our future, and they deserve spaces where they can build connections, embrace their culture, and simply enjoy being kids.

07/29/2026

Travis Bush, Oyate facilitator, reminds our newest cohort of the spiritual significance of Mni Soka Makoce. As people Indigenous to Mni Sota, “You’re princes of this land.” no matter how great society views us, our Oyate leaders are encouraged to maintain the fortitude and commitment to our ways of living. As we move towards healing, we will also step back into our rightful roles as land stewards.

Linda Eagle Speaker encourages people towards healing generationally because, “What they went through affects you.” So, during our first weekend together, our cohort already began learning new tools for healing with our medicines.

07/24/2026

This July, something meaningful began.

Our Oyate Leadership Network 2026 Summer-Fall cohort came together from multiple Native Nations, each carrying their own story, hopes, and dreams for the journey ahead.

Some came searching for connection after growing up disconnected from their culture. Others came to deepen their relationship with Creator, the land, and the spirit world. Some are working to heal alongside others, knowing that some collective trauma requires collective healing. Others came seeking the courage to stand up for their families, communities, and future generations.

This weekend, cohort members shared dreams of:

🤎 Building deep, lifelong relationships.
🌿 Healing so they can better serve others.
✨ Finding the courage to use their voice and advocate for their communities.
🪶 Becoming stronger leaders, parents, artists, educators, and relatives.
💛 Discovering their purpose and living it with intention.

By the end of just one weekend, participants described feeling lighter, more hopeful, more connected to themselves, and part of something bigger than themselves.

One participant shared:
"I have gained love for myself because of the love leadership shows, gives, and encourages here."

Another reflected:
"I feel as though I've gained a whole new family."

Leadership is not only about what we know. It is about who we become, who walks beside us, and how we carry our values forward for our families, communities, and future generations.

Miigwech to our 2026 cohort relatives for showing up with open hearts, courage, and a willingness to grow together. We are honored to walk alongside each of you and can't wait to see where this journey leads.

Aiyana Kline
Alexandria Beedle
Jeannine Burnette
Jenni Bush
John Hunter
Kayla Richards
Mica Standing Soldier
Naomi Bullchild
Nicole Cobenais McMahon
Star LaDeaux

07/16/2026

✨ CAAL Gathering Reflections ✨

Solidarity doesn't begin with having all the answers. It begins with showing up, listening, and being willing to know one another.

This week, leaders from across communities gathered to explore what it means to build authentic cross-cultural relationships and move from connection to collective action.

Some reflections that stayed with us:

🗣️ "Lean in and be vulnerable to get to know people. It's essential to solidarity." — Ouala

🗣️ "We are all more similar than we know." — Yangmee

We also reflected on how fear, silence, and staying within what's familiar can keep us from moving forward together. As participants shared, real change happens when we're willing to step outside our comfort zones, learn each other's stories, and show up for one another in meaningful ways.

Another powerful reminder came from the conversation:

💛 When we have the tools, the relationships, and the confidence to act, we leave feeling excited, empowered, and ready to be of service.

Solidarity is not built in a single moment. It grows through curiosity, vulnerability, and the everyday choices we make to connect across communities.

Miigwech to everyone who shared their stories and helped create a space rooted in learning, trust, and collective leadership.

07/16/2026

This Friday 💛💗

This Friday at MIWRC

07/11/2026

🌿 We're on the path 🌿

Today, we officially welcome the Oyate Leadership Network 2026 Summer-Fall Cohort.

Over the next five months, leaders representing multiple Native Nations will gather to build lasting relationships, spend time on the land, strengthen their leadership, share knowledge, and reflect on living our culture, traditional values, and lifeways alongside one another.

Every cohort brings new stories, perspectives, and possibilities. Together, we'll learn from one another, grow as leaders, and continue strengthening our families, communities, work, and Nations.

Join us in welcoming the 2026 Summer-Fall Cohort and follow along as we share moments from their journey throughout the months ahead.

Miigwech | Pidamáyaye | Thank you for walking alongside us.