Recognizing the artistic excellence, community leadership, and Collective Spirit® of First Peoples Fund's Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award (CSA) recipients is one of our greatest honors each year.  In 2011, all CSA fellows are being honored in their own communities.  Dana Tiger (Muscogee) and Lucille Lossiah (Eastern Band of Cherokee) were honored earlier this year.

Two more CSA recipients were honored this summer.  Here are their stories.

Loretta Webster (Oneida)
 
Loretta has been beading for 50 years with current concentrations in Iroquois Raised Bead Work using designs symbolizing Iroquoian culture.  Raised beadwork is an integral part of the cultural history of the Oneida people and plays a strong role in defining them as Haudenosaunee Longhouse people.  Loretta says:  "Each time I bead an image, it reminds me to be thankful for what we have."
Loretta believes that art generates positive strength in the community rather than the negative of conflict. According to Beth Bashara, Director of the Oneida Nation Arts Program, "Loretta's generosity in sharing her talents and time is well respected and admired by many in Oneida.  She is known for her
wisdom and commitment to the

Lani Hotch (Tlingit)

Lani HotchSeveral FPF staff, board and funders joined Klukwan Village members in a community dinner honoring 2011 Community Spirit Award recipient Lani Hotch, Tlingit language teacher and textile artist.  Lani is a remarkable woman. She was born in Klukwan and descends from a long line of weavers. She works primarily as a weaver in the Pacific Northwest Coast style that is Chilkat, Ravenstail, and contemporary interpretations of these methods.  She also does basketry with cedar and spruce root, felt appliqué sewing of button blankets and tunics, skin/leather sewing, and beadwork.

Lani founded the Tlingit Language and Culture Program at the Klukwan School.  One of her students said, "Lani is an extraordinary teacher. ...As a result of her teachings, we are empowered and more comfortable making healthy changes in our daily living..."  She was also at the forefront of promoting community wellness and healing after decades of cultural oppression and hurt. Lani initiated a partnership with the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium - the local health provider - to expand the role of subsistence and cultural fine arts as a means to health and economic development in cultural education and tourism.  In 2000 she helped establish the Klukwan Traditional Knowledge Camp and today she serves as camp coordinator.  Through her "art", teaching and community service, Lani has been helping sustain the cultural values and heal her Peoples spirits in this beautiful Northwest land.
You can view more photos from Lani's and Loretta's honorings on First Peoples Fund's Facebook page (and while you're there, be sure to "Like" FPF).  

Thank you to our Funding Supporters!