Jennifer Newell Easton
Founder, First Peoples Fund

Growing up in northern New York near the Mohawk people, Jennifer Easton remembers seeing women down by the grassy shoreline of the St. Lawrence River harvesting sweet grass.  She asked her father why.  In answer he showed her a basket kept in a glass cabinet at her grandmothers house.  It was beautifully wrought in design and had such a sweet smell it lingers in her nostrils to this day.  Through the years, she observed other Native art, the differences in shape, materials, and functions but also the commonality.  Even the simplest items were exquisitely crafted.  But, the traditional native art forms she so appreciated were not readily available to the general public. 

During a trip to the Northwest Territories, she planned to find a pair of native-made mukluks to keep her feet warm. At the trading post she was told a woman called auntie Clare made beautiful boots but she didn’t have money to buy skins.  Later she heard that Gamma Molly further south was known for hers but she didn’t get to town often.  So it went.  By the time she reached the border she’d given up on mukluks. However, she decided to start her collection of traditional native art.   She began her search through Washington, Montana and South Dakota and was disappointed.  There was next to nothing.  It was the same story everywhere … no money for materials, no way to get to town, and no ready market if the artist could get to town.  She realized most people thought Native American art was silver and turquoise and maybe beads and leather.  But Jennifer knew there was so much more.

First People’s Fund began because there was a voice in Jennifer’s heart echoing from her childhood.  She wanted people to know that Native art was as varied, diverse and unique as each tribal culture creating it.  With this vision, she started FPF in 1994. Now in its 10^th year, FPF supports and honors Native artists through grant programs and award recognition.  The Collective Spirit of the FPF artist community has become part of a circle and an ongoing reality that acknowledges and celebrates their diversity and uniqueness. 

For Jennifer, her little girl’s heart-voice sings through First Peoples Fund as today many share in her gratitude to the Great Mystery for everyone and everything that made a dream come true. 

In recognition of Jennifer Easton's contributions to the success of First Peoples Fund's programs, we honor her spirit of generosity by naming the Community Spirit Awards after her.