A close up of a Native artists hands holding weaving a basket.

Our Values

Honoring our values in Generosity, Wisdom, and Respect, we at First Peoples Fund lead with Integrity, Strength, and Fortitude, while embracing Humility to uplift the Indigenous Arts Ecology.

OUR VALUES

Generosity

We give our time, resources, knowledge, appreciation and support to those in our family (artists, culture bearers, partners, staff, board and volunteers) without expectation of reciprocity, but with the knowledge that sharing will benefit all of us.

A photograph of Elaine Grinnell (Jamestown S'Klallam and Lummi), 2018 Community Spirit Honoree, standing on a beach with the ocean in the background.

OUR VALUES

Wisdom

We acknowledge that wisdom comes from lived experiences and is found in the combination of knowledge and personal or collective stories. We commit to using this wisdom to inform our decisions.

OUR VALUES

Respect

We honor those on whose shoulders we stand and recognize the past work of others. We believe we need to listen, be patient and value similarities and differences to build authentic relationships.

A close-up photograph of hands holding a woven basket in the shape of an acorn.

OUR VALUES

Integrity

We value transparency and accountability in our work and relationships. We trust each other to act according to our values and hold each other accountable for our actions.

A photograph of a Native performer on stage at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

OUR VALUES

Strength

We position ourselves to have and use our resources to uphold our values. Organizational, financial and collective strength are all important to inform and support our work.

A photograph of First Peoples Fund President, Lori Pourier (Oglala Lakota) having a conversation with two people at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

OUR VALUES

Fortitude

We have the courage, resilience, commitment and resource management (self-care) to continue our work and uphold our mission amid challenges and difficult contexts.

A photograph of a Native Alaskan woman studying at a Native Artist Professional Development workshop.

OUR VALUES

Humility

We are open to feedback and learning and have a genuine desire to use our influence to lift up the work of others.

Jennifer Easton, First Peoples Fund Founder, sitting on a couch with her small dog.

Jennifer Easton (1947-2017) founded First Peoples Fund in 1995 as a donor-advised fund of the Tides Foundation to Support Native artist-entrepreneurs and culture bearers.

In 2003, the organization was established as a separate nonprofit headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. Since then, First Peoples Fund has leveraged Jennifer's initial investment to grow and thrive. We continue to build from her vision.