Butch Thunderhawk (Dakota) presents a horse effigy demonstration at United Tribes Technical University (UTTC). Thunderhawk has taught traditional Native arts at UTTC for 36 years.

The American Indian College Fund has received a $1 million grant to continue its Restoration and Preservation of Traditional Native Art Forms and Knowledge program at tribal colleges and universities (TCUs). The program is expanding knowledge and skills at these institutions across the country while also placing endangered art forms at the center of its focus.

The program places elders in TCU classrooms, giving them the opportunity to teach endangered art forms and share their knowledge, experiences, and stories with younger generations. Apprentices and artists-in-residence have the opportunity to learn cultural knowledge first-hand from these master artists.

TCUs in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota are eligible to apply to participate. The generous grant is funded by the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.