The Waterers

Trust-Based Philanthropy: Lessons from Holly Doll's Experience

In this enlightening episode of the Waterers Podcast, we engage with Holly Doll, an artist and cultural advocate hailing from Bismarck, North Dakota, and a proud member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Holly, who specializes in Lakota beadwork and quillwork, emphasizes the profound influence of her cultural heritage on her artistic practice and community involvement. Beyond her artistry, she serves as the Program Director for Ignite Rural with the Department of Public Transformation and as a Program Manager with Arts Midwest, where she champions grassroots initiatives and supports local artists. Throughout our discussion, Holly articulates the essential need for trust in philanthropy, advocating for a shift toward a model that prioritizes community engagement and long-term relationships over traditional risk-averse approaches. This conversation not only highlights Holly's multifaceted contributions to the arts but also underscores the importance of nurturing creativity and cultural sustainability within Native communities. Holly Doll, a distinguished artist and a proud member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, delineates her artistic journey and multifaceted professional roles in a captivating narrative. Residing in Bismarck, North Dakota, Holly has been steeped in the Lakota traditions of beadwork and quillwork since the tender age of two, under the nurturing guidance of her mother. This early exposure instilled in her a profound connection to her cultural heritage, which she adeptly weaves into her artistic endeavors and community engagements. Beyond her artistry, Holly serves as the Program Director for Ignite Rural with the Department of Public Transformation and as a Program Manager with Arts Midwest, where she applies her extensive experience in arts administration to advocate for the support of artists and cultural initiatives, particularly within BIPOC communities. Throughout the episode, Holly articulates the significance of cultural values in her work and emphasizes the need for trust-based approaches in philanthropy that prioritize relationship-building over traditional risk mitigation strategies. Her insights into the transformative power of grassroots initiatives resonate deeply, illustrating how art can serve as a catalyst for community empowerment and cultural sustainability. Takeaways: 1. Holly Doll is a multifaceted artist and advocate deeply rooted in her Lakota heritage, specializing in traditional beadwork and quillwork passed down through generations. 2. Her extensive experience in the arts and culture nonprofit sector shapes her approach to community engagement and artist support, emphasizing the importance of cultural values. 3. Holly's collaboration with the Waterers collective highlights innovative practices in philanthropy, focusing on trust-based relationships and the empowerment of Native artists. 4. She asserts that traditional philanthropy often overlooks the complexities of Native artistry, advocating for a broader understanding of cultural expressions beyond stereotypes. 5. Holly emphasizes the significance of building lasting relationships with Native communities through communication and mutual understanding, moving at the 'speed of trust'. 6. The podcast illustrates the critical need for philanthropic organizations to adapt their methodologies to genuinely support Native artists and communities by prioritizing intention and impact over rigid frameworks.

Frederick Edwards Jr. on Fostering Community Unity through Narrative Justice

Frederick Edwards Jr., the esteemed Creative Director and teaching artist, exemplifies the transformative power of community engagement and narrative justice. In dialogue with host Joe Williams, we delve into his innovative initiatives, Umoja and Fred’s Dissonance, designed to empower youth through leadership, cultural awareness, and creative expression. Fred's personal journey, marked by resilience and a commitment to fostering positive change, illuminates the profound impact of storytelling in addressing societal gaps. Engaging with diverse audiences, he emphasizes the necessity of creating spaces where individuals can voice their experiences and heal collectively. Join us as we explore the intersection of creativity and community empowerment, underscoring the vital role of narrative in fostering unity and belonging. The Waterers Podcast serves as a powerful platform for amplifying the voices of those engaged in community-led change, particularly focusing on the transformative initiatives spearheaded by individuals like Fred Edwards Jr. A distinguished Creative Director and teaching artist from the Great Plains, Edwards has dedicated his career to fostering narrative justice and community empowerment through innovative programs such as Umoja and Fred's Dissonance. In this episode, Fred shares his profound insights into how his upbringing and personal experiences have shaped his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of emotional ecosystems in community building. The conversation delves into the impact of grassroots initiatives in the Fargo-Moorhead area, highlighting the critical need for culturally relevant curricula that address societal gaps and empower youth to pursue meaningful careers. Fred's resilience and commitment to creating safe spaces for dialogue and artistic expression resonate throughout the discussion, offering listeners a glimpse into the transformative power of storytelling and community engagement. Takeaways: * Fred Edwards exemplifies a commitment to narrative justice through transformative community programs like Umoja. * Umoja focuses on guiding youth towards meaningful careers by fostering leadership and cultural awareness. * Fred's Dissonance serves as a multi-generational initiative that reshapes educational paradigms with relevant curricula. * Creative expression through poetry has been vital in Fred's personal healing and community engagement efforts. * Fred's life experiences and resilience inform his approach to leadership and community building. * The Bush Fellowship has empowered Fred to prioritize impactful community work over traditional accolades. Companies mentioned in this episode: * Waterers * Umoja * Fred's Dissonance * Triveka Nazarene * Black Lives Matter * Color Capital * Bush Fellowship * Planned Parenthood

Reimagining Art and Culture: Dr. Kate Beane's Vision for Inclusion

This podcast episode features a profound discussion with Dr. Kate Beane, a distinguished leader in American Indian Studies and the Executive Director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art. Dr. Beane elucidates the vital importance of prioritizing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) creatives in the ongoing transformation of public spaces and cultural institutions. She articulates how grassroots initiatives, such as those championed by the Waterers, are pivotal in reshaping the cultural landscape through community-led efforts. Moreover, Dr. Beane emphasizes the necessity of relinquishing power in order to foster genuine collaboration and inclusivity within arts and cultural organizations. Through her insights, we explore the intersections of community engagement, historical understanding, and the imperative for systemic change in the representation of marginalized voices. The Waterers Podcast serves as a vital platform for amplifying the voices of those who are driving community-led change. This particular episode features an enlightening conversation with Dr. Kate Beane, whose impressive academic credentials and extensive professional background underscore her commitment to fostering Indigenous representation in the arts and cultural sectors. As the Executive Director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art, Dr. Beane emphasizes the importance of collaborative partnerships in curatorial practices, advocating for a co-curatorial model that actively involves Indigenous communities. She shares her personal journey through American Studies, reflecting on her family's history and the complexities of identity in the context of Indigenous experiences. The discussion also delves into the challenges faced by BIPOC artists and organizations, particularly regarding funding and representation in public art initiatives, highlighting the need for a transformative approach to philanthropy that genuinely empowers these communities. Central to Dr. Beane's philosophy is the belief that indigenizing spaces benefits not only Indigenous people but the broader community, promoting understanding and empathy through shared narratives. Her insights into the necessity of diversifying leadership within cultural institutions resonate throughout the episode, as she articulates the importance of creating welcoming environments that reflect the diversity of the populations they serve. As listeners are taken on a journey through Dr. Beane's experiences and reflections, they are encouraged to consider their own roles in facilitating systemic change within the arts and cultural landscapes, particularly in a time marked by social and political upheaval. This episode ultimately serves as a call to action for individuals and organizations alike to engage with the complexities of community collaboration, illustrating how the values of humility, patience, and sustained effort are essential in striving for authentic representation and equity in the arts. Dr. Beane's narrative is not merely one of personal achievement; it is a testament to the collective strength of communities that persist in the face of adversity, and a reminder that the work of indigenization and representation is an ongoing process that requires commitment and courage. Listeners will find themselves inspired by Dr. Beane's vision for a future where public spaces and cultural institutions reflect the rich tapestry of human experience, encouraging them to join in this vital mission of community empowerment and cultural stewardship. Takeaways: * Dr. Kate Beane articulates her journey through American Studies, emphasizing the importance of storytelling within Indigenous communities. * The Waterers prioritize BIPOC creatives, fostering grassroots initiatives that reshape community cultural landscapes. * Dr. Beane advocates for genuine partnerships in public spaces, necessitating power sharing for authentic representation. * The podcast highlights the vital role of empathy in creating spaces for connection and understanding across diverse communities. * Dr. Beane discusses the historical context of Indigenous experiences, stressing the need for education and awareness among policymakers. * The conversation underscores the significance of supporting local initiatives that empower marginalized voices and foster resilience. Links referenced in this episode: * waterers.org [https://waterers.org] Companies mentioned in this episode: * Waterers * Minnesota Museum of American Art * Vision Maker Media * University of Minnesota * Twahe Foundation * NDN Collective

Building Community Through Art: Conversations with Anna Johnson

The salient focus of this podcast episode is the profound impact of community-led initiatives, exemplified by the work of artist Anna Johnson, an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, who identifies as two-spirit. Anna articulates her commitment to inclusivity in her artistic endeavors, emphasizing the significance of representation for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) within her community. As a participant in the transformative efforts of the Waterers, an organization that disrupts conventional philanthropy by empowering local creatives, she shares insights into her artistic journey, particularly her murals that serve as love letters to the community. Through her artistry, Anna engages in meaningful dialogues with diverse community members, fostering a deeper understanding of the social issues they face. This episode invites listeners to explore how grassroots initiatives are reshaping the cultural landscape and amplifying the voices of those often marginalized in the narrative of art and community. Anna Johnson, an artist and enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, articulates her identity as a two-spirit individual and the profound influence it has on her artistic expression. She elaborates on the concept of inclusivity, underscoring that her multifaceted identity as a Native American woman who identifies as gay informs the narratives and themes she explores in her work. Johnson's artistic endeavors, particularly her murals, serve as a love letter to her community, aiming to bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of representation and the social commentaries embedded within her creations, which resonate deeply with the diverse audiences they reach. The conversation highlights not only her personal journey but also the broader implications of art as a vehicle for activism and community engagement, particularly in the context of the Waterers initiative that champions BIPOC creatives in the Midwest. Takeaways: * Anna Johnson's identity as a two-spirit Native American artist profoundly influences her artistic expression and community engagement. * The Waterers organization exemplifies a transformative model for philanthropy that prioritizes BIPOC creatives and grassroots initiatives. * Through her murals, Anna Johnson fosters community, representation, and social commentary within her artistic practice. * The support provided by the Waterers significantly enhances artists' capacities to realize their creative visions and establish their studios. * Anna's innovative use of printmaking techniques in mural creation represents a unique intersection of traditional and contemporary art forms. * The podcast highlights the importance of inclusivity and community involvement in the arts, particularly for marginalized voices. Companies mentioned in this episode: * Waterers * NDSU * Plains Art Museum * GoodSpace * YWCA * News Story Counseling

Regenerative Futures: Kowsar Mohamed on Water Governance

Kowsar Mohamed, a distinguished two-time alumna of the University of Minnesota, currently serves as an Enterprise Director with the State of Minnesota while pursuing her doctorate in Natural Resources Science and Management. In this enlightening discourse, we delve into her extensive experience as an economic development practitioner, where she has adeptly bridged the realms of ecology, governance, and community inclusion. Mohamed articulates her profound insights into water governance, emphasizing its critical role in fostering community resilience and ecological sustainability. She also discusses her initiative, Ecosystem X, which serves as a regenerative systems lab aimed at developing innovative tools for community engagement in environmental stewardship. As we navigate the complexities of inclusive growth and environmental justice, Mohamed's perspectives underscore the necessity of integrating local knowledge and practices into broader governance frameworks. Kowsar Mohamed's extensive expertise in economic development and her passionate advocacy for regenerative practices are the focal points of this engaging podcast episode. As a two-time alumna of the University of Minnesota and a current PhD student specializing in Natural Resources Science and Management, Kowsar's dual focus on academia and practical application underlines her multifaceted approach to community resilience and water governance. The dialogue begins by exploring Kowsar's formative experiences in community organizing, which laid the groundwork for her commitment to inclusive economic growth, particularly in urban settings. Throughout the discussion, Kowsar articulates her vision for a future where water governance is approached through a lens of equity and sustainability. She emphasizes the importance of reindigenizing water governance practices, drawing on her Afro-indigenous heritage to highlight the need for a more holistic understanding of water as a communal resource. This perspective challenges listeners to reconsider the commodification of water and advocates for a governance model that prioritizes the well-being of communities over profit. Kowsar's reflections on the systemic inequities faced by marginalized groups in accessing water resources resonate deeply, providing a critical examination of current governance structures and their impacts on community well-being. The episode further delves into Kowsar's innovative work through Ecosystem X, a platform she established to foster collaboration across sectors in pursuit of regenerative solutions. She discusses the organization's mission to develop tools and frameworks that empower communities to take charge of their environmental futures. By integrating data-driven approaches with community insights, Ecosystem X aims to create sustainable practices that are both effective and culturally relevant. Kowsar's call to action for more equitable philanthropic practices underscores the necessity of dismantling traditional funding barriers to enable grassroots initiatives to thrive. As the episode concludes, listeners are left not only informed about the complexities of water governance but also inspired by Kowsar's unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient communities. Takeaways: * Kowsar Mohamed's extensive background in economic development showcases her commitment to community resilience and inclusion. * Her doctoral research focuses on the vital areas of regenerative systems and water governance, emphasizing community-led approaches. * Ecosystem X, founded by Mohamed, aims to create a hub for diverse ecosystems, bridging economic, environmental, and social initiatives. * Mohamed advocates for re-indigenizing water governance to restore community-centered practices that prioritize access to clean water. * The podcast underscores the importance of integrating local community knowledge into environmental governance and resource management. * Kowsar Mohamed emphasizes the need for equitable involvement of marginalized communities in discussions about water access and management. Links referenced in this episode: * www.waterers.org [https://www.waterers.org] Companies mentioned in this episode: * Ecosystem X * University of Minnesota * Xcel Energy * Humphrey School of Public Affairs * Waterers