For Native American Nations, the arts and culture are as important as breathing and life itself. The Native Arts + Cultures Foundation (NACF) have announced the recipients of the 2025 LIFT Awards.
Early in their artistic careers, the 10 selected artists are being recognized “for their bold voices, creative visions, and commitment to cultural and community impact.”
Selected from a list of 100 artists that span the nation, the artists represent a wide variety of artistic endeavours.
The LIFT Award recipients receive $15,000 in funding and professional development and marketing support; allowing them the opportunity to create new project rooted in their Nations and traditions that include intergenerational trauma, land stewardship, language preservation, and the celebration of Native joy and resistance.
President and CEO of the Native Arts Cultures Foundation Shyla Spicer (Yakama Nation/Seneca Cayuga) spoke on the LIFT Awards and artists via a press release saying, “I am thrilled to celebrate this remarkable cohort of artists! The LIFT, Early Career Support for Native Artists program was created to champion emerging Indigenous voices, honoring the depth of our Traditional Knowledge while embracing the boundless innovation and ingenuity of our Native people. At NACF, we believe in providing space, support, and sovereignty for artists to dream boldly, create fearlessly, and lead with vision. I cannot wait to witness the ways these artists will shape our cultural landscape in the year ahead and across their extraordinary careers.”
The 2025 LIFT Award artists:
Aaron Baumgartner of the Catawba Nation – potter and Basketmaker
Beth Bush of the Potawatomi and Odawa Nations – traditional artist
Sáandlaanaay Kimberly Fulton Orozco of the Tlingit and Haida Nations – visual artist
Danielle Olana Jagelski of the Red Cliff Ojibwe/Oneida Nation – musician
Gregory Juan a Native Hawaiian – musician
Jesse Kahoonei of the Kanaka ʻŌiwi/Native Hawaiian Nation – visual artist
Rhiannon Skye Tafoya of the Eastern Band Cherokee & Santa Clara Pueblo Nations – Visual artist
Delia Touché of the Spirit Lake Nation – Visual artist
Jared Tso of the Navajo Nation – Traditional artist
Anangookwe Wolf of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe, Fort Peck Assiniboine, Dakota Nation – Poet