Tiwahe Foundation

About Tiwahe

Tiwahe Foundation is a community-built organization, serving Native peoples across Minnesota, rooted in the spiritual knowledge, reciprocal relationships, and daily cultural practices that connect Indigenous peoples to one another and the land.  “Tiwahe,” translates to “family” in the Dakota language, embodying our commitment to collective well-being guided by culture, ceremony, and kinship. 

From living the practices of prayer and stewarding medicines to our seasonal gatherings on the equinoxes and solstices with elders and founders, every aspect of Tiwahe’s work is shaped by our four community-defined organizational values: Honoring Family (Welcoming, Belonging, Reconnecting), Honoring Culture and Language, Honoring Commitment, Honoring Reciprocity.  

These values come to life through our American Indian Family Empowerment Program (AIFEP), which directly invests in Native kinship networks through microgrants (over 2,000 people so far), and our Oyate Leadership Network (OLN), which empowers and resources Native leadership communities to live and guide others to live according to our Dakota and Anishinaabe teachings. 

In response to our community’s call, we have recently expanded into funder organizing and resource mobilization, shifting mindsets across philanthropy, government, and nonprofits to recognize the transformative power of Indigenous solutions and worldviews. 

Join the Movement for Indigenous Leadership 

You can make Minnesota a leader in uplifting Native ways of being.  Donate what you can. Every dollar counts. Every $2,500 brings one AIFEP project closer to reality, creating a lifetime of change for individuals, families, and communities.  Connect and share our mission with your network to grow our Circle of Generosity: 

Who can you invite to join and support our movement? We are always eager to connect with potential donors, AIFEP applicants, and Oyate leaders. Learn more: Visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on social media for grant opportunities, teachings, and to learn more about our impact.