|
The new year also means significant changes for me as my tenure as ANA Commissioner comes to end on January 20th. When I stepped into the Commissioner role, I knew ANA was a special place. ANA is at the forefront of reclaiming Native culture, preserving Native languages, and building the social fabric and economic vibrancy in Native communities across the country.
I am so grateful to our Community Partners who have welcomed me with open hearts and arms. Travelling to see firsthand the working being done in their communities fills my heart with joy and awe. Our ancestors are proud of the work we are doing to heal and restore our communities.
| |
|
I am leaving ANA in the capable hands of Deputy Commissioner, Hope MacDonald Lone Tree, who served as acting Commissioner before my appointment. I am grateful for her continued leadership at this pivotal time. Finally, I am immensely grateful to ANA’s staff and for their passion for ANA’s mission.
While my time at ANA has come to an end, I will continue my journey of service to Native communities so the next seven generations may thrive.
| |
|
Pilamaya ye - thank you,
Patrice H. Kunesh
Descendant of the Hunkpapa Band of Lakota and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native Americans
| |
ANA Launches the Native Language Initiative
Language revitalization and preservation is a key mandate for ANA under the Native American Programs Act of 1974 and the Native American Languages Act of 1992. In 2024, ANA made historic investments of over $17 million in Native language projects across the country.
Through the Native Language Initiative, ANA aims to:
- Highlight the importance of Native languages in preserving and strengthening Indigenous culture, identity, and social unity.
- Strengthen ANA’s investments in Native languages and on-going technical supports to its Community Partners.
- Support Native communities in planning and implementing community-driven projects to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of their Native languages.
- Complete ANA’s mandate under the Durbin Feeling Native Languages Act of 2023 to draft and disseminate a National Survey of Native languages.
- Lift up the successes of our Community Partners who are diligently preserving and teaching their language to the next generation.
Watch Commissioner Patrice H. Kunesh and Policy Director Michelle Sauve announce the Native Language Initiative.
| | | |
ANA Native Language Initiative Webinar Series | |
We invite you to join us for ANA’s first Native Language Initiative webinar on January 16 at 3 p.m. EST. Register here. | |
Otȟokaha Tȟeča ~ New Beginning Lakota Language Project at the Rural America Initiative (RAI)
| |
Text submitted by RAI and adapted by ANA | |
The New Beginning Lakota Language Project of the Rural America Initiative, located in Rapid City, South Dakota, has had incredible success with immersion learning in their early childhood development classrooms. The program, funded in part by ANA and directed by Rhonda Yankton, is in its final project year. Rhonda is assisted by two head tutors, Jolynn Little Wounded and Roberta Left Hand Bull. Together, they work with sixty-three children in the early head start program and ninety children in the head start program.
Since its inception, Rhonda and her staff have successfully trained ten new staff members to be certified to teach the Lakota language using lessons developed for all stages of early childhood. These lessons include shapes, colors, animals, greetings, body and facial parts, kinship, clothing items, and emotions.
In addition, the language immersion teachers and assistants themselves receive immersion training four days a week, as well as participate in a monthly staff meeting where they engage with presenters from the Lakota Language Consortium, Red Cloud Immersion, and local medicine men.
| |
Lakota language classes are offered for parents, staff, and community members four days a week. To promote participation, the Project provides childcare, home cooked meals, and attendance incentives such as a gas or grocery card. Staff measure Lakota language learning by a pre-test at the beginning of the school year and a post-test at the end of the school year for all parents and teachers involved in the program. | “It’s a daily challenge to teach our beautiful Lakota language, but with perseverance and consistency we are accomplishing our goals,” stated Rhonda Lankton. | Rural America Initiatives is immensely proud that so many of their students, staff, and parents are speaking the Lakota language. They are confident that the resources, materials, and knowledge gained will sustain the project, staff, and immersion teachers for years to come. | | |
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month | |
|
ANA Commissioner Kunesh Testifies on MMIP to the House Appropriations Committee
As part of ANA’s ongoing commitment to preventing and ending human trafficking in Native Communities, on November 20, 2024, Commissioner Patrice H. Kunesh testified before the U.S. House Appropriations Committee - Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). View the comments and testimony from community leaders and federal agencies here: panel one and panel two. Commissioner Kunesh’s testimony is provided during panel two.
| |
|
Commissioner Kunesh’s testimony outlined how HHS, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and ANA have worked diligently to establish community-driven programs to help prevent human trafficking in Native communities and to support those who have experienced human trafficking:
In addition, ANA funds and supports Community Partners with projects and programs established in their own communities.
For fiscal year 2025, new funding is available to address the crisis within our communities:
- $191 million for Bureau of Indian Affairs Public Safety and Justice Programs, including an additional $141 million for Criminal Investigation and Police Services.
- An 82% ($13.5 million) for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Initiative.
- A 33% increase for the Violence Against Women Act.
| |
|
Apply for ANA's FY25 grants!
ANA is pleased to announce new funding opportunities in three grant programs:
Interested applicants for 2025 grant funding are invited to visit ANA’s prospective grantees page. ANA also offers free training and technical assistance to applicants.
| |
|
SAM Validation and Grants.gov
Interested in applying for an ANA grant? Prepare now for ANA’s 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) by renewing or signing up for a SAM.gov account. SAM creates a Unique Entity ID and is required to receive funds from ANA.
Starting January 18, SAM.gov accounts will be required to apply for all funding opportunities on Grants.gov. The application and renewal process can take a few weeks.
Follow ANA’s social media channels to get all the latest information on our 2025 NOFOs!
| |
|
Now Recruiting Grant Application Reviewers and Chairpersons
ANA is seeking grant application reviewers for its 2025 grant programs for two weeks in late spring and early summer. To be considered, please fill out the Reviewer Profile and upload a resume. Financial compensation is available for these positions.
Qualifications:
· Lived experience in community-based projects
· Lived experience working with Native communities including Tribes or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities
· Attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to meet deadlines
For more information, visit ANA’s Website. Inquiries can be sent to anareviewer@acf.hhs.gov or anacomments@acf.hhs.gov.
| |
As we begin the new year, let us deepen our connections to one another and seize every opportunity to work together to address the challenges of the moment for our Native families and communities. | | | |
|
Visit our website, sign up for our newsletter, and follow ANA on social media and
ACF's YouTube channel!
| |
|
Administration for Native Americans
An Office of the Administration for Children & Families
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
| | | | |
