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The Native American Heritage Fund (NAHF) Board has announced the recipients of its 2026 grant cycle, awarding nearly $480,000 to nine organizations across Michigan for projects that promote accurate representation of Native American history, culture and identity.
Approved by the NAHF Board on August 19, the 2026 grants total $479,988.38 and will support projects ranging from Indigenous history curriculum and cultural education to Native-led interpretation of historic sites and the continued replacement of outdated Native American mascot imagery.
“The projects supported through the Native American Heritage Fund demonstrate the many ways communities can build greater understanding and respect for Michigan’s Native peoples,” said NAHF Chairperson Ariel Boonstra. “Whether through education, cultural programming, historical interpretation or replacing inappropriate imagery, these grants create opportunities for communities to learn from Native voices and ensure our histories and cultures are represented accurately and respectfully.”
NAHF encourages applicants to collaborate with Michigan’s federally recognized Tribes and Native American organizations when developing projects involving Native American history, culture and representation. The Fund also works with schools and communities seeking to replace Native American mascots and imagery and supports educational efforts that help communities understand the importance of those changes.
2026 NAHF Grant Awards
Union City Society for Historic Preservation (Village of Union City) – $25,000
To develop the Union City Cornerstones Walking Tour, including signage, integration of Tribal history and K-12 curriculum highlighting the area's cultural heritage.
Michigan History Foundation, Inc. (Moran Township) – $125,000
To support the Gchi Mshikenh Deh Minising/Heart of the Great Turtle Island project, re-envisioning the Father Marquette Memorial at Straits State Park with Tribal-led interpretation, a learning commons and Powwow grounds.
Grand Ledge Public Schools (Nokomis Nature Center) – $3,400
To continue its partnership with the Nokomis Nature Center to provide Nokomis-led lessons for third-grade and high school students.
Chippewa Hills School District – $177,339
To complete the district’s transition to the Golden Knight mascot, including replacement of outdoor signage, trailer wraps, high school uniforms, window security screens and other remaining imagery.
Public Schools of Petoskey – $7,500
To support Native American students and a chaperone attending the 2026 Advancing Indigenous Science and Engineering Society (AISES) National Conference in Portland, Oregon.
Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD – $30,000
To support its Indigenous Education Inclusion initiative through an Indigenous Education consultant, professional development and educational materials.
Portland Public Schools (Nokomis Nature Center) – $5,100
To provide third-grade Michigan history lessons about Indigenous peoples in partnership with the Nokomis Nature Center, building on programming previously developed and taught in other K-12 districts.
The Dearborn Academy and West Village Academy – $105,000
To develop Michigan Indian history curriculum for grades three, five and eight; create a cultural exchange; and establish a relationship with a federally recognized Tribe or American Indian organization.
Reeths-Puffer Schools (Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve) – $1,649.38
To establish a new Indigenous Farm to Table cooking class at the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve.
2026 Grant Award Ceremony
The 2026 NAHF Grant Award Ceremony will take place September 29, 2026, at FireKeepers Casino Hotel, following the NAHF Board Meeting at 11:00 a.m. The event is open to the public.
About the Native American Heritage Fund
The Native American Heritage Fund was created through the Second Amendment to the Tribal-State Gaming Compact between the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) and the State of Michigan in 2016. The fund supports schools, colleges and universities, and local units of government in Michigan as they work to promote understanding and positive relationships with Michigan’s federally recognized Tribes.
Grants may be used to improve curricula and educational resources related to Native American history and culture, create more inclusive educational environments, support cultural initiatives, or replace mascots and imagery deemed offensive or culturally inaccurate.
For full program details and past recipients, visit nahfund.com.
NAHF Board of Directors
Chairperson: Ariel Boonstra, appointed by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
Vice Chairperson: Melissa Isaac, appointed by the Michigan Governor
Secretary: Jodi Mallett, representing the Michigan Department of Civil Rights
Treasurer: Robert Larson, appointed by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
Board Member: Jordan Shananaquet, appointed by the Michigan Governor
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