INDIGENOUS CULTURAL CONNECTIONS PROGRAM

Wind River Foundation’s Indigenous Cultural Connections Program produces events, media, partnerships and projects that bring cultural awareness, education and authentic indigenous presence to the greater Jackson Hole community.

VISION

Though a relatively young community, Jackson Hole has a history deeply entwined with that of the indigenous communities on the Wind River Reservation and elsewhere. We aim to awaken this history and facilitate the greater Jackson Hole community’s commitment to authentic and meaningful engagement with the indigenous communities connected to this land.

We envision the greater Jackson Hole community as an innovative and forward-thinking partner to indigenous leaders who are spearheading the transformation of cultural relationships here and around the world.

Indigenous peoples’ reclaiming their narratives is a major social and cultural undertaking with broad-based social support; a rising tide. Jackson Hole has already led the way in stewardship of magnificent natural riches; now, together with our indigenous partners, the greater Jackson Hole community has the opportunity to become a national and international leader in this cultural and social arena as well. 

GOALS

We envision a multi-pronged program of engagement and collaboration:

A. Engage the greater Jackson Hole community with cultural awareness, education and authentic indigenous experiences

B. Empower and amplify the voices of local, national and international indigenous cultural and thought leaders

C. Honor the mutuality of our relationships and cultivate an authentic sense of place

D. Foster engagement that benefits local indigenous communities and elevates the dignity of discourse for all indigenous societies

TOOLS

1. Events Cultural events to celebrate, educate and raise awareness of contemporary indigenous presence that will enhance the greater Jackson Hole community’s seasonal offerings for locals and visitors alike

2. Media Publications and other media to inform the greater Jackson Hole community of locally-connected indigenous communities, their contemporary presence and histories, and how our timelines intertwine

3. Partnerships Mutually beneficial collaborations with entities in the greater Jackson Hole community that serve the mission of the Wind River Foundation

4. Projects Specific endeavors in the greater Jackson Hole community that serve the mission and vision of the Wind River Foundation. 

*As of April 2020 WRF suspended all programs and shifted our focus to the distribution of the WRF COVID Response Fund.

**As of October 2021 WRF initiated WRF Restructuring and Transformation. The WRF COVID Response Fund will continue to operate during this time.