Seven individuals receive Maada’ookiing grants for Indigenous community- and culture-focused work

The Northland Foundation announces that seven individuals have received $5,000 each in Maada’ookiing grants for the spring 2026 funding round.

“The seven grantees are great examples of the diversity of projects going on that may benefit from a Maada’ookiing grant—art, wellness, traditional craftwork, Native language, belonging and connection,” stated Cayla Bellanger DeGroat, a Program Officer at the Northland Foundation.

“They will have a positive impact on people of all ages across the region, and we are really pleased to offer funding to help them advance their work,” Bellanger DeGroat added.

Maada’ookiing (“the distribution” in Ojibwe)), a Native American-led program of the Northland Foundation, was established in 2021 to increase philanthropic support for grassroots projects that build Indigenous culture, community, and sovereignty. These grants are available to eligible individuals or groups rather than nonprofit organizations or Tribal governments.

Three times per year, grants of up to $5,000 are awarded to grantees who are Tribal citizens, descendants, or those with kinship ties or affiliation to Native American communities within the foundation’s geographic region.

The Native American Maada’ookiing Advisory Board reviews applications and makes funding decisions. Those seeking a grant may submit an application at any time, with deadlines of February 15, May 15, and September 15 to be considered for an award that round. Details and the link to apply are available on Northland Foundation’s website.

The spring 2026 Maada’ookiing grant recipients are listed below.

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Caitlyn Taylorm, Duluth: $5,000
To support events that create healing spaces for the Fond du Lac Reservation community through art, culture, and wellness.

Laura Winter, Duluth: $5,000
To support an ongoing project to build an Ojibwe language literacy program that helps early readers gain proficiency in reading Ojibwemowin

Carl Gawboy, Two Harbors: $5,000
To support the restoration and republishing of 105 original Wanigan comics, with 25 newly created strips and annotation, by Bois Forte artist Carl Gawboy.

Hannah Smith, Duluth: $5,000
To support pucker toe-style moccasin making classes in the Duluth community.

Khayman Goodsky, Duluth: $5,000
To support a short film that highlights local and regional Indigenous talent in the Duluth community.

Donovan Dahmen, Grand Portage: $5,000
To support an art project and community gathering that reflects Anishinaabeg spiritual teachings.

Janelle Johnson, Laporte: $5,000
To support a research project on the language concepts of emotions and mindfulness as they appear in the Ojibwe language.

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