Michigan Indigenous Artist ReceIves National Honor

Each year, the First Peoples Fund honors and celebrates exceptional Native artists and culture bearers across the country through the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Awards. These artists embody their People's cultural assets in their creations and their way of life.

Bringing spirit to the community is an important responsibility for artists — it is part of a sacred honor system. Through this award, First Peoples Fund strengthens that honor system by recognizing exceptional artists who have worked selflessly throughout their lives to weave their cultural knowledge and ancestral gifts into their communities. 

Since 2000, the fund has recognized over 100 culture bearers across Indian Country through the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Awards. Honorees are selected for sustaining and growing to understand the creative practices and cultural values of their People, and each honoree receives a grant of $25,000 to continue carrying on their work.

Renee “Wasson” Dillard (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa) of Harbor Springs, Michigan, is one of 4 individuals honored with the prestigious First Peoples Community Spirit Award. She is recognized for her artistry in weaving and basketry as well her dedication to teaching and sharing this aspect of her community’s heritage. Nominated by members of her community, Wasson Dillard was previously honored by the Michigan Traditional Arts Program in 2010 with a Michigan Heritage Award and has served as a Master Artist in the Michigan Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program.

For more information on Wasson, see: http://traditionalarts.msu.edu/programs/michigan-heritage-awards/mha-awardee/?kid=A2-369-5B

This is the fourth Michigan indigenous artist to receive this award.  Previous recipients are: Kelly Church ((Gun Lake Band), George Martin (Lac Courtes Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians), and Ron Paquin (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa). Paquin has also been recognized with a Michigan Heritage Award and both Church and Paquin have been master artists in the Michigan Traditional Arts Program.

According to the First Peoples Fund, “Bringing spirit to the community is an important responsibility for artists — it is part of a sacred honor system. Through this award, First Peoples Fund strengthens that honor system by recognizing exceptional artists who have worked selflessly throughout their lives to weave their cultural knowledge and ancestral gifts into their communities. Since 2000 we have recognized over 100 culture bearers across Indian Country through the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Awards. Honorees are selected for sustaining and growing to understand the creative practices and cultural values of their People. Each honoree will receive a grant of $25,000 to continue carrying on their work. Honorees will also be honored with a celebration in their local community.”