June Pardue (Sugpiaq)
About the Grant
The Supporting Indigenous Arts Mastery (SIAM) Grant supports colleges and universities partnering with federally or state-recognized Tribes in 13 U.S. states and recognized First Nations in British Columbia.
The program strengthens Tribal arts through artist-led workshops, mentorships, and residencies that honor cultural protocols and empower artists. Grants typically range from $30,000–$40,000 per year. Multi-year proposals welcome.
Programs are short-term, artist-led, and Tribally and First Nations community-centered.
Grant Applications Open Now
“SIAM” is a term of respect, particularly for an elder with great cultural knowledge of the Coast Salish languages. SIAM is pronounced SEE-am.
Program Priorities
SIAM encourages programs that:
- Build partnerships with Tribes and First Nations through artist-led workshops, mentorship, and cultural programming
- Advance artistic development — both cultural and contemporary — in ways defined by Tribal and First Nations artists
- Create dedicated cultural spaces on campus to nurture long-term collaboration and community engagement
- Center Tribal priorities and values in all aspects of program design, ensuring that artists and their communities are the primary beneficiaries
SIAM Grant Service Area
SIAM grants are awarded to mainstream public and private colleges and universities partnering with:
- Federally or state-recognized Tribes in Alaska, Arizona, California (Southern), Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin
- Recognized First Nations in British Columbia, Canada
Note: Tribal Colleges are not eligible; they are supported directly by our partner.
Apply to SIAM
The SIAM Grant Cycle is Open
Interested colleges and universities should contact the SIAM Program Specialist, Mary Kummer, for complete instructions and application materials.
Mary Kummer, SIAM Program Specialist
Email mary.kummer@evergreen.edu
Connect With Us
Do you have questions? Contact the Program Specialist or Director of the House of Welcome for assistance.
Mary Kummer | Makah Tribe
Program Specialist, s’gʷ gʷiɁ altxʷ House of Welcome
Email mary.kummer@evergreen.edu
Laura VerMeulen | Tlingit & Haida Tribes of Alaska
Director, s’gʷ gʷiɁ altxʷ House of Welcome
Email vermeull@evergreen.edu