Seeds of Connection Regional Convening

1 During the first day of The Seeds of Connection regional gathering began participants engaged in with a learning tour hosted in large part at to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) Cultural Heritage Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

2 Attendees were greeted and provided with a guided tour by Peter Kavourgias, Collections Manager at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center.

3 Following the guided tour, attendees gathered for a panel discussion featuring Cindy Logsdon, CEO and Director of the Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation and Bryan Cain, CEO of Citizen Potawatomi Nation owned, Sovereign Bank. The panel was moderated by NAP Education Resource Facilitator: Shandiin Vandervere.

4 Attendees engage in an interactive “Gallery Walk” activity design to provide participants the opportunity to showcase the important work in which they are involved with one another.

5 Perspectives are shared on how community foundations can expand their impact in Tribal Nations and Native communities.

6 Native Americans in Philanthropy team members facilitate discussions and promote equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities.

7 Jennifer Hill Kelley (Oneida, Kiowa, and Comanche) facilitated discussions throughout the second day of the regional gathering.

8 Attendees participate in an interactive “World Café” activity. Participants are encouraged to move between tables and consider questions collaboratively with the other participants.

9 We thank all the attendees for their enthusiastic participation in our Seeds of Connection gathering.

About the Event

Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP), in partnership with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, is facilitating stronger relationships among Indigenous Communities and Community Foundations.

In the Fall of 2023, NAP released a report on the subject titled "Indigenous Centered" which examines the current relationship between community foundations and Native Americans across the United States. The report highlighted ways in which community foundations can improve their accountability to Native communities.

Grounded in the findings and recommendations in Indigenous Centered, in February of 2025 NAP hosted Indigenous Community Leaders and Community Foundation Leaders from throughout the Southwest (NM & CO), Southern Plains (TX, OK, KS), and Southeast (AR, AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) regions for a two day event titled Seeds of Connection.

NAP’s Seeds of Connection Regional Gathering took place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma February 3rd & 4th, 2025 and featured place-based learning tours, facilitated dialogues, and a variety of collaborative activities designed to foster engagement and shared understanding. This event offered a unique opportunity for community foundations and Native communities to come together to explore collaborative frameworks that benefit both parties. Through these interactions, we aimed to nurture relationships grounded in mutual respect, trust, and a commitment to shared learning and growth.

This and all future gatherings are invitation only. To inquire about attending a future gathering, please contact NAP Research & Data Administrator Brian Barlow at bbarlow@nativephilanthropy.org. If you'd like to recommend a colleague, please include their details in your email.

At-A-Glance Agenda

Partners

About Native Americans in Philanthropy

Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) promotes equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities. We have more than a 30-year presence in the field and work closely with our counterpart organizations advocating for tribal communities. The cornerstone of our work is our relatives and our networks. We support several communities of stakeholders that work together to build knowledge, community, priorities, and power in the sector. These networks include Native professionals in philanthropy, elected Tribal leaders, Native youth leaders, Native philanthropic executives and board members, and Native nonprofit leaders.

We leverage the power and wisdom of these networks to: (1) increase the authentic visibility of Native people and communities; (2) develop tools and resources to educate funders; (3) establish more meaningful and trusting relationships that align with our Indigenous values; and (4) increase funding and accountability to Indigenous-led organizations, grassroots movements, and tribal Nations.

About the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Over more than nine decades, the Mott Foundation has sought to advance and strengthen the well-being of all aspects of community — from individuals and families to the institutions that serve them. We continue to refine our work to reflect changing conditions in our hometown of Flint and communities around the world. Learn more about how we pursue our mission of promoting a just, equitable and sustainable society.

Event Overview

Overview

A 2-day Convening of Indigenous Community Leaders & Community Foundation Leaders based in the Southwest, Southeast, and Southern Plains Regions (NCAI, Regions)

Who's Attended?

Indigenous Community Leaders:

Native-Led Non-Profit Leaders
Native-Led Foundation Leaders

Community Foundation Leaders:

Leaders of Community Foundations listed on this (MAP) built and hosted by the Council on Foundations

Travel

We loved welcoming everyone to historic Oklahoma City, OK!

Huge amount of gratitude for the First Americans Museum (FAM) and its staff for contributing to a successful gathering. We also want to thank the staff of the Skirvin Hilton Hotel for taking such good care of us and our guests during our stay.

First Americans Museum
659 American Indian Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73129
(405) 594-2100

Host Hotel Information

Skirvin Hilton Hotel
One Park Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
skirvinhilton.com
(405) 272-3040

Know Before You Go (FAQs)

Ground Transportation

Rideshare options include Uber, Lyft, and Wridz. Please refer to the airport website for further information on rideshare pickup and drop-off areas. The airport also offers a shuttle service at $30-$40 one-way. Please refer to the shuttle service website for more details. There is no hotel shuttle service to/from the airport.

Attire

For the learning tours, we suggest wearing comfortable shoes, a jacket/coat, and other cold weather accessories as it will be quite cold in the Oklahoma City area.

Shuttles

Shuttles for the learning tour, Tuesday’s activities, the welcome reception, and the community reception will load at the entrance of the Skirvin Hotel. Note that the shuttle cannot be held for latecomers, so arrive on time. If you do arrive late, rideshare options are available to get to each location.

Community Guidelines

We want to create an inclusive and respectful environment for all gathering participants. Review our community guidelines here.

Gathering Facilities

With the exception of the learning tour, all activities will take place at the First American Museum. Please visit the website for more information. NAP staff will be on site to assist folks in finding meetings rooms, restrooms, breakfast and lunch areas, etc.

Cultural Blessings

To be as inclusive as possible, we invite attendees to volunteer to offer a cultural blessing before meal functions. It is our goal to bring meaningful, authentic voices to our gatherings, grounding us in gratitude and respect for the cultures and traditions we celebrate. We especially welcome those willing to share blessings in Native languages, as these words carry unique cultural resonance and strength. If you feel called to offer a blessing, please contact Winoka Yepa, Director of Research and Education, wyepa@nativephilanthropy.org. 

Guests

Guests of attendees may not attend sessions or participate in the learning tour; however, attendees may bring guests to the welcome reception and community reception. Please wear your name badges while in the museum, so museum staff know you are a part of the gathering.

Hotel Information

The Skirvin Hilton Hotel is our host hotel for this gathering and is located at One Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102. Telephone is: 405-272-3040.

Gathering Check-In

Name badges and information packets will be provided to all attendees at check-in on Monday, February 3rd between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM CST. Check-in will occur on the 14th floor of the Skirvin Hilton Hotel.

Parking

If you are staying at the host hotel, valet parking is available at $34 a day. If you choose to drive your car to the learning tour sites and/or the First American Museum on Tuesday, February 4th, ample parking is available on-site.

Gallery Walk

All attendees will participate in a gallery walk activity, facilitated by Jennifer-Hill Kelley, for this activity please bring materials about your organization that you wish to share with other attendees: poster presentation, printed materials, etc. We recommend printing at least 20-25 handouts or other print material you wish to share.

Programs

Events