Transition in Leadership at First Peoples Fund
We are reaching out to you to share some significant news regarding the leadership transition of our beloved organization.
After an illustrious tenure of twenty-five years, Lori Lea Pourier (Oglala Lakota), First Peoples Funds’ esteemed founding President & CEO, will be stepping down from this role at the beginning of March 2024 and into a new role as Founder and Senior Fellow at First Peoples Fund. This new role will allow her to focus on the future of Native artists and culture bearers and bring forward the historical knowledge and cultural narratives that celebrate our 25 years of honoring and supporting culture bearers. From her new platform, Lori will share the compelling stories and power of Collective Spirit (a term she coined)-- the commitment to nurture our shared humanity and honor our connections to one another, the lands around us and the spirit of all things. Collective Spirit has been at the heart of Lori and FPF’s work for the last quarter century and will continue to be deeply practiced as we move forward.
Since 1995, when First Peoples Fund was established with a generous gift from our original benefactor, Jennifer Easton, FPF has achieved remarkable milestones and grown into the thriving and impactful organization it is today. Lori’s visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit established groundbreaking programs and initiatives that have uplifted Indigenous art and culture practices and traditions throughout the country, including honoring more than 100 Community Spirit Award honorees whom people in their tribal communities nominated; executive producing We the Peoples Before, a national dramatic rendition of the resilience of Native culture bearers produced in partnership with the Kennedy Center in 2022; and the establishment of the Oglala Lakota Artspace, a state of the art artistic practice and cultural gathering space on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Her work has codified a recognizable field of Native arts and culture and influenced the U.S. national arts field to center Native artists. Lori’s work to nurture emerging talents and facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer has ensured the survival of ancestral teachings, storytelling, and artistic techniques and allowed them to thrive and evolve in the contemporary world. A national leader in Native arts, culture, and the creative economy, Lori truly embodies Collective Spirit. She approaches her work with rootedness, intuition, listening, humility, and deep relationships, and we look forward to her continuing these core values in her future role.
"I am immensely grateful in reflecting on the many artists, tradition keepers, and communities I have had the honor of serving as President and CEO of First Peoples Fund. In 1998, we humbly began developing an entrepreneurial leadership model for artists in the Northern Plains region while honoring tradition keepers who were selflessly giving of themselves in their tribal communities. Together, we bring spirit back to tribal communities through art and establishing an Indigenous arts ecology. Collectively, our work will impact future generations of culture-bearers. I am confident that under Justin’s leadership, artists and tradition keepers will remain at the heart of our organization. I look forward to supporting a seamless transition and witnessing the continued growth and success of First Peoples Fund.” – Lori Lea Pourier
While bidding farewell to Lori is bittersweet, we are thrilled to announce that Justin Kii Huenemann (Diné) will be stepping into the role of President & CEO commencing March 4, 2024. Justin served as Acting President/CEO when Lori was on sabbatical in 2023 and since December has served as Interim President/CEO. He brings a wealth of experience, an inspiring vision for our future and a deep commitment to the values and history that define First Peoples Fund. He has a long and distinguished career working to improve the quality of life and well-being of Indigenous peoples. Justin brings extensive background in Native community and economic development, having successfully led several Native-serving organizations. With experience in philanthropy, nonprofit management, and private sector development, FPF is honored to bring his knowledge and experience. Justin’s strategic foresight, passion for our mission and collaborative leadership style make him an exceptional fit to lead FPF.
"It is an honor to be called to lead the First Peoples Fund. I am excited about the incredible work that lies ahead and committed to building upon the strong foundation laid by Lori. I look forward to working collaboratively with her and FPF’s dedicated team, passionate stakeholders, and supporters. Most importantly, I look forward to serving the culture bearers, Indigenous artists and communities to achieve our shared goals." – Justin Huenemann
Please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Lori for her remarkable dedication and warmly welcoming Justin as they embark on new journeys.
We also thank the First Peoples Fund community for your ongoing support and dedication. Your commitment is vital to our continued success and we look forward to your continued collaboration and success under the leadership of Justin Huenemann.
The next few months will involve a thoughtful transition process, ensuring a smooth transfer of leadership responsibilities.
Warmly,
Co-Chairs, First Peoples Fund Board of Directors
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