First Nations Tribal Youth Development Corporation Awarded $15,000 in Grant Funding to Support Indigenous Programs

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina – The First Nations Tribal Youth Development Corporation (FNTYD) was awarded a $15,000 grant on December 7, 2022 which will be used to host the first Cumberland County Social Powwow event. This project is supported by an Inclusive Outreach Grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County funded by the North Carolina Arts Council. 

The Cumberland County Social Powwow will take place on May 6, 2023, and intends to enlighten and educate peers and the greater community though cultural awareness activities that provide an opportunity for Cumberland County residents and visitors to explore North Carolina’s Indigenous cultures through music, dance, storytelling, foods, arts and crafts, social and/or environmental awareness projects, and fellowship. Event grounds are located at 102 Indian Drive, Fayetteville, NC. Gates will open to the public at 10 am, and the event festivities will begin with a Grand Entry of dancers at 12 pm. Admission can be purchased at the gate, and is $5.00 per person age 5 and older; alternatively, a single admission can be exchanged for two cans of food. The canned food will be donated to The Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC.

The generous support of the grant increases access to cultural programming in Cumberland County, supports public awareness and outreach programs, as well as furthers the impact of existing programs that support local Indigenous youth and the greater community.

“Powwows are a great way to bring people together to learn about and celebrate Indigenous culture,” said FNTYD CEO Nakoma Maiden. “These celebrations and educational opportunities are a great way to create allies that contribute to the protection of cultural identities and traditions,” continued wife and fellow board member, Nina Martinez. “We’re excited about the grant and the many opportunities it presents—and especially the value it brings in enriching lives in and around Cumberland County.”

For more information about the Cumberland County Social Powwow, or to reserve a vendor booth at the event, contact: Nakoma Maiden by email at firstnationstyd@gmail.com or by calling (910) 578-7278. 

Information about the Food Bank CENC’s most needed items can be found online at http://foodbankcenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Food-Drive-Most-Needed-Items_2022-English-and-Spanish.pdf

First Nations Tribal Youth Development Corporation

Phone: 910.578.7278 | Email: firstnationstyd@gmail.com