Strengthening Institutional Support for Native Artists (SISNA) 

A national initiative to build the systems, partnerships, and resources that Native artists and culture bearers need.

ABOUT SISNA

Strengthening Institutional Support for Native Artists (SISNA) is a national effort to ensure Native artists and culture bearers have the recognition, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Led by the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) with funding from the Ford Foundation, the initiative brings together artists, community leaders, funders, and institutions to listen, learn, and plan together. Through conversations, regional networks, and a national master plan, SISNA is building a framework that will sustain Native creativity and culture for generations to come. 

The SISNA Briefing Document provides an overview of the initiative’s goals, guiding principles, and early findings from national listening sessions. It outlines the vision for strengthening institutional partnerships that serve Native artists, summarizes challenges identified by the field, and presents opportunities for coordinated action. The document serves as a foundation for discussion and alignment among artists, institutions, and funders participating in the SISNA initiative.

KNOWLEDGE HUB: INSIGHTS AND RESOURCES

This collection brings together materials shared during the 2025 National Summit and related SISNA activities. It includes tools, field notes, and examples that highlight how artists, institutions, and funders are strengthening support for Native creativity across the country. These resources capture the wisdom and lived experiences of participants and serve as a foundation for ongoing collaboration through the National Leadership Council and regional Native Arts Councils.

NEXT STEPS

With the 2025 National Summit completed, SISNA now moves into its next phase: implementation and activation. Guided by the priorities identified through the Summit and national listening sessions, ATALM and its partners will focus on the following actions:

Through these next steps, SISNA will transform shared vision into lasting systems of support that honor and sustain Native creativity across the country.

GET INVOLVED

Share Your Voice

Your perspectives are vital to the success of SISNA. By sharing your ideas, priorities, and experiences, you will directly inform the strategies and actions we carry forward. 

Share your voice by completing the SISNA Priorities Survey.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are essential to the success of SISNA. Opportunities range from serving on the National Leadership Council, a long-term commitment that helps guide the initiative’s vision and strategies, to short-term roles that support the annual Summit, both in-person and virtual. Your time and talents help strengthen this growing movement and make a lasting impact. 

Become a Partner

Strong partnerships create strong futures for Native culture and creativity. Partners are at the heart of Strengthening Institutional Support for Native Artists (SISNA). By sharing their time, expertise, and networks, partners help shape strategies, strengthen connections, and build lasting systems of support for Native artists and culture bearers. Partnership is free and flexible. Join at the level that fits your capacity by completing the Institutional Partnership Statement of Interest form.