Schatz, Hirono Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Promote Native Arts & Culture, Unlock Federal Funds For Native Hawaiian Organizations

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai'i), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced legislation to promote Native arts and culture and unlock federal funding for Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs). The Native Arts & Culture Promotion Act provides a technical fix to the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts grant program to ensure NHOs can access funding from the program.

"Our bill provides a common-sense fix so that Native Hawaiian Organizations can access federal funding to support their vital cultural and educational programming," said Senator Schatz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

Established in 1994, the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts program awards grants for scholarly study and instruction in Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native contemporary culture and arts. However, outdated and restrictive language in the statute has limited the ability of NHOs to qualify for grant awards. The bill clarifies that NHOs with a governing board that includes Native Hawaiians or individuals widely recognized in the field of Native Hawaiian arts and culture are eligible for funding.

"Art has the power to connect us, providing a sense of community and cultural identity," said Senator Hirono. "As we continue working to promote Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native culture and arts, this legislation will help to ensure that Native Hawaiian Organizations receive the grant awards they deserve to support diverse creative projects and make art more accessible in our communities."

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai'i).

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