Artist Lani Hotch, seen here in August 2015, was awarded a national grant from the First Peoples Fun. (Greta Mart)

Artist Lani Hotch, seen here in August 2015, was awarded a national grant from the First Peoples Fun. (Greta Mart)

Klukwan artist Lani Hotch got a national nod last week when she was awarded a $5,000 cultural preservation grant and fellowship.

The grant came from the First Peoples Fund, a nonprofit that supports indigenous artists across the country.

Hotch told the agency that she was honored that her artwork and commitment to her community have been recognized.

In a release, Hotch said: “This grant and leadership training will help me to share my artistry with all who want to learn, and allow me to continue to give back to my culture and community.”

The organization is based in Rapid City, South Dakota, and, according to a release, focuses on community and economic development for tribal communities through support for Native artists.

Hotch was one of 27 2016 Native artist-fellows from across the U.S.

Lori Pourier is the president of the fund. She said in a statement that she believes that when Native artists have support and opportunities to build reliable and consistent incomes through their work, they thrive, their families thrive and whole community thrives.

First Peoples Fund is supported in part by a host of national foundations and was founded in 1995.

For further information about First Peoples Fund or to apply for support through one of our programs, go to www.firstpeoplesfund.org.