Career Development Grant
Career Development Grant
Blood Memories and Unbroken Spirit, writing the story of my grandfather, Frank Doolittle.
Adam Guggemos: graphic designer, art events promoter; Michelle Ronning: jewelry designer and maker; Tara Makinen: Executive Director of Itasca Orchestra and Strings, musician; Moira Villiard: visual artist, Cultural Programming Coordinator at American Indian Community Housing Organization; Jeanne Doty: Retired Associate Professor UMD Music, pianist; Amber Burns: choreographer, dancer, actor, middle school art teacher; Margaret Holmes: visual artist, poet, and former Children's Theatre employee; Tammy Mattonen: visual artists, co-founder of Crescendo Youth Orchestra; Kayla Aubid: Native American craft artist, writer, employee at MacRostie Art Center; Ariana Daniel: mixed media artist, arts instructor; Emily Fasbender: student liaison, visual artist
Adam Guggemos: graphic designer, art events promoter; Moira Villiard: visual artist, Cultural Programming Coordinator at American Indian Community Housing Organization; Kayla Aubid: Native American craft artist, writer, employee at MacRostie Art Center; Richard Colburn: photographer, retired professor of art at the University of Northern Iowa; Tim White: photographer, writer; Karen McManus: musician, administrator at Mesabi Symphony Orchestra: Michelle Ronning: jewelry designer and maker.
ACHF Arts Access ACHF Arts Education ACHF Cultural Heritage
My primary goal is to finish writing this story, and for it to be published, along with some of the historical images and documentation that I have gathered. As an elder, I want to see this story passed on to the younger generations of native people so they don't forget who we are or where we came from. I also want non-natives to learn this story so they have a better understanding of our region's history and the historical trauma that we have survived. I will work with my teacher, John Herold, at the Adult Learning Center as I continue to polish my draft in order to prepare it for publication. I will know when I have accomplished my goal when the story is published and it inspires conversation. I have many stories to tell. Completion of this project will allow me to move on to my other stories, not just for myself but for the tribe and for Non-Indians to understand how we lived, how life has changed. The story of my grandfather will be the vehicle for this. On a fundamental level, if I have finished the book and I feel satisfied that I have done justice to this story, I will have accomplished my primary goal. I hope to secure a publishing contract, but I am also prepared to proceed with self-publishing. I have had positive discussions with Holy Cow! press. I am working with Marlene Wisuri for illustrations; for the cover and perhaps more. As I have been working on this project, I have connected with so many people who have felt moved and have encouraged me, both from within the native community and from outside of it. The feedback I have received so far has all been positive and affirming. After the book is published, I will be able to get even more feedback from readers.
Right now the story has been written out and is in the editing process. Unfortunately, Holy Cow! Press did not want to publish my work and I am seeking other publishers. Moira Villiard with AICHO has been helping me work with the Minnesota Historical Society Press and I will be reaching out the the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Additionally, I am working with the Fond du Lac Community Center to seek additional grants.
Other,local or private