Join Us Aug 13-15, 2026!
During the world's largest Indigenous art market, Better Way Foundation will convene a select group of philanthropic leaders for an immersive and inspiring three-day experience to learn about funding Indigenous communities.
We invite foundations not yet supporting Indigenous communities to join us and learn about the unique cultural challenges they have faced—and the opportunities—from their own leaders, organizers, and artists. Indigenous leaders and innovators are advancing community-driven solutions—from classrooms to clinics to farms, and together we can help amplify the momentum.
Vision / Approach
This gathering is designed to foster genuine connection, deepen cultural understanding, and explore what lasting philanthropic partnerships with Indigenous communities can look like.
Less than 0.5% of philanthropic dollars support Indigenous causes. While Western systems continue to disinvest in Indian Country, resilient Indigenous communities are building momentum—and we believe philanthropy has an opportunity and responsibility to help amplify that impact.
In 2010, Better Way began intentionally channeling resources into long-disinvested and overlooked communities. Data led us to Pine Ridge Reservation and other Indigenous communities. As a Catholic family foundation, our learning journey challenged assumptions and clarified what Indigenous children need to thrive, laying a foundation for reflection, humility, and curiosity about what more equitable philanthropy could become.
Today, 100% of Better Way’s grantmaking supports Indigenous communities through an education-focused funding philosophy grounded in nine-year commitments—an approach designed to build trust, strengthen relationships, and deepen impact.
We are excited to convene philanthropic leaders for an immersive and inspiring experience rooted in learning, relationship, and possibility.
Agenda
A detailed agenda will be shared with registered guests. In the meantime, below is a high-level overview.
- Thursday, Aug. 13
Topic Speakers Description Through 4:00pm Arrival
Sign-in table, welcome, receive welcome materials5:00-7:30pm Welcome Reception
Enjoy a special meal prepared by a nationally renowned Indigenous chef, hosted by the Brindle Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Speakers will include local Pueblo leaders as well as representatives from the hosting organizations
7:45-9:45pm TBA film screening
This event is in partnership with the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts and includes dessert and a discussion
Speakers will include film talent
- Friday, Aug. 14
Topic Speakers Description 7:45-10:00am Opening circle
Framing and expectation-setting for the day, includes breakfastThe Collective
10:30-11:45am Learning session 1, part 1:
Education sovereigntyTBA
11:45am-12:45pm Learning session 1, part 2:
Life outcomesLunch provided by a local Indigenous food truck
Patrice Kunesh, former Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans
1:00-2:30pm Learning session 2A:
Housing
Or learning session 2B:
HealthTBA
3:45-5:15pm Learning session 3:
Food sovereigntyTBA
5:45-8:30pm Sunset dinner
Meal provided by Johnny Ortiz of the / shed
Johnny Ortiz and Indigenous sky lore and constellation storytelling
- Saturday, Aug. 15
Topic Speakers Description 7:45-10:00am Opening circle
Includes breakfastThe Collective
10:30am-12:00pm Learning session 4A:
Indigenous entrepreneurship in the arts
OR learning session 4B:
Creative ways to invest in Indigenous communitiesTBA
12:30-2:00pm Lunch
Food prepared by James Beard Award-winning Indigenous chef Sherry Pocknett
2:45-4:30 Actions & commitments
The Collective
6:00-8:30pm SWAIA Gala
Santa Fe Indian Market official event - Sunday, Aug. 16 (optional)
Topic Speakers Description 8:00-9:30am Attendee breakfast
Experiences
Learn about opportunities for investment and partnership.
Engage in inspiring conversation with cultural voices and collaborate with change makers shaping the future of tribal communities.
Savor a culinary journey celebrating the flavors and culture from various regions across the U.S.
Partnership Opportunities
- Serve as one of the leading foundations alongside Better Way for this special Indigenous communities-focused Santa Fe gathering.
- Sponsor a signature element of the Santa Fe gathering.
- Join Better Way Foundation in one or more ready-to-fund Indigenous community- and education-specific initiatives.
Confirm Your Interest in Learning More or Attending
This convening is designed for philanthropic leaders and decision makers from foundations that are serious about beginning to support Indigenous communities, as well as for those already making investments and seeking to deepen their learning, intentionality, and impact. The gathering is intentionally structured for candid dialogue, shared learning, and practical exploration of how foundations can engage Indigenous communities with humility, accountability, and long-term commitment.Space is intentionally limited to 40 attendees to foster meaningful conversation and peer exchange.
Please note that a block of hotel rooms has been reserved in Santa Fe. Details will be shared with registered guests.
A nominal registration fee will be required for this convening and includes all meals and ground transportation.
If you have any questions, please contact Mariah Mendez, Learning & Engagement Assistant at the Better Way Foundation, at mmendez@betterwayfoundation.org.