Aaniiih Nakoda College

The Aaniiih Nakoda Community Foundation (ANCF) improves the quality of life for the Aaniiih and Nakoda people through grants and higher education scholarships. The foundation fills gaps in tribal services for the Fort Belknap Indian Community (FBIC).

Historically, the Aaniiih and Nakoda have been communal people. COVID-19 disrupted the community’s traditional way of life by isolating community members. The foundation aims to rebuild and support connections between culture and community. The mission is to serve, support, and strengthen the Aaniiih and Nakoda people, leaving no one behind.

The foundation awarded $29,000 in grants to individuals and community organizations in the Fort Belknap Indian Community in 2023. The grants allow community leaders to connect the community to culture by hosting events and activities and using funds to buy supplies to promote health and well-being.

ANCF awards grants to individuals, groups, and organizations serving elders, youth, and Veterans, primarily focusing on cultural enrichment, health, education, arts, food sovereignty, and language revitalization. Grant applicants must demonstrate a positive community impact.

The Aaniiih Nakoda Community Foundation awarded the Mid-Winter Fair Committee $10,000 for the Fort Belknap 53rd Annual Mid-Winter Fair. The event brings the community together for culturally centered activities.

Elders living on the reservation face hardships with scarce resources. Many Aaniiih and Nakoda elders raise their grandchildren while living on fixed incomes. ANCF provided meal support through gift cards for 670 enrolled Aaniiih and Nakoda elders living within a 60-mile radius of FBIC for Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2023.

In 2023, ANCF awarded $95,000 in higher education scholarships to 95 enrolled Aaniiih and Nakoda members. Investment in higher education supports the prosperity of enrolled members. Scholarship

recipient David Main serves in the National Guard while attending Montana State University Northern. Main states, “The ANCF Scholarship helps alleviate the financial burden and stress that obtaining an education causes me financially and mentally.”

Grant recipients provide positive outlets for FBIC youth. ANCF funded all 2023 community youth powwows. Youth basketball teams used funds to compete in the Big Sky State Games and attend sports camps. Two Aaniiih and Nakoda youths competed in the Indian National Finals Rodeo with grant funds.

ANCF Director, Diana Bigby entered her role in August 2023. She is working to expand funding opportunities. Currently, ANCF is 100% funded by Island Mountain Development Group. Budget constraints only allow funding of community events on the FBIC and locally. Bigby states, “Our goal is to uplift the community and unite the Aaniiih and Nakoda people by supporting our youth, elders, and Veterans.”

The ANCF volunteer Board of Directors reviews grant applications of $1,000 or more. Applications are due on the first of every month and must be received at least 30 days before the event or activity. The grant application processing time is 30 to 45 days. For more information, contact Diana Bigby at diana.bigby@islandmtn.com or (406) 550-6878.