Justin Beatty
Justin Beatty is the founder of the Odenong Powwow, a cultural educator, artist, powwow singer & MC, youth mentor, creator of the 5-College Native American & Indigenous Alumni & Community Network, and member of the Board of Directors of the Social Distance Powwow. As a member of the Native American/First Nations/Indigenous community in New England, he works to represent and uplift the community through art, culture, education, and providing useful economic options. As the founder of the Odenong Powwow, his goal has been to create an avenue for Indigenous people in the area to celebrate our respective cultures, raise our visibility, create self-driven economic opportunities, and educate the general public about who we are through direct interactions. As a member of the Social Distance Powwow’s Board of Directors, he helps increase the inclusion of Native nations in the Northeast into the awareness of the general public, especially among other Indigenous people. In his work as a visual artist and cultural educator, Justin looks to inform the general public about the history of Indigenous people as well as give insight into the issues and successes of contemporary Indigenous life.
Grantee Information
Year(s) Awarded: 2022