CFDA Number: 84.215Y
Program Type: This statute earmarks funds for certain entities in Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Mississippi.

The purpose of this program is to develop culturally-based educational activities, internships, apprentice programs, and exchanges to assist Alaska Natives, native Hawaiians, and children and families living in Massachusetts linked by history and tradition to Alaska and Hawaii, and members of any federally recognized Indian tribe in Mississippi.

Authorized projects include internships, apprenticeship programs, and education programs to increase understanding of cultural diversity and multicultural communication among Alaska Natives, native Hawaiians, and the people of the continental United States, based on historic patterns of trading and commerce. The authorizing law was amended in 2006 to include projects for any federally recognized Indian tribe in Mississippi.

Funds are provided for certain entities in Massachusetts, Alaska, and Hawaii as follows: $2 million each for (1) the New Bedford Whaling Museum in partnership with the New Bedford Oceanarium in Massachusetts and (2) the North Slope Borough in Alaska; not less than $1 million each for the New Trade Winds Project to (1) the Alaska Native Heritage Center, (2) the Bishop Museum in Hawaii, and (3) the Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts; and not less than $1 million each for the same three entities for internship and apprenticeship programs. Additional funds are also provided for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.