What is EATSS & Why Does it Exist?
EATSS is a live event that directly supports Native students pursuing higher education. Through food, art, and storytelling, the event celebrates Indigenous culture while connecting audiences to the real-world impact of that support. EATSS has been featured by The New York Times, Native News Online, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, and Colorado Public Radio.<\/p>\n
Why is This Work Urgent Right Now?
Native students continue to face barriers to higher education. Only 17% of American Indian and Alaska Native students hold a college degree, compared to roughly 40% of the general population. Higher education remains one of the most effective ways to drive long-term economic mobility and strengthen Native communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must also lift up the voices and stories of Native students and the affordable, culturally based TCUs they attend, so their contributions, intellectual, economic, and cultural, are truly seen and valued.\u201d
\u2014 Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO, American Indian College Fund<\/p>\n
What Kind of Impact Does This Support Have?
The College Fund provides over $23 million annually in scholarships and student support. Since its founding, it has awarded 182,000 scholarships, served over 150,600 Native students, and invested more than $208 million. 93% of scholars give back to their communities, entering fields like healthcare, education, law, and public service.<\/p>\n
Who Are the Students Behind This Impact?
Students Christopher and Kianna represent what education access makes possible:<\/p>\n
Christopher (Karuk Tribe) is an American University student preparing for a Juris Doctorate to ensure marginalized voices are heard in policy. After nearly four years in foster care, his life changed through adoption by two gay fathers. He is dedicated to breaking barriers in a legal field where Native Americans represent less than one-half of 1% of all attorneys.<\/p>\n
Kianna (Navajo Nation), a Columbia graduate, overcame systemic barriers by establishing her university\u2019s first Indigenous student space so no student would feel invisible. Now an expert in educational policy, she applies the Din\u00e9 principle of H\u00f3zh\u00f3 (harmony) to Indigenous-led conservation and green career programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cEducation is an opportunity to strengthen community and a tool to correct a larger, unfair system.\u201d
\u2014 Kianna, Navajo Nation citizen and College Fund scholar<\/p>\n
What Can Attendees Expect at the New York City Event?
Guests will experience a curated meal prepared by leading Indigenous chefs alongside live performances that highlight traditional and contemporary Native expression.<\/p>\n
Featured chefs include:
\u2013 Paul Natrall (Squamish Nation) fusion using ancient clay and stone baking methods
\u2013 Nathan Davis (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Cordon Bleu-trained founder of A\u2019Wiisinin Food Truck
\u2013 Ben Jacobs (Osage Nation), founder of Tocabe
\u2013 Anthony Bauer (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), owner, Traditional Fire Custom Cuisine
\u2013 Bradley Dry (Cherokee), refined interpretations of traditional Cherokee ingredients<\/p>\n
What Makes EATSS Unique?
EATSS unites cuisine, performance, and storytelling. The evening includes contemporary Indigenous dance by Nakeema King (Upper Skagit Tribe) and live vocal performances from Twyla Baker and Hobawea Nahish Demaray (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation).<\/p>\n
Why New York City?
New York offers a global stage to elevate Indigenous voices while connecting new audiences to the impact of supporting Native students.<\/p>\n
What Stories are Available for Media?
\u2013 Indigenous art and culture features
\u2013 Cooking segments with featured chefs
\u2013 Student perspectives on education access and impact
\u2013 On-site coverage of performances, food, and storytelling<\/p>\n
Who is Available for Interviews?
\u2013 Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO
\u2013 Scholars Christopher and Kianna
\u2013 Performers Twila Baker and Nakeema King
\u2013 Chefs Paul Natrall and Nathan Davis<\/p>\n
How Can People Attend? About the College Fund Zac Hunter \n Legal Disclaimer:\n <\/p>\n \n EIN Presswire provides this news content \u201cas is\u201d without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability Media gallery<\/p>\n Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media<\/p>\n
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Current, Pier 59, Chelsea Piers, New York, NY
Attire: Smart or business casual
Tickets: $300, sponsorship packages available<\/a><\/p>\n
The American Indian College Fund is the nation\u2019s largest charity supporting Native higher education, providing scholarships and support services that help Native students access and complete college while strengthening communities nationwide.<\/p>\n
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zac@thelemata.com<\/a>
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