In 2016 the Keshi Foundation (TKF) was created as a public charity 501(c)(3) non profit corporation. It continues with an all volunteer staff. It is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit public charity offering pathways and opportunities to benefit the people of the Zuni Pueblo, NM, through their arts and education.
The Zuni Shows were the first efforts of TKF to better represent fine Zuni artwork to a greater extent than other shows allow. Through the two successful Zuni Shows in Santa Fe, the Keshi Foundation (TKF) demonstrated that the shows directly benefited those 250 artists and families that participated. Widening our focus, we asked what we might accomplish that could benefit 11,000 Zunis living in the Pueblo, making every day a Zuni Show in the Zuni Pueblo.
At the request of the Zuni Tribal Council, The Keshi Foundation (TKF) participated in a series of meetings in 2018 to learn what the Zuni Community considered to be effective ways to expand economic opportunity in the Zuni Pueblo. The highly constructive meetings led to a working collaborative association with TKF and the A:shiwi College and Career Readiness Center (ACCRC).
Ray Tsalate, Owl
With seed money from Keshi, Inc., and other donors, The Keshi Foundation Board and Advisory Committee review relevant and culturally appropriate projects and support and channel funds to those causes. With utmost respect for the Zuni People and with their vital input and collaboration, The Keshi Foundation acts as an outreach organization which receives, considers, and selects individual and group needs in the pueblo and then assists in meeting those needs.