The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is the only federal agency in the United States dedicated to funding the humanities. Since its founding in 1965, NEH has awarded nearly $6 billion in grants to museums, historic sites, colleges, universities, K–12 teaching, libraries, public television and radio stations, research institutions, independent scholars, and to its humanities council affiliate in each of the nation’s 56 states and jurisdictions. NEH grants support the building blocks of American civil society, helping to examine the human condition, promote civics education, understand our cultural heritage, foster mutual respect for diverse beliefs and cultures, and develop media and information literacy.

Now, as the United States grapples with existential threats to its democracy, with persistent systemic racism, and with its changing climate, the humanities are more vital than ever. Under the leadership of Chair Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo), the first Native American to lead the agency, NEH is working with partners to leverage the humanities to strengthen the nation’s democracy, advance equity and access for all, and address its changing climate.

President of Canada's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Ted Hewitt will introduce Chair Lowe and highlight SSHRC and NEH's new partnership to align on humanities scholarship and Indigenous research. Chair Lowe’s keynote will follow and include a Q&A.