From that springboard, she travelled to dozens of countries as an advocate for women's and Indian causes.
American Indian causes rarely attract such substantial foundation money.
Asked why, she said "because of his dedication to the Indian cause".
The idea was to stage a "fish-in" for the Indian cause.
An activist in the trade union and Indian national causes, he later was attracted to Zionism.
Blackfoot is constantly plotting media events he hopes will bring publicity to the American Indian cause.
Three run-outs did not help the Indian cause.
It emphasised actions of self-sacrifice by its members for the Indian cause.
The group has received national acclaim for advocating American Indian causes and efforts to protect battered immigrant women.
By her count, she has performed 275 benefit concerts, many of them for environmental and Indian causes.