Portugal. The Man have announced a new charitable initiative, the PTM Foundation. According to a press release, “the foundation is focused on universal issues related to human rights, community health and the environment, with an emphasis on causes directly impacting Indigenous Peoples.”

The band shared the foundation’s mission statement: “PTM Foundation is focused on building community resilience, empathy, and awareness through music, stories, art, education and connectivity. We aim to convene and organize partnerships and projects informed by community need, then mobilize Portugal The Man’s listeners and supporters around that shared vision. While our advocacy, philanthropy, and community engagement work is primarily centered around universal issues related to human rights, community health and the environment, this organization puts a specific focus on highlighting the stories of Indigenous Peoples, and we are committed to helping bring these sacred voices – often the most informed, yet silenced among us – to the forefront.”

“We know Indigenous Peoples face persistent and enduring challenges to their communities, their lands, and their basic human rights, with extremely limited support from the government as well as the broad spectrum of philanthropic institutions,” said John Gourley of Portugal. The Man via press release. “This is wrong, and our band has decided to do something about it.”

According to a press release, “in conjunction with today’s official launch, PTM Foundation also announces Get Out The Native Vote, a nonpartisan grant program designed to promote resources that encourage voter registration amongst Indigenous Peoples and increased engagement in the civic process.”

For more information, head to www.ptmfoundation.org. Watch the promo short film below.