Change of Name
In 2017 , the National Welsh-American Foundation (NWAF) changed its name to the North America Wales Foundation (NAWF). How did this come to happen? A little history will help explain this evolution and growth. The Foundation was established as the National Welsh-American Foundation in 1980. It was born of the initiative of several individuals, inspired by the late Jack K. Evans, a native of Wales. While some of the Founders were resident in the United States and others in Wales, they shared a common vision to promote interactions between Wales and the United States. This has come to fruition in many ways over the years based on a continuing commitment to preserve, share and promote our common culture and traditions. Our Scholarship and Grants programs have continued to expand distributing hundreds of thousands of dollars in awards over the years.
The decision had been taken jointly by the American and Wales Boards to reflect the growing role played by Canadian members. “It was time we recognized the importance of Canada to our movement."
Prof. Jon Roper, said the Wales Board was unanimous in its support. “Significant numbers of Welsh people migrated to Canada as well as the USA and it is important the Foundation reflects this as well as the support it receives from members in Canada.”
The participation and prominence of Welsh Canadians both within and outside the Foundation prompted the modification of the Foundation’s name to the North America Wales Foundation. Our new logo retains the previous design but has added the Maple Leaf to indicate the role which Welsh Canada plays in our Foundation.
The decision had been taken jointly by the American and Wales Boards to reflect the growing role played by Canadian members. “It was time we recognized the importance of Canada to our movement."
Prof. Jon Roper, said the Wales Board was unanimous in its support. “Significant numbers of Welsh people migrated to Canada as well as the USA and it is important the Foundation reflects this as well as the support it receives from members in Canada.”
The participation and prominence of Welsh Canadians both within and outside the Foundation prompted the modification of the Foundation’s name to the North America Wales Foundation. Our new logo retains the previous design but has added the Maple Leaf to indicate the role which Welsh Canada plays in our Foundation.