INDIGENOUS WISDOM

Valuing Indigenous wisdom is one of the central themes to our mission.

This wisdom informs our activities and decisions and is done in consultation with guidance from our First Nations friends, in the spirit of honoring and education.

We learn of Hózhó, the concept of the Beauty Way- a way of living in balance with the beauty, harmony and well-being of all life from our Navajo friends, and of Mitakuye Oasin (we are all related) from our Lakota Friends. 

Indigenous wisdom from all corners of the earth teaches us that water is life, the power of the circle, that respecting and learning from ones elders is a sacred duty and that we must tend to the land today so that those who will live on it in seven generations will have a beautiful and thriving Unci Maca (Grandmother Earth).
​
We believe that today's modern society as a whole desperately needs exposure to these Indigenous lessons, values and ways of life if there is to be healing as a People and a planet. As such, we strive to integrate the teachings from Indigenous wisdom into all of our programs and ways of operating. 

​To schedule a Cultural presentation at your school or community organization, email us at info@thetipiraisers.org

​Volunteer Service Trips

Another way Indigenous wisdom is shared is through a Volunteer Service Trip.  
These can be designed to fit the schedule of your particular group and customized trips combine cultural experiences, service and recreation. If you belong to a school, university, business, church, etc. and would like to arrange a Volunteer Trip for your community/group please contact us to discuss scheduling and how best to customize a volunteer trip for your group.

On-Site Cultural Experiences Include:

Community Dinners
Occasionally volunteer groups will host or attend a community dinner in which we share a meal with local Lakota, play, socialize, cook and clean together. These dinners are a great way to connect with one another – sharing stories, playing traditional games, learning about each other’s lives and making new friends.

---

Horseback Riding
Ride with Indigenous guides as you learn about their connection to the “horse nation” and how the Sunka Wakan (Sacred Dog) has been an integral part of their culture for generations.

---

Powwow (wacipi)
A community gathering focused on drumming, dancing, singing and feasting (volunteer groups attend powwows if they coincide with the Volunteer Trips).

Discussions with Elders
Volunteer groups sit with elders to learn about Lakota spirituality and values, Indigenous wisdom, accurate historical events, ceremonies and arts and crafts.

Supporting Lakota Artists
Lakota arts and crafts reflect their rich cultural heritage and remain an important aspect of their Lakota identify. Artists are invited to visit our volunteer groups when on Pine Ridge to display their art, conduct live demonstrations as well as teach the history and significance around their chosen medium. Bead-work, quill-work, paintings, jewelry and moccasins are some of the art forms that are shared. Supporting these artists through purchasing their art is an important part of their livelihood on the reservation.