indigenous wisdom gathering and 4 directions ride information!

INDIGENOUS WISDOM

"We’re all indigenous. We all come from a people. It’s just that we’ve been dislocated and alienated from where we come. When we connect to it, we can heal the planet."
Joseph Medicine Robe | 2023 Indigenous Wisdom Gathering

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 over the world, teaches us about the power of the circle, that water is life,  that respecting and learning from one's 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 Maka (Grandmother Earth).

We have found that people today not only need, but crave, exposure to these Indigenous lessons, values and ways of life.  A broad array of Indigenous wisdom is shared by our Native friends and integrated into everything we do. When Native and non-Native people come together in this way, opportunities emerge to understand each other's culture, re-learn what our fast-paced society has erased and create lasting friendships across lines of difference.

This impact, while immeasurable, tends to be quite profound as articulated by past participants:

• "I realized how important it is to spend more time with my grandparents; to listen to their stories and ask them questions. That is my biggest takeaway from the experience" - Gen7 Youth
  
• “The vision of Raising Tipis is really a vision of raising relations, inclusive of all, bringing people from many different walks of life together to create together... I'm proud of the work we did in just one week and I'm very impressed by the leadership and the divine help received from the wisdom holders that inspired and encouraged everyone”. - 2022 Volunteer on Navajo Nation
  

Cultural presentations and opportunities are integrated into our events and volunteer service trips.  When available, they can also be scheduled for your school or community organization, email us at info@thetipiraisers.org. There is no fee.

In alignment with the Indigenous wisdom of reciprocity and gift economies, all Tipi Raiser's events and programs are FREE. We believe that those who join us on our mission receive the gift that is inherent in that experience and that they will give back to the best of their ability - in this way, we can all stay in balance.   
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"When a society loses the sacred - when everything has a monetary value, the commoditization of human life cannibalizes itself." Basil Brave Heart

​Grants and donations subsidize presentations, Gen7 Youth activities and volunteer service trips.

​Volunteer Service Trips

Another way Indigenous wisdom is shared is through joining us for a free Volunteer Service Trip.  

These take place on reservations across the region as well at our home base in Lafayette, CO.

The Tipi Raisers is a Community Grounded in the Following Traditional Indigenous Values from the First Nations and Around the World:

​Unangwvaasi (Hopi)- Prayer  •  Ukuhlonipha (Xhosa)- Respect
Karuṇā करुणा (Hindi)- Compassion  •  Doohahooch'íídgóó (Diné) - Honesty
Sukupikunna (Quechua)- Generosity • Wahwala (Lakota)- Humility  •  Tʉsu’a-pʉ (Ute) - Wisdom

Immerse in Indigenous Wisdom:

Discussions with Elders
Volunteer groups sit with elders and learn about their spirituality and values, Indigenous wisdom, ceremonies, customs and the truth around historical events.

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.

Tipi Raising
With the careful guidance of our Native consultants, volunteers learn not only the proper way to raise a tipi but they learn the significance of each aspect of this sacred dwelling.  The number and placement of the poles and the positioning of the door (to the east) all hold meaning. The interplay of storytelling, history and spirituality all weave together in the raising of a tipi.

Community Dinners and Games
Occasionally volunteer groups will host or attend a community dinner in which we share a meal with the community, 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.

Drumming / Singing / Traditional Dance 
In Native cultures the drum, regarded as a living entity, holds great cultural and symbolic power. It is often seen as a sacred protector and the heartbeat of their people. When possible, volunteers will have an opportunity to learn about the history and current day significance of the drum and traditional dance in Native cultures.  

Supporting Lakota Artists
Native arts and crafts reflect their rich cultural heritage. Artists are invited to visit our volunteer groups to display and sell 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.