Out of the Indian approach to life there came a great freedom --- an intense and absorbing love for nature; a respect for life; enriching faith in a Supreme Power; and principles of truth, honesty, generosity, equity and brotherhood as a guide to mundane relations.
 
                     - Luther Standing Bear | Oglala Sioux Chief   1868-1939

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 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 [email protected]. 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 trust 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.

All things share the same breath - the beast, the tree, the man. The air shares its spirit with all the life it supports.                                     - Chief Seattle

​Volunteer Service Trips and Nagi Circles

Another way Indigenous wisdom is shared is through joining us for a free Volunteer Service Trip. These take place on reservations across the region. 

​Or join one of our monthly Nagi Circles for cultural presentations at our home base in Lafayette, CO.

At the Tipi Raiser's we amplify Indigenous wisdom through our partnerships with the Native elders who join us at volunteer groups, the Indigenous Wisdom Gathering, monthly Nagi Circle gatherings and various year round activities events. 

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