Traditional Bhutanese Artwork Within Bhutan, a small Kingdom in the Himalayas, hidden away in the deep forest and high mountains, live the Monpa, the Indigenous people considered the country’s first inhabitants. In 2014, the Monpa asked the Tribal Trust to help them preserve their culture. We responded by funding their grassroots cultural … Read More
Shipibo-Konibo, the Indigenous people of the Ucayali River in Peru
The Shipibo-Konibo, the Indigenous people of the Ucayali River in Peru, are a shamanic culture that is world renown for healing with plant medicines such as ayahuasca. Medicine songs and designs are incorporated into their textiles, ceramics, and tools. Shipibo-Konibo Elders continue to assume lead roles in protecting their land, culture, and spiritual traditions. They are mentoring the next generation … Read More
Support the San Bushmen!
Photo of Baskets by Omba Arts Trust The Tribal Trust Foundation (TTF) serves as a fiscal agent to several nonprofit organizations whose projects further our mission. Traditional Lakota Elder Chief Black Spotted Horse, Founder of Bringing the Sacred Back to the Black Hills, Paha Sapa, Inc., has been a fiscal partner for many years. … Read More
The San Bushmen of Namibia
San Bushmen Rain Dance Artwork by Sheila Terry The Tribal Trust Foundation (TTF) has a long relationship with the Ju/’hoansi San of Namibia and Botswana who live in the northwestern Kalahari by responding to their requests to assist with preservation of their traditional culture. Nearly twenty years ago, the TTF provided support to the Kalahari Peoples Fund to … Read More
Spirit Pine Sanctuary and Peruvian Amazon Projects
We are so grateful to everyone who supported our recent TTF fundraising event at Spirit Pine Sanctuary in the stunning Santa Ynez Valley–a group which included philanthropists, environmental activists, and ceremonial leaders. Spirit Pine Sanctuary is a working model of sustainable off-the-grid living, located on a 160-acre agricultural preserve adjacent to the … Read More
Celebrating the Monpa People of Bhutan
Image: Pamos Nguntimo by Karma Jamtsho We’re happy to announce the Tribal Trust Foundation (TTF) has successfully funded a grassroots cultural revitalization and research initiative for the Monpa, a tribe of Indigenous hunter gatherers who live in the Black Forest, a remote area in Central Bhutan. The Monpa community is rich in culture and they recognize “it is on the verge of disappearing”. This funding will empower the … Read More
Giving Back To Mother Earth
The Tribal Trust Foundation (TTF) was founded in 1998. For twenty-five years we have been identifying sustainable grass roots cultural preservation projects to support Indigenous people around the world. The TTF partners with local organizations and businesses whose experience and existing relationships with specific tribes can sustain joint initiatives over the long-term … Read More
Safeguarding Shipibo-Konibo Wisdom in Peru
How are you? I hope you feel curious and inspired after reading this newsletter. The Tribal Trust Foundation (TTF) was honored to be invited to attend and document a traditional rite of passage of a young Shipibo-Konibo girl on her thirteenth birthday. The Shipibo-Konibo are an Indigenous people who live along the … Read More
Personal Intentions For Healing In The New Year
Aboriginal Artist Anna Tilmouth Pengarte, “Native Fuchsia Dreaming” As we begin 2023, the Tribal Trust is energized and blessed with new board members; Margaret Loncki as our new treasurer. Margaret is the Director of Operations at Certis Capital Management, a multi-family office primarily specializing in non-correlated alternative investments. She oversees all aspects of operations and … Read More
A Year In Review & Gratitude For YOU
We are very grateful to you for your generosity which has enabled the Tribal Trust Foundation (TTF) to carry out its mission to preserve and safeguard Indigenous cultures in an ever-changing world. During the last year, with your support, TTF has made significant progress on important projects and collaborations around the world. Please read about these projects below and take … Read More
Monpa Medicinal Plants: Indigenous Knowledge From A Himalayan Healer
Inspired by her time in Bhutan with the Monpa people and with teachings from wisdom Elder Ap Tawla, professor Dawn A. Murray wrote the book Monpa Medicinal Plants: Indigenous Knowledge From A Himalayan Healer, a book about the Monpas and their intimate relationships with the plants, the land, and cultural practices. Murray’s book illuminates the Himalayan medicinal plants that the … Read More
Ancient Futures
Triangulum by Beth Moon Ancient Futures. I have been blessed to sit in the San Bushmen healing circle on the soft Kalahari Desert sands many nights over the past years. Listening to the rhythmic clapping and singing of the women puts me in an altered state and at peace. I watch the medicine men go … Read More