One of the many critical values we can learn from Indigenous peoples is the deep respect for, and care of, our Elders our wisdom keepers. They are the carriers of story, the transmitters of tradition, and the guardians of ancestral knowledge. In early 2025, we received a powerful request from our trusted partner, Bari Wesna, an Indigenous-led intercultural nonprofit based … Read More
Continuing to Support Indigenous Education Amid Funding Cuts
Today, more than ever, we are called to stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples who are being disproportionately harmed by continued extractive policies and practices of our dominant culture and now, the recent devastating cuts in U.S. government funding. “We have already witnessed unbelievable rollbacks on our civil liberties, human rights, and environmental and climate justice laws and policies that we … Read More
Honoring the Mother
In this month of May, where in America we celebrate Mother’s Day, honoring the nurturing presence of mothers in our lives, I want to give thanks for Mother Nature and Mother Earth, and the web of life of which we are a part. At Tribal Trust Foundation, we believe that the wisdom of Indigenous peoples, the regenerative principles of Nature, … Read More
Passing on Ancestral Knowledge with Bari Wesna
We are proud to partner with, and be part of, passing on ancestral knowledge with Bari Wesna in Péru. Support their recent Traditional Singing & Medicinal Plants workshops was an honor. Held in the children’s library ‘’Jainoax Axeti Xobo’’ in the Intercultural community Bena Jema, and led by the wise Betty Muñoz, ancestral knowledge was shared with 25 boys and … Read More
10 Principles to Live By: Learning From Our Indigenous Partners
Over the years, 10 key principles to live by have emerged. These are principles that we have learned from our Indigenous partners and collaborators. FIND YOUR GIFT Your gift is your purpose in life. How you can be of service to others. It’s for you to discover and share. HONOR MOTHER EARTH We don’t own the land, the land owns … Read More
Supporting San Youth
In 2021, the San Bushmen living in Nhoma, a remote village in the Kalahari Desert of Namibia, asked the Tribal Trust to provide a school in their village that ensures an indigenous transfer of knowledge that coincides with teaching western knowledge; not through integration or assimilation of one within another but have these knowledge systems stand side by side … Read More
A Blessing from Chumash Elder, Art Cisneros
Chumash Elder and Fire Keeper Art Cisneros, shares his wisdom and blessings in this throwback video. We are grateful to Art for his many years of Board service and continued mentorship and partnership with the Tribal Trust Foundation.
Did You Know Plants Speak to Us?
Illustration by Holly Sherwin Did you know that plants speak to us? Most of us have lost our ability to hear them. Fortunately, there are Indigenous peoples around the world, many of whom are shamans, who have not lost this ability. Shamans work with the energies and intelligence in Nature that we cannot … 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
Getting to Know the Monpa People of Bhutan
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. The Monpa asked the Tribal Trust Foundation (TTF) to help them preserve their ancient culture, which is based on living in harmony with nature and each other. In 2014, we were the … Read More
Reviving Traditional Weaving at Laya Central School
Though small in size Bhutan is considered one of the richest nations today in terms of culture. They see their unique cultures as a symbol of unity, and national identity. That’s why Royal Government of Bhutan adopted preservation of cultural heritage as the third pillar of Gross National Happiness. Realizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage, the youth of Laya … Read More
WATER IS LIFE WALK ‘Source to Sea’
We walk because the ancestors walked ~ by walking we follow in their footsteps and can pick up the “treasures” that were left along the trail!