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
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
A Celebration of Trees: Honoring the Mbuti People
This month we are celebrating trees and the indigenous people who have long been the guardians of the forest. Naturally, we think of the Mbuti Pygmies, who, for thousands of years have lived sustainably as hunter-gatherers in the Ituri Forest–the world’s second largest rainforest located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. … Read More
Stronger Together
“Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.” – Sitting Bull, Lakota HAPPY NEW YEAR! Our wish for 2022 is to continue to work together with YOU–our kindred spirit donors, partners, and Indigenous friends in fulfilling the mission of the Tribal Trust to share Native wisdom through education and philanthropy in support of Mother … Read More
Love, Joy, Hope
Holiday ornaments from my home to yours! Wooden bird made by the San Bushmen in Namibia, red woven circle baskets handmade in Bhutan. May this year’s end bring what you have given others through your support of the Tribal Trust Foundation–the fulfillment of dreams, joy, love, and hope! We’re sharing these photos of some of the people you have touched this year … Read More
Join TTF on a Once in a Lifetime Trip to Tanzania
You are invited to travel with the Tribal Trust Foundation on our exclusive, Once in a Lifetime, trip in Tanzania. 7 nights & 8 days November 19th – November 26th, 2021 Travel to support the Tribal Trust in our mission to share indigenous wisdom through education and philanthropy in support of nature and global healing. Your $1,000 tax-deductible donation and $14,500 … Read More
Full Moon Water Blessing Ceremony
On full moons, the Tribal Trust Foundation collaborates with local Indigenous leaders to gather together friends, virtually and locally around the world’s waters, in gratitude to give and receive our blessings of this sacred source. In doing so, our community deepens our love and honor for water as the source of all life. TTF works closely with the organization Loving … 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
Partnering with Chief Ju/’hoansi San of the Kalahari Desert
Upon the request of the San people and several NGO, and on behalf of the Tribal Trust Foundation, Barbara Savage traveled to Botswana and Namibia. She interviewed game wardens, lawyers and activists to understand the immediate crisis. Through the power of traditional trance dancing, chief G/a’qo Kaeqce, understood the President of Namibia was intent on genocide of his people. A … Read More
Indigenous Peoples Day
After years of work, we are honored to share that TTF collaborated with local allies in proposing that the City Council of Santa Barbara and the Board of Supervisors of Santa Barbara County adopt a resolution acknowledging the first Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, replacing Columbus Day. Today, a Declaration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day by the Mayor of … Read More