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. He recently shared his visions and prophecies for these times, with his dear friend, Hanayo Erza, who assisted with driving the Elder Chief from South Dakota to Illinois to carry a prayer for his people. She was humbled and grateful to relay the following message to us:
As we navigate through his transitional time in history, it is essential for us to recognize and claim our spiritual being. The elements of nature hold a profound intelligence that we can align with to enhance our spiritual growth and connection to the world around us. By embracing our spiritual being and connecting with nature’s intelligence, we can attain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Let us take this opportunity to embrace this calling and embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual alignment with nature.
Ceremony featuring the four directions by Barbara Savage
Our spiritual journey can be a daily practice of simply being present while connecting with nature. For example, observe and speak to the plant and animal world or make an intention to walk barefoot when possible. For those who would like to embark on a trip of a lifetime for self-discovery, please join me in Namibia and Botswana next year.
Tribal Trust Travel to Africa by Roberta Marroquín
TRAVEL to make a difference in your life and the lives of the Ju’Hoansi San Bushmen, indigenous people of the Kalahari Desert. Funds raised from this safari provides direct support to the San Bushmen including our current project to build a school for indigenous youth. On this unique trip, visit the Tsodilo Hills, a sacred place for the San, which they call the “Mountains of the Gods” and the “Rock that Whispers.” It is known that San guides, who lead archaeologists to the hills, must first check with their deity to ascertain whether they are welcome. Please note, the TTF safari includes a helicopter ride to this UNESCO World Heritage Site where we will search for the Shaman’s Cave! Read more about it here.
San artisan making ostrich shell necklace by Barbara Savage, 1998
PHILANTHROPY is another way to enhance our spiritual growth. When we support others and/or a cause, we are connecting to someone or something that is bigger than us. It is an expansive act of love. You do not need to travel to Namibia to support the San. Omba Arts Trust is an outstanding sustainable non-profit which supports the livelihoods and resilience of the San tribe through the development, sales, and marketing of quality crafts and contemporary artwork. The income from crafts has supported the education of their artisans’ children and the health and well-being of their families. Omba needs our help due to the lingering setback from the financial losses incurred during the COVID years. Please consider making a donation directly to Omba to help them continue their work supporting the San by clicking here.
According to the Indigenous shamans who the Tribal Trust has learned from over the years, our spiritual journey does not end when our life ends. Our philanthropic impact can live on too! The TTF is formally inviting our community of donors to become members of our Tribal Trust Legacy Society by making a planned gift in your will to benefit the TTF. We have entered a time of profound change, and the world needs Indigenous wisdom now more than ever. It’s time to take action to ensure the work of the TTF continues and our impact grows so we can support future generations in their quest for spiritual alignment with nature.
Jill Elisofon with Mbuti, Ituri Forest, 1972
FEATURED LEGACY DONOR Jill Elisofon, a founding board member of the TTF is a longtime donor who has helped the Foundation prosper by providing fundraising guidance and nonprofit management experience. Her passion for Indigenous people began as a child while growing up surrounded by traditional Native art from Africa and New Guinea. Jill’s father, renowned photographer Eliot Elisofon was an early collector of African art and known for his photography of tribal peoples, which were published in Life magazine and National Geographic.
In 1972, Jill traveled with her father to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where he was on assignment for National Geographic. On this trip, they visited the Mbuti pygmies in the Ituri Forest, which was a life changing experience for her. She was deeply moved by the Mbuti peoples’ joyful demeanor, self-sufficiency, and harmonious life with nature. Many decades later, Barbara on behalf of the Tribal Trust, visited and documented the same Mbuti peoples and their descendants whose lives were threatened by genocide, which was directed by DRC’s corrupt government.
Jill’s deep interest in preserving Indigenous life and culture and her close relationship with Barbara inspired her to establish a legacy gift in the form of a bequest to support TTF’s future work. Annual support and planned gifts are critical to sustain projects now and for generations to come. For more information about establishing a planned gift, please email us here.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE
TRIBAL TRUST FOUNDATION
We appreciate your generosity and commitment to our work. Statistics show that only two percent of charitable giving supports environmental conservation and less than one percent supports Indigenous causes therefore your ongoing support is critical to this work. Thank you!
In gratitude,
Barbara
Barbara Savage
Founder & Executive Director
Tribal Trust Foundation
The Tribal Trust Foundation is located in the unceded homelands of the Chumash People and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. By recognizing these communities, we attempt to honor their legacies, their lives, and descendants. To learn more about the Indigenous People’s land on which your home or work sits, visit: native-land.ca
