SPIRET Foundation (SF) supports a variety of programs and activities that preserve, protect and enhance Indigenous ways of life and the natural world. Below is a list of some of the ways we work with Indigenous Peoples. SPIRET Foundation is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization and is recognized and operates according to IRS Code 501 (c) 3.
- Indigenous Elders and Medicine Peoples’ Council – This group of traditional spiritual leaders from across North and South America come together to discuss concerns and issues from their respective communities. They also travel to meet with government officials to defend their way of life and the Earth. SPIRET supports the work of this groups of Elders by providing resources for their travel and helping to publish their formal statements.
- First Nation Fitness – To fill a gap in addressing the health of Indigenous communities we are beginning a new program which supports Indigenous athletes and other Indigenous individuals both adult and youth in physical activity. The prevention of obesity and diabetes in Indigenous communities is the focus of this program.
- Elders ceremonially welcome the crew of the Hokulea, a Polynesian voyaging canoe to Turtle Island. The Hokulea and crew are traveling the planet to build a network of people working together to bring kindness and compassion to the Earth and create a more sustainable world. SPIRET assisted by providing travel expenses for Indigenous representatives to meet with the Hokulea crew upon their arrival.
- Protection of Sacred Sites – SPIRET supports projects led by Indigenous Peoples to protect the natural world. One long time and ongoing action is the struggle against the use of reclaimed waste water to make artificial snow for a ski resort located on the sacred San Francisco Peaks. The mountain is held sacred by 13 tribes in the southwest.
- Fiscal Sponsorship – SPIRET has assisted several Indigenous-led projects by serving as a fiscal sponsor.
- Resist 450 (St. Augustine, FL) – A peaceful movement to educate the community of the dehumanizing effects on Aboriginal Peoples of celebrating and glorifying Spanish Conquistadors who invaded Florida long ago and used the Doctrine of Discovery to subjugate Indigenous Peoples. We worked to facilitate the showing of the “The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code” and independent film produced by Sheldon Wolfchild and Steven Newcomb in St. Augustine during the event.
- SPIRET serves as a fiscal sponsor for Land Peace Foundation (LPF) which provides low cost legal assistance, alternative dispute resolution and training programs to Indigenous Peoples in order to protect their human rights, homelands, sacred sites, resources and cultural way of life. Additionally LPF conducts seminars for non-violent Indigenous rights movements.
- World Peace and Prayer Day/Honoring Sacred Sites Day – This is an international event held every year in different locations. As fiscal sponsor, we have supported this event for many years, beginning in 2013 through the 2020 events, modified because of the pandemic. This event, led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, is an international celebration joining worldwide communities of all faiths, nations, races, ages and genders who share concern for the welfare of humanity and the Earth. We were able to support World Peace and Prayer Day through generous grants from Tides Foundation.
- Big Foot Ride and Dakota 38+ 2 Ride (2012-2019) – Every December these rides are in remembrance of two tragic events; the massacre of Chief Big Foot’s band at Wounded Knee and the mass hanging of 38 Dakota in Mankato, Minnesota. The rides connect the people especially youth to their history, way of life and to have them walk the spiritual path of their Ancestors. SPIRET has served as the fiscal sponsor for the spiritual leader who attends both rides due to generous grants from Tides Foundation.
- Apache Stronghold‘s journey to Washington, D. C. – During their stop in Chicago we, along with the American Indian Center, provided them with a platform to gain support for the protection of Oak Flats. This holy place is where coming-of-age-ceremonies for young women are held. We also worked for an opportunity to meet with Senator Richard Durbin’s office while the group was in Chicago.
- School Supplies/Clothing Collection Drives – Items have been collected, packed and transported to several organizations located on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
- ‘Iina Resource Center in Pinon, Arizona – “Iina Resource Center is being developed as a facility to provide a learning opportunity by experiencing an Indigenous way of life. SF has provided financial support for purchasing materials for construction and participated in a work trip for painting the Center.