Mapping Land Wisdom

This solution is an idea and project is focused on the preservation and revitalization of Oneida knowledge through the lens of Indigenous cartography and digital technology. The challenge we are tackling relates to the loss of traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and language within the Oneida community in Wisconsin and Indigenous communities globally. The scale of this problem is significant, with Indigenous communities facing the erosion of their ancestral wisdom and practices due to historical factors like colonization and forced assimilation. In the Oneida community, a notable portion of cultural knowledge, including the history, identification of culturally significant places, and the healing properties of medicinal plants, is at risk of being lost due to the lack of intergenerational transmission. This idea seeks to update, utilize, and provide assess to such traditional knowledge to our community. It is this combination of traditional cartography and technology that seeks to tell the story of the land using our knowledge, our language, and our cultural practices around harvesting. The story of our land is needed for future generations, since it is our land that connects us to all of creation and provides us sustenance. 

Globally, Indigenous communities are grappling with similar challenges, with estimates suggesting that Indigenous languages and cultural practices are disappearing at an alarming rate. According to the United Nations, it is projected that one Indigenous language dies every two weeks, underscoring the urgency of preserving and promoting Indigenous knowledge systems. Further, it is these languages that hold traditional knowledge, particularly about environmental healing, harmony, and balance which provides us with solutions to climate change. According to Conservation International, Indigenous people represent less than 5 percent of the world's population, steward more than a quarter of Earth's land and seas, and protect 80 percent of global biodiversity. This information speaks to the importance of traditional knowledge of Indigenous languages and cultures, as they can provide solutions to modern day problems that affect us all. 

The factors contributing to this problem are multifaceted, including historical trauma, limited access to cultural resources, and the overarching impact of globalization. By reclaiming and mapping out culturally significant places and medicines, along with documenting medicinal plants using our language, "Mapping Land Wisdom" directly addresses the root cause of cultural erosion and serves as a proactive measure to safeguard Indigenous knowledge for future generations and simultaneously serve as a tool and access point for community health and wellness. 

In the Oneida, Wisconsin, thousands of community members are affected by the gradual loss of cultural heritage and language fluency. By providing a digital platform that educates and reconnects community members to their roots, this solution has the potential to empower individuals, strengthen communal bonds, provide access, and revitalize traditional practices that are integral to community wellness. This idea not only offers a solution to preserving cultural knowledge but also serves as a model that can be adapted in Indigenous communities globally, contributing to the broader effort of cultural revitalization, use, and application of such knowledge for the larger population. 

"Mapping Land Wisdom" is a digital platform that integrates Oneida cartography with modern technology to create an interactive map showcasing culturally significant places, histories, stories, medicinal plant locations using Oneida language within Oneida, Wisconsin. This solution aims to educate, preserve, and promote the rich heritage of the Oneida community.

The platform works by combining traditional knowledge passed down from Oneida knowledge holders and language speakers with digital mapping tools to create an engaging and informative experience for users. Users will explore the digital map to discover the historical and cultural significance of various locations, listen to audio recordings of traditional knowledge holders sharing stories and teachings, and learn about the traditional uses of medicinal plants in the area. 

Utilizing Oneida cartography, the map is designed to reflect the unique worldview of the Oneida people, showcasing the interconnectedness of land, language, and culture. Traditional forms of cartography by Oneidas was often denoted through the distinction of certain landmarks that marked certain areas or territories. For example, in the Oneida language, the name for the Oneida people is onʌyoteˀa·ká· which translates to the 'people of the standing stone.' This word gives historical detail to the Oneida people whose territory was marked with a standing/upright stone with this name was used to designate where Oneida people resided. This name and landmark is further referenced in the story of the kayanlʌhslaˀkó, or the Great Law of Peace, which detailed the unification of the five nations of the Haudenosaunee (commonly known as the Iroquois confederacy) which ultimately established a system of governance that strongly influenced the notion of democracy and founding of the United States of America. In essence, Oneida cartography connects language, to landscape and landmarks, history, stories, and further designates territorial boundaries. Oneida cartography further connects to culture, traditional foods and medicines, traditional agricultural practices and harvesting techniques, and symbolism found in traditional pottery, basketry, and beadwork. Our land is the center of our ways of being, and by centering our relationship to land in this project, then we can have a better relationship with the land that can serve as a teaching tool for those looking to learn more about the environment and the stewardship of nature. 

By incorporating modern technology, such as interactive features, like videos and audios, the platform provides community members with an accessible way to connect and deepen their understanding of their surroundings. The technology used in "Mapping Land Wisdom" includes geographic information systems (GIS) to create and visualize the digital map, as well as multimedia tools for recording and sharing video and audio content. The platform will be user-friendly and accessible to the community, allowing for widespread engagement and knowledge sharing within the Oneida community.

This solution serves as a bridge between past traditions and present-day advancements, offering a means for many to reclaim and utilize cultural knowledge in a digital format. Ultimately, this platform not only educates community members but also promotes a sense of pride, connection, and wellness.

Our solution, "Mapping Land Wisdom," is specifically designed to benefit the Oneida community in Wisconsin. The target population we are working to meaningfully improve consists of Oneida community members, including youth, elders, and individuals like allies invested in preserving and revitalizing Oneida culture and heritage.

To understand the needs of the Oneida community, we have engaged in extensive consultations with community members, traditional knowledge holders, ceremonial titleholders like faithkeepers, cultural trainees, Oneida language speakers, Oneida language educators, community leaders, students, parents, and families. These consultations have allowed us to gather insights into the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, the significance of culturally significant places, and the challenges faced in passing down this wisdom to future generations as a result of colonization and ongoing assimilation. 

As we develop the solution, we seek to prioritize community engagement and collaboration. We seek to involve community members in decision-making processes, provide feedback on design elements, and ensure that the platform reflects the values and perspectives of the Oneida people. This solution is led by a community non-profit in Oneida and managed by a team of all Oneida community members, which includes ceremonial titleholders, traditional knowledge bearers, and language speakers. The non-profit, Skanikulat, Inc., further seeks to centralize the voice and worldview of Oneida people, which remains the top priority. Thus, this solution will be done by Oneida people, involve Oneida people, and for Oneida people. By working closely with the community, we aim to create a solution that is culturally sensitive, relevant, and impactful.

"Mapping Land Wisdom" addresses the needs of the Oneida community by providing a digital platform that serves as a repository of cultural knowledge and a means for community members to engage with their heritage in a meaningful way. The interactive map showcases culturally significant places, educational resources, and traditional practices, allowing users to explore, learn, and connect with their ancestral roots.

Through this solution, the Oneida community can reclaim and preserve their cultural heritage, pass down traditional knowledge to future generations, and strengthen their sense of identity and belonging and understand how our cultural practices and language connect to our land. This will create a deeper connection to between Oneida identity and our territory. By promoting cultural revitalization through technology, "Mapping Land Wisdom" empowers the Oneida community to celebrate and honor their heritage while fostering a sense of pride, connection, and resilience.

Our strong commitment to indigenous-led solutions ensures that "Mapping Land Wisdom" is developed in partnership with the Oneida community and by Oneida people, and further guided by the input, feedback, and vision of all stakeholders. By directly benefiting the Oneida community and being rooted in the language and culture, our solution team aims to make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of Oneida community members, contributing to the sustainability and survival of the Oneida culture for generations to come.

Our team, comprised of three Oneida women with diverse roles and experiences, is uniquely positioned to design and deliver the "Mapping Land Wisdom" solution to the Oneida community. Our team members include ceremonial titleholders, language experts and educators, cultural knowledge bearers, philosophers all with backgrounds in education, linguistics, administration, and strategic planning. The lived experiences of the team further includes mothers and team members born and raised on the Oneida reservation, which fosters a level of kinship needed in establishing connections for collaboration as part of this project. Thus, there is a close level of proximity by the team to the community this project seeks to solve. The lead of the team, Rosa King, is the founder of Skanikulat, Inc., which is an Oneida community based non-profit. Overall, this team brings a deep understanding of Oneida culture and traditions that is needed to implement this solution.

More specifically, as all team members are from the Oneida community, we have an inherent connection and proximity to the people we are serving. Our intimate knowledge of Oneida traditions, language, and cultural practices that we practice and apply within our own lives which further enables us to approach the design and implementation of our solution with authenticity and respect for the Oneida community's values and beliefs. A team being led by Oneida women (Rosa King, Priscilla Belisle, and Tracy Williams) allows this solution to bring forth a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, ensuring that this project is reflective of the community. Our team's representation of various roles means that our solution is informed by a holistic understanding of Oneida culture, from language preservation to ceremonial practices.

Throughout the development process, our team seeks to actively engage with community members to gather input, ideas, and feedback. We prioritize community-driven design by our team by aligning our solution with the community's insight. By centering the voices of the Oneida people in the development of "Mapping Land Wisdom," we ensure that the platform is culturally relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the community's needs. Our team's commitment to meaningful community engagement is underscored by a collaborative approach, where community members are integral participants in shaping the direction and features of the platform. The team has a level of networks and established relationships in the community that can draw on a variety of stakeholders to provide the insight needed for this solution. By valuing this community input and perspectives, we ensure that the final product is not only technologically sound but also deeply rooted and centered in the values and traditions of the Oneida people.

In conclusion, our team's composition, expertise, and close ties to the Oneida community uniquely position us to deliver "Mapping Land Wisdom" in a way that not only honors and uplifts but further centralizes Oneida culture, language, and heritage. Embodying the spirit of collaboration and inclusivity, we plan to work hand in hand with the community to create a solution that is meaningful, impactful, and transformative for the Oneida people.

At the present stage, the "Mapping Land Wisdom" solution is considered a concept in the development process. It is an idea being explored and researched for feasibility to eventually build into a digital interactive map product that will serve the Oneida community with potential to be used as a base of knowledge by local allies, schools, and universities and internationally serving as a sample model for Indigenous-based approaches to cartography. While the concept is under active development, there is not yet a functioning prototype of the platform.

As of now, our team has conducted extensive research, engaged in consultations with the Oneida community, and gathered valuable insights to inform the design and features of the digital map platform. We have collaborated closely with community members, including elders, cultural experts, to understand the needs, preferences, and values regarding the preservation and promotion of Oneida culture and heritage to inform Oneida cartography captured using digital technology. 

Additionally, we have begun the initial phases of mapping out the technological requirements and identifying GIS and media collaborators to assist in design elements that will be integrated into the platform. Further, collaborative discussions have begun around the content of the interactive digital map with followup planning sessions to include important landmarks, histories, stories, traditional medicines and language usage. The next step of this project would then be to do the field work in photographing, mapping, and recording videos and audios that will be included in the interactive digital map. Overall, our focus has been on ensuring that the solution aligns with the cultural protocols, language nuances, and knowledge-sharing practices of the Oneida people.

While we have made progress in the conceptualization and planning of the platform, we have not yet built or tested a functioning prototype. As a result, we have not served the beneficiaries with a live product at this stage of development. However, we have begun planning and included the beneficiaries, or our community, and their input in the initial stages of development. 

The current emphasis is on refining the concept, gathering further community feedback, documenting cultural knowledge, medicines, and language, along with the media documentation and development needed from the landscape to move the solution towards the development of a tangible prototype that will ultimately benefit the Oneida community. Through our continued collaboration with community members and stakeholders, we aim to bring the vision of "Mapping Land Wisdom" to life, creating a culturally immersive and educational platform that resonates with cultural continuity of the Oneida people.

Our application to Solve stems from the need for technical support and partnership assistance in advancing our "Mapping Land Wisdom" solution. 

The technical hurdles we face are most substantial, given the intricate development requirements involved in translating the envisioned digital map platform into a functional reality. By seeking assistance from Solve, we aim to access the technology expertise and resources necessary to surmount these obstacles and progress towards the creation of a prototype that aligns seamlessly with the cultural, educational, and knowledge-sharing needs of the Oneida people.

Moreover, we recognize the invaluable role that partnerships play in propelling projects like ours forward. Collaborating with Solve and its network of partners offers the potential to forge meaningful connections, gain access to diverse viewpoints and expertise, and establish collaborative opportunities that can significantly enhance the impact and reach of our solution for communities beyond ours across the globe. We believe these partnerships can assist our larger goal to reintegrate traditional knowledge in mainstream society so that we can use and apply such knowledge as a solution to issues we all face like climate change, extractive government systems, social injustice, and healthcare inequities. 

Lastly, at this point in time, we have are financial barriers which are attributed to the early-stage nature of the project. As the initiative remains in the conceptual phase, our prime objective is to navigate the transformation of the concept into a tangible prototype that can effectively serve the Oneida community.

Through Solve, we aspire to not only receive technical guidance and support but also maximize the partnerships available through the fellowship in order to accelerate the development of "Mapping Land Wisdom." By leveraging the collective knowledge, resources, and value for innovation facilitated by Solve, we aim to address the financial, technical, and collaborative challenges we currently face, ultimately bringing us closer to realizing our vision of preserving and celebrating Oneida culture through a groundbreaking digital platform.

Dr. Rosa King (she/her/hers), or Yekuhsiyo, is a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and part of the turtle clan and was born and raised on the Oneida reservation. Rosa’s Oneida name is Yekuhsiyo meaning “she has a nice face”.

Rosa is the founder of Oneida community based non-profit called, Skanikulat, Inc. established in June 2023. She has also founded the TehatiwʌnákhwaɁ Language Nest immersion program in the Oneida community in 2018, where she also operated as an Oneida language immersion educator. She has been learning the Oneida language in the community for approximately 12 years and has taught the language in various settings, including public schools, tribal schools, and local colleges, for 11 years. Prior to the language nest, she taught the Oneida language in the Pulaski Community School District near the Oneida reservation. She is a licensed American Indian Language teacher by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) where she also does contract curriculum development work reviewing Indigenous based children’s books and resources and creating supplemental learning resources, which is disseminated into schools across the state of Wisconsin. She has a strong foundation in conversational Oneida and has an intermediate level of proficiency in speaking and comprehension of the Oneida language. She collaborates with and consults community members regularly on various aspects of Oneida language and culture, in which she uses to enhance projects and intiatives in Skanikulat, Inc. She has done research and has experience in the following areas: Native language revitalization, indigenous immersion education, immersion teaching methods and techniques, immersion learning techniques, Oneida philosophy, Oneida history, decolonization, decolonial pedagogies, language program design, curriculum development, and grant writing. Her personal philosophy on Indigenous language reclamation is that “language is medicine and can be used to heal our community”. Rosa also holds adjunct appointments at St. Norbert College, where she teaches about First Nations education in the Teacher Education program, and at the College of Menominee Nation, where she teaches Oneida Language, Oneida Treaties, and Oneida history.

Rosa has a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Indian Studies from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, a Master’s degree in Tribal Administration and Governance from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a Doctorate in First Nations Education from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Her doctoral work and research focused on Indigenous language immersion education, Oneida language and culture revitalization, and Oneida language pedagogy. Her dissertation, entitled, “Ukwaka·lá·: My Relational Journey of Reclaiming the Oneida Language” focused on the teaching and learning experiences of 3 Oneida language educators in the Oneida community and identified intrapersonal skills for prospective learners to use on their language learning journey. Her dissertation grew out of her own personal experience as an Oneida language learner and educator. 

Currently, Rosa resides in Green Bay and enjoys hanging out with her cat and dog, family, friends, and watching the Green Bay Packers and other Wisconsin sports teams. Rosa enjoys binge watching documentaries on Netflix, working out, boba bubble teas, coffee, and snacks. Rosa regularly attends longhouse ceremonies with the Oneida community and relative communities across Iroquois country. She has a background in traditional Iroquois arts, specifically sewing regalia, moccasin making, and raised beadwork. 

Rosa is deeply connected to the community as demonstrated through her ongoing and extensive work as an educator, language practitioner, and community-based Indigenous scholar in the Oneida community. Her connections, relationships, and networks in the community along with her role as an Oneida member and team lead will ensure this solution centers Oneida voices and knowledge while advancing this project. 

"Mapping Land Wisdom" is an innovative solution that digitally preserves and promotes Oneida culture and heritage through an interactive map platform using an Oneida cartography framework. This unique approach offers a dynamic way for users to engage with significant cultural sites, language landmarks, and historical narratives, language, traditional medicines, and fosters a deeper connection to the land and traditions of the Oneida community. By leveraging technology to make cultural heritage and the knowledge of land-based cultures accessible and engaging, our solution not only benefits the Oneida people but also has the potential to inspire similar initiatives in other Indigenous communities worldwide.

By providing a comprehensive repository of local pre-contact history and cultural knowledge, "Mapping Land Wisdom" serves as a valuable resource for all individuals connected to the lands stewarded by Indigenous people. This digital platform can serve as a catalyst for promoting a greater principle of stewardship, strengthening relationships, and cultivating responsible global citizens. Additionally, by integrating this resource into school curriculums, we can contribute to a more informed and culturally aware generation, fostering a sense of respect for Indigenous cultures and histories.

The positive impacts of "Mapping Land Wisdom" extend beyond cultural preservation. By offering a digital space for exploring and celebrating Indigenous traditions, medicines, and knowledge, our solution sets a new standard for how technology can be harnessed to bridge gaps in cultural understanding and appreciation. Through the dissemination of knowledge and the celebration of cultural diversity, our platform has the potential to transform the educational landscape by providing students with a deeper understanding of local histories and fostering a sense of global citizenship.

Furthermore, as more communities recognize the value of digitizing and sharing their cultural knowledge, a market shift towards investing in similar technology-driven solutions is conceivable. This shift could lead to a marketplace where digital tools for cultural preservation and education become more prevalent and valued, creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange.

In summary, "Mapping Land Wisdom" not only serves as a beacon for preserving and sharing Oneida culture but also paves the way for a broader movement towards the digital preservation of Indigenous heritage worldwide. By providing access to local pre-contact history, facilitating cultural understanding, and promoting responsible stewardship, our solution has the potential to create a ripple effect of positive change, inspiring stronger relationships, informed global citizens, and a deepened appreciation for the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures.

Our solution, "Mapping Land Wisdom," is expected to have a significant impact on the preservation and promotion of Oneida culture and heritage through a logical framework that links our activities to immediate outputs and longer-term outcomes for our target population. This solution centers on the creation of a digital map platform that uses traditional Oneida cartography and outputs and impacts. The logical framework this solution will follow begins with: 

(1) creating a digital map platform using traditional Oneida cartography capturing knowledge and collaborating with knowledge holders

which leads to 

(2) increased access to Oneida community of Oneida place-based knowledge 

which leads to 

(3) increased sense of identity and shared knowledge across larger populations of Oneida community 

which ultimately leads to 

(4) increased sense of overall wellness (social, emotional, mental, physical, spiritual) and increased healing from colonial extractive systems that extracted and removed this knowledge from our people throughout history.

Through the digitization and dissemination of Oneida cultural teachings and practices, the "Mapping Land Wisdom" solution strives to initiate a transformative journey towards healing, resilience, and reclaiming the cultural heritage of the Oneida that was once lost or marginalized. With 2 speakers in our community and a handful of cultural knowledge holders remaining out of approximately 18,000 Oneida Tribal members, we sit at approximately .01% of our population with language and culture knowledge. Considering this extremely low statistic, which has been detrimentally impacted by colonial laws and policies like federally run boarding schools that stripped this knowledge from our people, we seek a solution created by Oneida people and for Oneida people using traditional approaches to traditional knowledge reclamation. This work is underscored by much research linking a stronger sense of identity to increased levels of health and wellness. This research includes the following key guiding understandings: 

1. Globally, Indigenous people are marked by a series of well-documented negative health disparities which include, but are not limited to, higher levels of infant mortality, maternal mortality, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic renal disease, infectious diseases, alcoholism, drug abuse, and in general a lower life expectancy (Gracey & King, 2009). 
2. While the deleterious impact of discrimination and colonization has emerged in the literature, so has evidence about the protective, mitigating or buffering effect of Indigenous and community support, cultural knowledge and pride, spiritual coping and healing practices (Harris-Britt, Valrie, Kurtz-Costes, & Rowley, 2007; LaFromboise, Hoyt, Oliver, & Whitbeck, 2006; Walters & Simoni, 2002). 
3. It has been observed that as participants progress through language or cultural revitalization, they often develop an enhanced sense of tribal identity that is protective in aspects of health and wellbeing (Gone, 2007).

Through the digitization and dissemination of Oneida cultural teachings and practices, the "Mapping Land Wisdom" solution strives to initiate a transformative journey towards healing, resilience, and reclaiming the cultural heritage that was once lost or marginalized.

Our impact goals for the "Mapping Land Wisdom" solution encompass creating a transformational impact on the Oneida community while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Well-being. Our primary objective is to preserve and revitalize Oneida cultural heritage by providing increased access to traditional knowledge and practices, ultimately fostering a strong sense of pride, identity, and cultural continuity within the community. This initiative is expected to contribute to the overall well-being of individuals by promoting healing and wellness across social, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions.

To measure progress towards these impact goals, we track the following indicators:

1. Community Engagement: Monitoring engagement levels and participation within the Oneida community in utilizing the digital map platform to access traditional knowledge and cultural resources.
2. Knowledge Preservation: Assessing the degree to which traditional Oneida knowledge is being preserved, shared, and passed down through the platform.
3. Cultural Revitalization: Tracking changes in cultural awareness, appreciation, and practices among community members.
4. Wellness Indicators: Measuring improvements in social cohesion, emotional well-being, mental health, physical health, and spiritual connectedness within the community to align with the UN SDG of Good Health and Well-being.
5. User Feedback: Gathering insights from users, including community members, educators, and stakeholders, to evaluate the platform's impact on cultural preservation and overall well-being.

By using these qualitative and quantitative indicators and aligning our impact goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Well-being, we aim to assess the effectiveness of our solution in promoting cultural resilience, improving wellness outcomes, and supporting the healing and empowerment of the Oneida community. Through continuous monitoring and evaluation, we strive to adapt our approach to ensure meaningful progress towards enhancing both cultural heritage and overall community well-being.

The core technology powering our solution, "Mapping Land Wisdom," lies in the fusion of traditional Oneida cartography with modern digital mapping tools, specifically using and advancing Geographic Information Systems (GIS). By integrating centuries-old knowledge of land mapping and storytelling practices with cutting-edge GIS technology, we seek to create a dynamic and interactive platform that preserves and promotes Oneida cultural heritage in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.

At the heart of our solution, we seek to stack sophisticated GIS technology mapping software that allows us to digitize and showcase Oneida place-based knowledge in a visually captivating and educational manner reflective of our cultural and traditional cartographic practices. This technology would enable us to accurately represent traditional landmarks, cultural sites, language narratives, medicine plants, and historical insights within a digital map interface, providing users with an immersive experience that bridges the gap between past traditions and present-day innovation.

Furthermore, we seek to develop and incorporate blockchain technology to secure and authenticate the integrity of the cultural data stored within the platform. By leveraging blockchain's immutable and decentralized nature, we can ensure the trustworthiness and authenticity of the information shared on the map, fostering a sense of credibility and reliability among users. The integration of such technology will not only preserve, but authentic such technology by Oneida people and ensure the data sovereignty of Oneida traditional knowledge. 

Moreover, our solution embraces the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship by utilizing green technologies and eco-friendly practices in our development process. We are committed to minimizing our carbon footprint and promoting eco-conscious initiatives within the Oneida community and beyond.

By combining traditional Oneida knowledge systems with modern technologies such as digital GIS mapping software and blockchain technology, our solution not only preserves cultural heritage but also empowers indigenous communities to reclaim and celebrate their traditions in a digital age. This harmonious integration of ancestral wisdom and contemporary innovation represents a unique approach to cultural preservation and education, paving the way for a more inclusive, interconnected, and sustainable future for all.

We currently operate out of Oneida, Wisconsin (USA) in the Oneida community on the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin Indian reservation which is located near Green Bay, Wisconsin and western central border of Lake Michigan. 

We will be solely operating in Oneida, Wisconsin but plan to collaborate with our 2 other Oneida communities located in present day New York State (USA) and Oneida Nation of the Thames in Southwold, London, Canada as a consultation approach for this project. 

There are 4 people on this solution team: Dr. Rosa King - Oneida language immersion educator (Project Lead - FT), Dr. Priscilla Belisle - researcher and administrator (Contract), Tracy Williams - Oneida ceremonial faithkeeper (FT), and Annette Cornelius - Traditional Knowledge Bearer and Elder (Contract). We seek to collaborate and find more support for this solution as we continue to develop the solution. 

We have been working on this solution for about 1 year. This solution came as a result of seeing that more access in a user-friendly format to traditional knowledge, language, and stories, needed to be provided to our people and done in a way that is culturally aligned with our practices. 

Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational values of our team at "Mapping Land Wisdom." We are proud to be a team comprising all Oneida women of all ages including community members, academics, researchers, mothers, grandmothers, aunties, daughters, teachers, language learners, knowledge holders, and ceremonial titleholders. Our team embodies the central tenets of Oneida culture, which is matrilinealism, focusing and valuing the leadership, gifts, responsibilities, and wisdom of Oneida women.

To further our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we have set specific goals to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members. These goals include fostering open communication, promoting mutual respect, and nurturing a culture that values and celebrates differences. We recognize that diversity is not only about representation but also about creating an environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and supported.

In our efforts to ensure inclusivity, we actively solicit feedback from team members, utilize inclusive language in our communications, and provide resources for ongoing education and training on diversity issues. We also prioritize creating opportunities for team members to share their perspectives, experiences, and cultural traditions to enrich our collaborative work environment.

Externally, we extend our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to all our collaborations within the community and beyond. By centering these values in our partnerships and engagements, we strive to create a more equitable and inclusive space for knowledge sharing, cultural preservation, and collaborative innovation. We actively seek out diverse perspectives and voices to ensure that our work is informed by a wide range of lived experiences and cultural insights.

Through our dedication to nurturing a diverse and inclusive team, promoting equity in all aspects of our work, and championing the leadership of Oneida women, we aim to create a supportive and empowering environment where every team member can thrive and contribute their unique gifts and perspectives. We believe that embracing diversity and inclusion not only enhances the quality of our work but also reflects our deep commitment to honoring and celebrating the richness of cultural diversity within our team and the Oneida community we serve.

We are a community-based non-profit in the Oneida community. We have 501(c)(3) status and are lead by mission driven work for and by our people. We provide services to our community that provide Oneida language and culture enrichment, like Oneida language immersion education, cultural wellness, and Oneida language and culture resource development. Our income is provided by funding from both the public and private sector, including a number of federal grants through the Administration of Native Americans (ANA) agency. We leverage such grant funds to provide the services and programming noted above to our community. We provide these services to support our non-profit's mission (Skanikulat, Inc.) which is to foster community wellness within our territory in Oneida, Wisconsin. 

Our financial sustainability plan for "Mapping Land Wisdom" revolves around a multifaceted approach that includes securing funding from both public and private sectors. Currently, we receive funding primarily through grants, private donors like philanthropic sources. 

Our work is underscored by previous work done by the team in other organizations, where we have received public grant funds from the Department of Education under a Native American Language grant, Administration for Native Americans (ANA) for multiple language grants, including the Esther Martinez Immersion (EMI) grant and a social economic development strategies (SEDS) grant. We have also previously received funds from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and a private funder, First Nations Development Institute (FNDI). We are in the midst of writing grant applications to these agencies that the team has worked with in the past for funding for the non-profit, Skanikulat, Inc. We have recently received funds from the Greater Green Bay community fund, a foundation that supports local non-profits. These contributions play a critical role in supporting our operational expenses and project development.

In the long term, our strategy includes expanding our revenue streams by providing training services to larger organizations under contractual arrangements. By leveraging our expertise in cultural preservation and educational technology, we aim to extend our outreach and generate revenue through service contracts with organizations interested in implementing similar initiatives.

Additionally, we plan to establish an endowment to create a sustainable and recurring source of funding for our work in the community. This endowment will serve as a financial foundation to support ongoing operations, project expansions, and long-term sustainability initiatives, ensuring the continuity and growth of "Mapping Land Wisdom."

Furthermore, we continue to reach out to and develop relationships with private donors who share our vision and commitment to preserving cultural heritage. We believe that the financial support allows us to accelerate the development of our project. In addition, we believe these contributions will be instrumental in advancing our mission and ensuring the sustainability of our work in the long term.

As we continue to grow and scale our efforts, we remain dedicated to exploring new funding opportunities, strengthening existing partnerships, and diversifying our revenue streams to achieve financial sustainability. By combining innovative revenue models, strategic partnerships, and a focus on long-term planning, we are confident in our ability to secure the resources needed to sustain and expand the impact of "Mapping Land Wisdom" in the years to come. We believe that funds from MIS Solve will be a catalyst and jump-start to this solution, in both financial assistance and technical support.