Harm reduction and Protecting indigenous medicine through community engagement.

explain how i plan to solve this problem through The specific problem I'm working to address is the loss of access to traditional medicines among Indigenous communities, particularly those in Haida Gwaii , due to various factors such as climate change, invasive species introduced during colonization, a lack of cultivation and traditional teachings. This issue is significant on both local and global scales, impacting not only our Indigenous populations directly but also highlighting broader concerns about environmental sustainability and cultural heritage preservation.

On a local level, communities in Haida Gwaii and Canada are experiencing a diminishing availability of traditional healing plants. This loss directly affects the well-being of community members who rely on these medicines for spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. The scale of this problem is particularly pronounced in Indigenous communities, where the connection to traditional medicines is deeply rooted in cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Globally, the issue of declining access to traditional medicines is part of a broader trend of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Climate change, in particular, is causing shifts in ecosystems that impact the growth and distribution of medicinal plants. Additionally, the introduction of invasive species during colonization has further disrupted natural habitats, making it harder for traditional plants to thrive.

The number of people affected by this problem is significant, encompassing Indigenous communities across Haida Gwaii, Canada, and beyond. Indigenous peoples have historically relied on traditional medicines in particular "Devils club",Nettles,and pond lilies  for their health and well-being, and the loss of access to these resources represents a threat to cultural continuity and community resilience.

One of the key factors contributing to this problem is the lack of protection and disconnect between Indigenous communities and their traditional knowledge systems, including the lack of teachings and passing down of ancestral knowledge regarding medicinal plants has contributed to a loss of awareness and understanding among younger generations. This gap in knowledge transmission exacerbates the challenges faced in preserving and revitalizing traditional healing practices.

Local and global statistics on biodiversity loss, climate change impacts, and Indigenous health outcomes can provide further context and support for addressing this multifaceted challenge. Additionally, success stories and best practices from similar initiatives can offer valuable insights into effective strategies for promoting community resilience and sustainability.

Your plan to address the problem of declining access to traditional medicines among Indigenous communities by partnering with Skidegate Band and Standing Spruce farm is comprehensive and well-structured. Here's how your program will help solve the problem:

1. Relationship-Based Mentoring: By developing a relationship-based communal mentoring program, you are focusing on holistic well-being and healthy living among Indigenous children, youth, young adults, and community members. This approach fosters a sense of connection to the land, cultural heritage, and traditional knowledge.

2. Incorporation of Indigenous Medicinal Plants: Your program integrates indigenous medicinal plants and food sustainability practices, ensuring that participants learn about and engage with the plants that are essential to their well-being. This promotes the preservation and revitalization of traditional healing practices.

3. Holistic and Ethical Approach: The holistic and ethical approach of your program encompasses not only the cultivation of medicinal plants but also the protection and propagation of key species like devil's club. This demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

4. Hands-On Learning: Through activities such as growing a 1-acre medicinal garden, propagation, garden maintenance, basic husbandry, and Apiary care, participants gain practical skills and knowledge. This hands-on approach is effective in teaching traditional practices and fostering a deeper connection to the land.

5. Collaborative Partnerships: Partnering with organizations like Skidegate Band, health staff, and local youth workers strengthens the program's impact and reach. Collaborative efforts ensure that resources, expertise, and support are maximized for the benefit of the community.

6. Education and Resource Distribution: Producing and distributing educational materials such as plant catalogues and handouts ensures that learning is accessible and ongoing. This empowers participants to continue their engagement with traditional healing practices beyond the program duration.

7. Trial Period and Expansion: The structured trial period allows for evaluation of the program's effectiveness and potential for expansion. Positive feedback and successful outcomes can lead to further partnerships, growth, and sustainability of the initiative.

8. Most importantly:
   Our top priority is safeguarding and fostering the growth of devil's club in its natural environment, ensuring its preservation for future generations. We achieve this through our established and effective method of transplanting this slow-growing cousin of ginseng, which has been thoroughly tested and proven successful. Devil's club, scientifically known as Oplopanax horridus, is a plant native to North America and is valued for its medicinal properties, especially in traditional Indigenous medicine. It's recognized for its spiny stems, large leaves, and bright red berries, making it an important species to conserve and cultivate.

Overall, your plan not only addresses the immediate challenge of access to traditional medicines but also promotes cultural revitalization, environmental awareness, and community resilience. It reflects a thoughtful and inclusive approach to holistic well-being and healthy living within Indigenous communities.

The Haida people of Haida Gwaii, formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands, hold immense significance due to their rich cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and historical resilience. Renowned for their distinctive art, music, and totem poles, the Haida embody a deep connection to their land and sea, promoting principles of sustainability and environmental care. Their efforts in language preservation, legal advocacy, and cultural resurgence highlight their determination to preserve their unique identity and rights. Additionally, Haida Gwaii's popularity as a tourist destination brings attention to Haida culture, contributing to the local economy and raising awareness about indigenous issues on a global scale.

To address these issues, my solution focuses on aggressive cultivation of both the devil's club plants and the bonds within Indigenous communities through land-based work and healing practices. By reconnecting community members with the land, via medicinal gardens and protected sections of forests ,teaching traditional knowledge, and promoting sustainable harvesting and cultivation of medicinal plants, we can work towards preserving these vital resources and ensuring their availability for future generations. This approach not only addresses the immediate challenge of declining access to traditional medicines but also promotes holistic well-being, cultural revitalization, and environmental stewardship.

By inviting our people from the region to work with Standing Spruce and the medicinal garden program; our youth and people can be strengthened through knowledge, igniting  their own talents, experience, and natural leadership .

In this program youth have opportunity to improve many aspects of mental health, confidence, focus, and concentration. 

Incorporating Haida traditions of medicine making, blended with modernized recipes and techniques will give youth a sense of belonging, and opportunity for extended learning in language, culture, and local history.

According to WebMD Gardening improves mood, boosts self-esteem, improves attention span, provides exercise, fresh air, and encourages social bonds.

Incorporating Haida traditions of medicine making, blended with modernized recipes and techniques will give youth a sense of belonging, and opportunity for extended learning in language, culture, and local history.

As the owner and operator of Standing Spruce Farm, our expertise, communication skills, and deep passion for traditional plants form the foundation of our successful program. Over the past four years, we have dedicated extensive acres of farmland to cultivating and studying these plants, honing our understanding of their unique needs and growth patterns.

Our journey took a crucial turn when we recognized the critical condition of Devils Club on Haida Gwaii. This realization prompted us to initiate a focused cultivation process. Through meticulous planning and hands-on care, we achieved significant milestones in just two years, successfully transplanting and nurturing the growth of Devils Club. Our ultimate goal was to revitalize and safeguard the traditional habitat of Devils Club, ensuring protection from invasive species that threaten its existence.

This experience highlighted the synergy of our experience, communication abilities, and unwavering dedication. Our effective communication has enabled us to collaborate closely with local communities and experts, integrating their invaluable insights into our program. By working hand in hand with these stakeholders, we've strengthened our approach to protecting and revitalizing traditional plants like Devils Club, ensuring a sustainable future for these vital species and their habitats.

Experience and Dedication: We have dedicated the last four years and extensive acres of farmland to cultivating and studying traditional plants. This hands-on experience has provided us with valuable insights into the growth, transplantation, and conservation of these plants.
As the owner and operator of Standing Spruce Farm, we are uniquely positioned to design and deliver a successful program for the cultivation and protection of traditional plants, such as the critical Devils Club on Haida Gwaii. Our experience, communication skills, and passion for traditional plants make us well-suited for this task. Here's why our team is the right choice for this project:

1. Community : Our team is deeply connected to the communities we serve. We have established strong relationships with local stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, who hold profound knowledge about traditional plants and their significance. This proximity allows us to understand and respect the cultural context of our work.

2. Cultural Respect and Collaboration: The Team Lead and our entire team are representative of these communities in meaningful ways. We actively engage with community members, Elders, and knowledge keepers to ensure that our design and implementation strategies align with their values, input, and agendas.

3. Community-Driven Approach: Our solution is not imposed from an external perspective but is instead guided by the input and ideas of the communities themselves. We conduct regular consultations, workshops, and collaborative sessions to co-create strategies that prioritize the protection and revitalization of traditional plant habitats.

4. Environmental Stewardship: Beyond cultural considerations, we are committed to environmental stewardship. Our program integrates sustainable practices to ensure that our efforts contribute positively to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health.

In summary, our team's proximity to the communities we serve, with our experience, dedication, and collaborative approach, makes us well-equipped to deliver a solution that effectively protects and revitalizes traditional plant habitats like the Devils Club on Haida Gwaii.

So far, we've achieved significant milestones in our medicinal revitalization project and partnership with the Haida Nation. Here's what we've built and tested:

1. Land Acquisition and Preparation: The 6.7 acres of farm land we've acquired were chosen after careful consideration of their suitability for cultivating devil's club, water lilies, and nettles. The land preparation process involved soil testing to ensure optimal growing conditions, implementing irrigation systems to manage water supply efficiently, and restoring natural habitats to support biodiversity.

2. Research and Development: Your team's research on the life cycle of devil's club has been comprehensive. This includes studying its germination process, understanding natural predators, and identifying best practices for cultivation and protection. Our previous farming experience and  knowledge forms the basis of a robust protection plan that encompasses strategies like pest control methods, habitat preservation, and sustainable harvesting practices.

3. SecuredPartnerships with the Haida people: Our partnership with the Haida Nation and the local community is a significant achievement. It involves not only formal agreements but also ongoing collaboration in cultural revitalization for years to come, traditional knowledge sharing, mentorship and land stewardship. This partnership has strengthened community ties, fostered cultural pride, and empowered local residents to take an active role in preserving their heritage and environment.

4. Environmental Impact Assessment: Environmental sustainability experts have begun conducting thorough assessments of our farm to evaluate its ecological footprint. This includes analyzing water usage, soil health, biodiversity levels, and potential impacts on surrounding ecosystems. Recommendations from these assessments have been implemented to minimize environmental harm and promote sustainable practices such as organic farming methods, native plant restoration, and wildlife conservation measures.

5. Mentorship Camps and Community Engagement: The preparation for mentorship camps has involved creating educational materials, developing curriculum modules, and organizing hands-on activities related to traditional medicine, ecological awareness, and cultural heritage. These camps have already served a substantial number of participants, including children, youth, and adults from diverse backgrounds. Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the transformative impact of experiential learning and community building.

Overall, our project has made significant strides in creating a sustainable model for medicinal plant revitalization, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. The combination of scientific research, community partnerships, and educational initiatives has laid a solid foundation for long-term success and positive impact on both local communities and the natural environment.

Our medicinal revitalization project may face several barriers across different domains. Here's how Solve could potentially help overcome some of these challenges:

1. Financial Barriers: Developing new medicinal solutions requires significant financial resources for research, development, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals. Solve can connect Lesley's team with potential investors, philanthropic organizations, or funding agencies that are interested in supporting innovative healthcare projects. Additionally, Solve can provide access to grants or fellowships to help fund specific aspects of the project.

2. Technical Barriers: Creating and testing new medicines involves advanced technical expertise, laboratory facilities, and access to specialized equipment. Solve can link Lesley's team with technical partners, such as research institutions, laboratories, or pharmaceutical companies, that can provide the necessary infrastructure, expertise, and resources for drug discovery and development.

3. Legal Barriers: Developing new medicines requires navigating complex legal frameworks related to intellectual property, patents, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations. Solve can facilitate connections with legal experts specializing in pharmaceutical law, regulatory affairs, and bioethics to ensure that Lesley's project meets all legal and ethical requirements.

4. Cultural Barriers: Introducing new medicinal solutions may face cultural barriers related to healthcare practices, beliefs, and acceptance of innovative treatments. Solve can help Lesley's team engage with diverse communities, healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, and policymakers to address cultural sensitivities, promote awareness, and foster acceptance of the revitalized medicines.

5. Market Barriers: Bringing new medicines to market involves understanding market needs, competitive landscape, pricing strategies, distribution channels, and regulatory pathways. Solve can provide market research, business development support, and connections with industry partners, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and regulatory agencies to navigate the complexities of commercializing the revitalized medicines.

By connecting Lesley's medicinal revitalization project with relevant partners offering both monetary and non-monetary support, Solve can help overcome financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market barriers, thereby advancing the project's impact in improving healthcare outcomes.

Lesley Assu, the owner and creator of  Standing Spruce Farm & Apothecary Ltd.

Raised in both the traditional homelands of her mother on haida gwaii and her fathers terrtory on vancouver island. She has relocated to Haida gwaii to continue her work and raise her children.

Her tradiational given names are; Taaskiingungjaats ”The lady of sining sands”, and Kuugajaat “Woman who feeds everyone.” Lesley is an indigenous ancestral member of Na Sa7agaas Xaaydagaay Eagle clan CLAN.

What makes our solution innovative.

The uniqueness of your initiative to farm Devil's club in Canada despite the absence of similar efforts by other organizations speaks volumes about your originality and innovation in this field. Devil's club, known for its medicinal potency and potential, holds immense value in indigenous cultures for its healing properties and traditional uses. By actively researching, propagating, and studying Devil's club, your project not only aims at harnessing its benefits but also contributes to the protection and study of more indigenous species.

One aspect that makes your project stand out is its deep connection to traditional cultural knowledge. Indigenous peoples have a wealth of knowledge about the natural world, including plants like Devil's club, which have been used for centuries for their medicinal and spiritual significance. By respecting and incorporating this traditional knowledge into your project, you not only honor the heritage of your people but also pave the way for a more holistic approach to plant cultivation and conservation.

Furthermore, your initiative can serve as a model for sustainable and culturally sensitive practices in agriculture and herbal medicine. It highlights the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems and biodiversity while also exploring the potential economic and health benefits of plants like Devil's club.

In summary, your original and innovative approach to farming Devil's club in Canada has the potential to not only unlock the medicinal properties of this plant but also promote respect for indigenous cultures, support biodiversity conservation, and inspire future initiatives that blend traditional wisdom with modern scientific advancements.

The national library of medicine stated: Devil's club Oplopanax horridus (DC) is a close relative of ginseng; its inner root and stem bark extract showed antiproliferation activity on human leukemia, ovarian, breast and colon cancer cells. We study here the effects of DC 70% ethanol extract alone, or in combination with cisplatin, gemcitabine, and paclitaxel on pancreatic endocrine HP62 and pancreatic ductal carcinoma PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. Antiproliferation activity assay, cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry, apoptosis-related markers by antibody array, and RT-PCR assay were used for this study. DC extract inhibited proliferation of HP62 with IC50 (50% inhibition concentration) at 0.037±0.002% (v/v), PANC-1 at 0.0058 ± 0.0004% and BxPC-3 at 0.021 ± 0.003%. DC at 0.0033% combined with 1 nM of paclitaxel showed inhibition synergy on PANC-1 cells with a combination index of 0.44. Apoptosis focused antibody array profile indicated upregulation of cytochrome C, claspin, cIAP-2 and HTRA2/Omi apoptosis-related markers in DC-treated HP62 and PANC-1. Our data suggest that DC acts through targeting the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in the pancreatic cancer cells. The high antiproliferation potency of DC on PANC-1 is potentially useful as an adjunct therapy for treating pancreatic cancer, which is known for developing resistance to conventional chemotherapeutics.

Indigenous communities are struggling as traditional medicinal plants like Devil's Club become scarcer due to habitat degradation and overharvesting. The Medicinal Revitalization Project and Devil's Club Protection initiative aim to address this by restoring plant populations and protecting their habitats. The project will cultivate Devil's Club, educate communities on sustainable practices, and advocate for supportive policies.

The project's activities include rehabilitating habitats, promoting cultivation, educating communities on sustainable practices, and advocating for policies supporting conservation. These efforts will lead to healthier habitats, increased availability of cultivated Devil's Club, improved community knowledge, and supportive policies.

These activities are expected to result in positive outcomes such as improved ecosystem health, preservation of cultural practices, better community health, and sustainable plant populations. Data collection and evaluation will demonstrate the project's impact on plant availability, community well-being, and ecosystem health.

Overall, the project aims to ensure the continuity of traditional medicinal practices and the well-being of both ecosystems and indigenous communities.

What are your impact goals for your solution and how are you measuring your progress towards them?

I was raised with a traumatic upbringing on a reserve in british columbia canada. i am the successful owner of two businesses and everyday prove that you can be successful without ever sacrificing your integrity , your ethis, or your family.

I know that in the name of harm prevention one simple act of kind kindness , the ability to be seen, and to be brought into a cultural safe space to learn can change the course of your life forever. This is what I had in my community to propel me forward, and this is what I will be to the youth of haida gwaii. The success of this part of plan wont be measured  right away, but will be measured over time. We are't just providing a career proven to be successful by my business, but an alternative to the norm for our youth.

This will be monitored by the Haida nations elders and matriarchs.

As for our progress with the preservation of medicinal plants, this is the first year after 4 our team has successfully transplanted devils club to new locations , and achieved remarkable measure of growth in both length and foliage.We have been maitaining our own reports and photographic evidence of growth patterns and success.

With intuition and knowledge sharing, we devised a plan that forward beginning the cultivation of our wild harvesting grounds over the course of 2 years. Removing the sick, old and damaged devils club flora. This resulted in healthier heavier harvesting grounds, allowing us to travel less for harvest

Standing spruce farming and cultivation techniques can fit into the broader context of leveraging traditional knowledge systems and technologies, as well as combining modern and ancestral techniques, in several ways:

1. Ecosystem Integration: Spruce farming can be integrated into ecosystems in a manner that mimics natural processes. This can include companion planting with native species to enhance biodiversity, using traditional knowledge of plant interactions to promote healthier growth, and adopting agroforestry techniques that imitate forest dynamics.

2. Soil Conservation: Traditional methods of soil conservation, such as contour farming, terracing, or mulching with organic materials, can be combined with modern soil analysis and monitoring technologies to optimize soil health for spruce cultivation. This helps in sustainable land use and prevents erosion.

3. Water Management: Centuries-old irrigation techniques, like using gravity-fed systems or rainwater harvesting, can be employed alongside modern irrigation methods to ensure efficient water use and reduce the impact on local water sources.

4. Climate Adaptation: species that are resilient to climate change can be selected for cultivation, drawing from both traditional knowledge of local climate patterns and modern research on species adaptability. Additionally, practices like mixed-species planting and selective breeding can further enhance resilience.

5. Traditional Medicinal Knowledge: Devils club protection can be integrated into spruce farming by leveraging traditional knowledge of companion planting or natural pest deterrents. For example, using certain plant extracts or companion plants that deter pests can reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

6. Sustainable Harvesting: Practices for sustainable harvesting, such as selective logging and rotational cutting, can be combined with modern technologies like GPS mapping and remote sensing to ensure responsible forest management and long-term viability of spruce stands.

7. Value-Added Products: Utilizing spruce and devils club in value-added products, such as herbal remedies or natural cosmetics, can blend traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with modern manufacturing and marketing strategies, creating economic opportunities while preserving cultural heritage.

Overall, the integration of standing spruce farming and devils club protection within a framework of traditional and modern knowledge systems allows for a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and co

Haida Gwaii , British columbia.

None.

Full time staff : 2

Part time staff: 2

Our team has been working on indigenous revitalization in our respective communities for 4 years , beginning in CampbellRiver bc.

Our company has embarked on an exciting journey as we lay the groundwork for our partnership, one that reflects our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. We are actively planning to integrate full-time and part-time employees designated by the Haida Nation, a decision that not only prioritizes their representation within our workforce but also seeks to ensure the regular participation of Haida youth. By doing so, we aim to create a dynamic environment where diverse perspectives are valued, voices are heard, and meaningful contributions are celebrated.

Central to our partnership is the principle of openness, welcoming the participation of the outlying community. We recognize the richness that different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences bring to the table, and we are eager to engage with individuals who share our passion for protecting and connecting with the land. Through collaborative efforts, we aspire to foster mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among all stakeholders involved.

Our commitment extends beyond the confines of our immediate goals; it encompasses a broader vision of spreading knowledge about the importance of environmental protection and fostering deep connections with the land. We see this partnership as an opportunity to not only drive positive change within our organization but also to inspire others to join us in our mission.

Together, we can create a more inclusive, sustainable, and thriving future—one that values diversity, promotes equity, and cherishes our collective responsibility to safeguard the natural world for generations to come.

Business Model Canvas for Standing Spruce Medicinal Revitalization Project:

1. Value Proposition:

   • Sustainable Herbal Medicine: Standing Spruce specializes in cultivating and processing medicinal herbs sustainably, offering natural and eco-friendly herbal remedies.
   • Community Health and Empowerment: We work with local communities to revitalize traditional herbal knowledge, create employment opportunities, and promote holistic health practices.
   • Environmental Conservation: Our practices focus on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land management.

2. Key Partnerships:

   • Local Communities: Collaborate with indigenous and local communities to source medicinal plants and support knowledge preservation.
   • Herbal Medicine Experts: Partner with herbalists, pharmacologists, and healthcare professionals to ensure the efficacy of our herbal remedies.
   • Government Agencies: Work with organizations and agencies focused on environmental conservation, community development, and public health.

3. Key Activities:

   • Herbal Cultivation: Cultivate medicinal plants using organic and sustainable farming practices, ensuring high-quality and ethically sourced raw materials.
   • Processing and Production: Process herbs into various forms such as extracts, tinctures, teas, and supplements, maintaining their medicinal properties.
   • Community Engagement: Conduct training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions with local communities to empower them in herbal medicine practices.

4. Key Resources:

   • Land and Natural Resources: Access to suitable land for herbal cultivation, with a focus on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health.
   • Knowledge and Expertise: Herbalists, botanists, agronomists, and healthcare professionals for cultivation, processing, and product development.
   • Community Support: Collaboration with local communities for sourcing, knowledge exchange, and social impact initiatives.

5. Customer Segments:

   • Health-conscious Consumers: Individuals seeking natural and holistic alternatives for health and wellness, including herbal supplements, teas, and remedies.
   • Healthcare Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers interested in integrating herbal medicine into their treatment options.
   • Herbal Product Distributors: Retailers and wholesalers looking for ethically sourced and sustainable herbal products to meet market demand.

6. Channels:

   • Online Store: E-commerce platform for direct sales of herbal products to consumers, healthcare providers, and distributors.
   • Retail Partnerships: Collaborate with health food stores, pharmacies, and herbal product retailers to expand market reach.
   • Educational Workshops: Conduct workshops, seminars, and webinars to educate consumers, healthcare professionals, and distributors about the benefits of herbal medicine.

7. Revenue Streams:

   • Herbal Product Sales: Revenue from selling herbal supplements, teas, extracts, and other medicinal products.
   • Consultation and Training: Income from offering herbal medicine consultations, training programs, and workshops.
   • Partnerships and Collaborations: Revenue from strategic partnerships, distribution agreements, and joint ventures in the herbal medicine industry.

8. Cost Structure:

   • Cultivation and Processing Costs: Expenses related to land, labor, equipment, and materials for growing and processing medicinal herbs.
   • Research and Development: Investment in research, testing, and product development to ensure the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies.
   • Marketing and Sales: Budget for marketing campaigns, sales promotions, and distribution channels to reach target customers.
   • Community Engagement: Resources allocated for community development initiatives, training programs, and knowledge-sharing activities.

This business model emphasizes sustainable herbal medicine production, community empowerment, and environmental conservation, providing value through natural health solutions, cultural preservation, and economic opportunities for local communities. Standing Spruce Medicinal Revitalization Project aims to meet the growing demand for holistic healthcare while promoting social and environmental responsibility in the herbal medicine industry.

Standing Spruce's plan for financial sustainability revolves around a diversified revenue model that utilizes  various streams to cover operational expenses. Here's a breakdown of the strategies and evidence of success:

1. Donations and Grants: Engaging with philanthropic organizations, private donors, and government grants to secure funding for projects and operational costs. Standing Spruce has successfully obtained grants from organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support research and community initiatives.

2. Product Sales: Developing and selling eco-friendly products like sustainable salves, raw material , organic skincare products, or educational materials. These products not only generate revenue but also align with Standing Spruce's mission of promoting environmental sustainability.

3. Services: Offering consulting services to other indigenous nations,businesses, governments, and nonprofits in areas such as sustainable practices, environmental impact assessments, and green technology implementation. These service contracts contribute to the organization's revenue stream.

4. Investment Capital: Attracting investment from impact investors, venture capitalists, and social impact funds interested in supporting environmentally conscious initiatives. This capital infusion helps expand operations, research capabilities, and outreach efforts.

5. Partnerships: Collaborating with like-minded organizations, universities, and research institutions to access additional funding opportunities, share resources, and co-develop innovative solutions.

Evidence of Success:

• Grant Success: Standing Spruce has secured a $68,000 grant from our nation for a project focused on agriculture and restoration, demonstrating its ability to win competitive grants and execute impactful environmental projects.

• Product Sales: The organization's line of sustainable products has gained popularity, resulting in a 30% increase in sales over the past year. Customer feedback and positive reviews highlight the products' effectiveness and eco-friendly features.

These examples demonstrate Standing Spruce's multifaceted approach to financial sustainability and its track record of securing funding, generating revenue, and delivering tangible results in the environmental sector.