What is the name of your organization?
Sacred Bundle, Inc.
What is the name of your solution?
The Minwaadizi Center
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
We are in the time of “Cultural Re-vitalization” and creating a “New Steady State”. Quite literally, we are putting our world back together.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Bemidji, MN 56601, north-central Minnesota, USA
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
United States
What type of organization is your solution team?
Nonprofit
Film your elevator pitch.
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What specific problem are you solving?
The conditions facing Indigenous nations and peoples today are the result of decades of deliberate and systemic governmental decisions, legislation, policies, regulations, and enforcement. It is our belief that it is going to take an equally systemic approach – by Indigenous nations and peoples – to undo these conditions.
As a People, we have endured and survived centuries of deliberately planned and executed attempts to erase our existence. We, have not only survived, but we have turned the tide and have begun to thrive. Much of this re-empowerment began with individuals, and then groups and eventually communities.
Minwaadizi Center has been developed to be a lead organization in the development of strategies and programming for the advancement of Anishinaabe culture, rights and interests in: Research and education that promotes and advances the Rights of Nature; Development of sustainable strategies for water, wild rice and the environment of northern Minnesota; Development and implementation of cultural revitalization programs and actions in partnership with tribal programs and organizations throughout Minnesota; Support and assist other Indigenous organizations and programs who have similar goals and objectives;
Most importantly, creating opportunity and exposure for youth to see a future of hope and growing.
What is your solution?
The Mission of Sacred Bundle is: To engage in and support efforts of sustainable human, environmental, cultural and community development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The Anishinaabe Way of Life also believes that each person arrives here possessing “gifts” that were given to us by our ancestors to bring and share during our time here.
In close collaboration with education institutions, Forest Service, and other agencies develop a long-term workforce development strategy that encompasses:
Exposing Indigenous young men and women to public service while furthering their understanding and appreciation of natural and cultural resources.
Expand educational opportunities by rewarding individuals who participate in national service with an increased ability to pursue higher education or job training; and
Stimulate interest among Indigenous young men and women in conservation careers by exposing them to conservation professionals in land-managing agencies.
Receive hands-on training opportunities in a variety of career fields while earning a stipend, living allowance or wage.
Gain skills and experience necessary to embark on a path to a rewarding career,
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Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
We serve primarily Anishinaabe families and a growing number of non-Anishinaabe allies and friends. The Initiative works in cooperation with Red Lake, Leech Lake and White Earth Tribal Colleges. The curriculum is grounded in Indigenous teachings and traditions and creates a positive inter-generational learning environment for the larger community, involving Elders, parents, families and youth. The Circle of Learning model identifies six defining principles of place-based education.
1. Embeds learning everywhere and views the environment and community as a classroom.
2. Is age appropriate and centered on individual learners.
3. Is inquiry-based to help students develop an understanding of their place in the world.
4. Incorporates Anishinaabe and global thinking and investigations.
5. Requires design thinking to find solutions to authentic problems.
6. Is interdisciplinary.
Over the past six years of camps and activities we've involved more than 2,000 individuals with the majority from the 15-30 age group.
The conditions facing Indigenous nations and peoples today are the result of decades of deliberate and systemic governmental decisions, legislation, policies, regulations, and enforcement. We believe that it is going to take an equally systemic approach – by Indigenous nations and peoples – to undo these conditions.
