Our Values

Representation and Safety: We prioritize creating spaces that are inclusive and safe for queer, trans, Two-Spirit Indigenous peoples. We are committed to fostering environments where all individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.

Indigenous Ethics: While acknowledging the diversity among Indigenous Peoples and Nations, we hold true to the core values of honor, trust, honesty, and humility. Our actions reflect a deep commitment to the collective well-being and a respectful relationship with the land that sustains us.

Interconnectedness: Recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment.Respect: Valuing the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals, regardless of differences or disagreements.

Reciprocity: Embracing and practicing the concept of reciprocity and mutual responsibility within communities and the natural world.

Balance: Seeking harmony and balance in all relationships, including those with nature, people, and oneself.Community: Prioritizing the well-being and vitality of the community over individual gain.

Ceremony and Ritual: Incorporating ceremony and ritual into daily life to honor relationships and mark important life events.

Indigenous Knowledge: Valuing and preserving traditional indigenous knowledge and wisdom in decision-making processes.

Ancestral Wisdom: Honoring and integrating the wisdom passed down from ancestors into contemporary practices and decision-making.

Land Stewardship: Acknowledging the responsibility of stewardship over the land and natural resources for present and future generations.

Inter-generational Knowledge Sharing: Emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge and wisdom across generations to foster continuity and cohesion within communities.

Harmony with Nature: Striving to live in harmony with nature and recognizing the intrinsic value of the natural world.

Cultural Preservation: Committing to preserving and revitalizing indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions.

Traditional Governance: Upholding traditional governance structures and decision-making processes that honor collective wisdom and consensus-building.

Cultural Renewal: Supporting efforts to revitalize cultural practices, arts, and oral traditions within indigenous communities.

Eldership and Wisdom: Honoring the role of elders as carriers of wisdom and knowledge, and creating spaces for their guidance and leadership.

Caretaking Ethics: Emphasizing ethical responsibilities for caretaking the Earth, its resources, and all living beings.

Cultural Exchange: Promoting healthy cultural exchange, mutual learning, and understanding between different communities.

Emotional Intelligence: Valuing emotional intelligence and empathy as crucial aspects of personal and community well-being.

Lifelong Learning: Encouraging and promoting lifelong learning, personal growth, and the pursuit of knowledge within communities.

Honoring Sacred Sites: Recognizing and preserving the spiritual and cultural significance of sacred sites within indigenous lands.

Cultural Sovereignty: Upholding the rights of indigenous communities to maintain and protect their cultural heritage and intellectual property.

Cultural Diversity: Embracing and celebrating the diverse cultural expressions and identities within indigenous communities.

Narrative Healing: Promoting the practice of storytelling and narrative healing as a means to reclaim, share, and heal from past experiences.

Cultural Continuity: Fostering measures to ensure the continuity and vibrancy of indigenous cultures, languages, and knowledge systems.

Collective Responsibility: Emphasizing the shared responsibility of all community members in upholding and perpetuating the kinship worldview.

Cultural Protocol: Adhering to culturally specific protocols and practices when engaging with indigenous communities and their traditional knowledge.

Narrative Preservation: Preserving and documenting oral histories, narratives, and cultural stories for future generations.

Sacred Ecology: Recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the sacred nature of the Earth's ecosystems.

Celebration of Cultural Heritage: Celebrating and valuing the diverse cultural heritage, languages, and traditions within indigenous communities.

Embodied Spirituality: Honoring spirituality as a lived experience that is expressed through everyday actions, rituals, and relationships.

Inclusivity and Diversity: Embracing inclusivity and diversity within and among indigenous communities, valuing the uniqueness of each tradition and perspective.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Recognizing and integrating traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) into land management and conservation practices.

Community-Centered Decision-Making: Prioritizing the voices and needs of the community in decision-making processes and resource allocation. 

Healing of Patriarchy: We recognize the harms perpetuated by patriarchy and strive to heal these wounds within our own spaces. By challenging traditional power dynamics, we aim to create a more egalitarian and supportive community for all.

Justice and Reconciliation: Pursuing justice and reconciliation processes that address historical trauma and promote healing within communities.

Social Justice: Advocating for social and environmental justice, equality, and the rights of all beings within the kinship network.

Regenerative Agriculture: Supporting regenerative agricultural practices that honor traditional land stewardship and promote ecological resilience.

Restorative Justice: Embracing restorative justice principles to address conflicts and harm within the community while prioritizing healing, accountability, and reconciliation.

Transgenerational Trauma Awareness: Acknowledging and addressing the impact of historical trauma and fostering intergenerational healing within communities.

Inclusivity and Diversity: Embracing inclusivity and diversity within and among indigenous communities, valuing the uniqueness of each tradition and perspective.

Environmental Justice: Advocating for environmental justice and equitable access to resources for indigenous and marginalized communities.

Universal Indigenous Rights: Upholding the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide, acknowledging their unique cultural identities and histories.

Global Solidarity: Advocating for global solidarity and collaboration in addressing issues affecting indigenous communities and the environment.

Rights of Nature: Advocating for legal recognition of the rights of nature and the protection of ecosystems as rights-bearing entities.

Equity and Inclusion: Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within communities to create spaces where all voices are valued and heard.

Reproductive Rights: Upholding the right of all individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, including access to contraception, safe and legal abortion, and comprehensive sexual health education.

Healthcare Equity: Advocating for equitable access to healthcare services and addressing disparities in health outcomes based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

Prison Reform: Working towards a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation and restoration, addressing systemic biases and advocating for fair treatment and rehabilitation services for marginalized communities.

Inclusive Education: Promoting educational systems that embrace diversity, provide culturally relevant curriculum, and address educational inequities to facilitate equal opportunities for all students.

Empathy: Cultivating a deep understanding of others' feelings and needs without judgment or criticism. 

Reclamation of Humanity: Through our work, we seek to reclaim our collective humanity by redefining power structures. Our goal is to end settler colonialism, capitalism, and patriarchy in both their external and internalized forms, paving the way for a more just and interconnected world.

Spiritual Connection: Cultivating and nurturing spiritual connections with the land, ancestors, and the natural world.

Empathy and Compassion: Promoting empathy and compassion as essential virtues in relationships with others and the environment.

Self-Determination: Respecting the right of indigenous peoples to determine their own economic, social, and cultural development.

Mindfulness: Practicing present-moment awareness and conscious communication to facilitate deeper connections and understanding.

Non-judgment: Setting aside assumptions, stereotypes, and evaluations to create a safe space for open and honest communication.

Vulnerability: Embracing vulnerability as a strength in communication, allowing for authentic connections and a deeper understanding of emotions.

Language of Choice: Using language that reflects personal responsibility and choice, rather than blaming or making demands of others.

Emotional Regulation: Developing the capacity to regulate emotions during communication to facilitate clear and constructive dialogue.

Win-Win Solutions: Seeking mutually beneficial outcomes in communication and conflict resolution, moving away from win-lose mentalities.

Empathy vs. Sympathy: Making a distinction between empathy, which involves understanding and sharing feelings, and sympathy, which may involve pity or detachment.

Self-Compassion: Practicing self-compassion by treating oneself with kindness and understanding, especially in moments of difficulty or conflict.

Boundaries: Honoring personal boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others in communication, ensuring a sense of safety and trust.

Nonviolent Conflict Transformation: Transforming conflicts into opportunities for understanding, growth, and connection, rather than perpetuating harm or aggression.

Intersectionality: Recognizing and embracing the interconnected nature of social identities, experiences, and systems of oppression to foster inclusive and holistic support for all community members.

Trauma-Informed Care: Providing trauma-informed services and creating healing environments that prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment for individuals who have experienced trauma.

Accessibility: Ensuring physical, emotional, and financial accessibility to community centers and resources for individuals of all abilities and socio-economic backgrounds.

Critical Consciousness: Fostering critical thinking and awareness of systemic oppression, privilege, and power dynamics to promote informed action and social change. 

Sustainability: Upholding sustainable and regenerative practices that support the well-being of our energy, the natural world for future generations.

Environmental Advocacy: Advocating for environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources based on indigenous ecological knowledge.

Rights of Nature: Advocating for legal recognition of the rights of nature and the protection of ecosystems as rights-bearing entities.

Environmental Justice: Advocating for environmental justice and equitable access to resources for indigenous and marginalized communities.

Regenerative Agriculture: Promoting sustainable agriculture and land stewardship practices that honor indigenous land management traditions and contribute to food sovereignty.

Celebration of Cultural Heritage: Celebrating and valuing the diverse cultural heritage, languages, and traditions within indigenous communities.

Consensus Building: Valuing consensus-based decision-making and conflict resolution processes to ensure equitable participation and representation.

Community Resilience: Fostering resilience through disaster preparedness, emergency response training, and mutual aid initiatives within the community.

Climate Justice: Advocating for climate action, environmental justice, and sustainable policies at local, regional, and national levels to mitigate the impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.

Community Land Trusts: Exploring and advocating for community land trusts and cooperative models to provide affordable housing and communal spaces for the community.

Access to Technology: Promoting digital literacy and technology access to bridge the digital divide, empower indigenous and marginalized communities, and enhance sustainability efforts through equitable participation, cultural preservation, and community resilience.

Decolonization: Actively working towards decolonizing spaces, practices, and mindsets by challenging colonial legacies and centering indigenous perspectives and leadership.Technology and Digital Inclusion: Promoting digital literacy and access to technology to bridge the digital divide and provide opportunities for online community engagement and access to resources. 

Holistic Health: Promoting holistic well-being by integrating traditional healing practices, mental health support, and access to alternative therapies within the community centers.

Healthcare Equity: Advocating for equitable access to healthcare services and addressing disparities in health outcomes based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

Healing Practices: Supporting traditional healing practices and healthcare systems that integrate spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

Environmental Advocacy: Advocating for environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources based on indigenous ecological knowledge.

Reproductive Rights: Upholding the right of all individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, including access to contraception, safe and legal abortion, and comprehensive sexual health education.

Emotional Intelligence: Valuing emotional intelligence and empathy as crucial aspects of personal and community well-being.

Self-Compassion: Practicing self-compassion by treating oneself with kindness and understanding, especially in moments of difficulty or conflict.

Intersectionality: Recognizing and embracing the interconnected nature of social identities, experiences, and systems of oppression to foster inclusive and holistic support for all community members.

Trauma-Informed Care: Providing trauma-informed services and creating healing environments that prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment for individuals who have experienced trauma.

Cultural Safety and Humility: Prioritizing cultural safety and humility in all interactions, acknowledging and respecting diverse cultural norms, practices, and worldviews.

Advocacy and Activism: Engaging in advocacy efforts and social activism to address systemic injustices, promote policy changes, and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

Harm Reduction Approach: Implementing harm reduction practices and resources to address substance use, mental health challenges, and other forms of harm within the community.