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The Children of the Cultures of the World have the Inherent Right that their people's tradition remains intact, their language, their values, its intrinsic beauty and unique expressions; for they are the keepers of its future. The Mission Summary It is our intention, with great sensitivity to the uniqueness of this community to create a collective network of individuals, organizations, businesses, and educational institutes that are actively dedicated to assist and empower the Taos Pueblo in cultural preservation and education programs. A strong focus is on the youth and the importance of the culture they are inheriting from the elders who have been the keepers of their traditions. The role of youth education through avenues that are compatible with their centuries old heritage is a key component. The Pueblo Honor Journey seeks youth participation through the entire process. The Pueblo Honor Journey includes an actual physical journey by horse to give recognition to the Taos Pueblo as a National Living Treasure and to bring heighten awareness to the pueblo's needs with participants coming from the community, region and from other parts of the nation. The horse journey is designed to create intercultural community spirit and lasting bonds and will culminate in an honoring ceremony and celebration. Overall Goals
The present commitment is to the Oo-Oonah Art and Education Center and its heritage programs at the Taos Pueblo. In addition 2007 will mark the 120 anniversary of the Taos Day School, thus we are exploring ways in which partnership could benefit the school programs. Oo-Oonah Art and Education Center (Director,
Marie Reyna) Within the Heritage Program are several
projects that preserve the Tiwa language and traditions, and
teach life skills. These include traditional gardening using
ancient heirloom seeds and native organic foods, adobe plastering
techniques, as well as the arts: photography, traditional jewelry
making, silversmithing, leatherwork, dance, music, songs, and
ceremonies. Reading, literacy, and the history of the Pueblo
are also an important aspect of the program. The center also
functions as a gallery of children's art. As the only developing
Indian Children's museum in the country, Oo-Oonah represents
a unique and needed concept. The current focus is on Taos youth,
grades K-8, with efforts to expand the project to teens and adults.
Intergenerational involvement, particularly elder-youth interaction
is an important factor to the center's success. At this time the center is expanding its
programs and scope and reaching more youth. There are many immediate
requirements for the facility. Funding is needed for building
repair, for art materials and office supplies, as well as full-time
instructor salaries. The center is severely understaffed and
under-funded and could utilize more of the elders and adult artists
within the community with support. Also the center would like
to have programs available year-round. The Oo-Oonah Art and Educational Center
The Philosophy The Honor Journey recognizes that each culture has a wisdom and knowledge that compliments the whole of humanity. In order for nations and our global society to be strong, the peoples of all cultures must be given the opportunity to reach their full potential and be free from the limitations and restrictions of poverty, repression, and environmental degradation of their homelands. The Honor Journey recognizes that Indigenous cultures are a priceless legacy of unique expressions of reality, language, architecture, traditional teachings, including an advanced understanding of the environment and natural medicines. They are the originators of uncommon and vibrant art, literature and dance, ritual, and universal perspective and wisdom, woven together into worldviews. Bound within these worldviews, or cosmologies, are not just esoteric teachings, but practical knowledge of particular bio-regions that goes back millenniums. The Honor Journey is an evolving project developed with the utmost cultural sensitivity and respect to tribal values and traditions. It is understood that the sovereignty and self-determination of the tribal community is foremost and that the people of a community know best in determining the direction of its future. The goal of the Honor Journey is to reach different Indigenous communities every two or four years, depending on the needed commitment. Each Honor Journey may be slightly different in purpose but is aligned with its vision statement and the many prophecies of this time that speak in regard to coming together for the benefit of our "Mother Earth" and our common destiny. Organizational Structure The Honor Journey will be supported and guided by the Honor Journey Advisory Committee made-up of Indigenous representatives with the work being carried out by the Honor Journey Staff. The intention is to eventually create an Indigenous Honor Society, a membership network representing individuals, schools, organizations, UN consultants (i.e., International Indian Treaty Council), the film/documentary industry, cultural anthropologists, and university cultural departments. Its purpose would be to support selected Indigenous cultures with membership resources and in some cases to advise and identify resources. Background of the Honor Journey The Honor Journey has been modeled after
a successful project called "The Rising Nation Journey,"
in which the Honor Journey staff had served as key organizers.
The Rising Nation Journey was a 330-mile canoe journey in August
2002 that took place from the top of the Delaware River in Hancock,
NY to Cape May NJ. The goal of the Rising Nation Journey was
to help unite the Lena'pe clans (Wolf, Turkey, and Turtle), the
original inhabitants within the Delaware River corridor, with
regional residents and representatives from various organizations.
The Lena'pe People have a deep connection with the Delaware River
that goes back long before the river derived its name from the
colonial governor of Virginia, Lord De la Warr. Their history
became deeply woven into the history of the region. The journey
marked a new beginning of brotherhood between the Lena'pe Tribe
and the people that neighbor the Delaware River. The treaty is to be renewed every four years, with those groups and organizations wishing to recommit or to commit for the first time to the Lena'pe Tribe, thus the Treaty of Brotherhood is a living treaty. In 2006, the Lena'pe Tribe and its supporters again made an extensive journey down the Delaware River. Twenty-one organizations and individuals signed the 2006 Treaty. For more information on the Honor Journey Project, contact Honor Journey Co-Coordinators: Carrie (Oshee) Martin Victoria Valentine Trilight Tom Ray Preliminary work and research for the following programs and projects have already begun. It is our intention to have these programs in place or operating on viable level within the next few years. If you are interested in working with us on any of Earth Rhythm Goals & Projects, please contact us: contact@earthrhythm.org |