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 Our History The Four Directions Relief Project was started in early October in recognition that the Native American communities of storm ravaged southern Louisiana remained under-served and in urgent need of relief efforts. Despite the immense pride and independence of these communities, Katrina and Rita created an intense burden on the people, and storm assistance was requested. Four Directions was organized to help gain both short and long term storm relief, working in solidarity and respect for the pride of local communities, and the preservation of their cultures. Working in solidarity with tribal leaders, Four Directions was formed by community organizer/spiritual activist Naomi Archer and medic Dave Pike who have been working on the ground in southern Louisiana building the innovative mutual-aid relief work of Common Ground in Algiers. Since October 2005, Four Directions, in collaboration with our tribal partners, NGO partners, and a very limited number of volunteers has facilitated: Four Directions continues to add numerous volunteers and supporters who are working to assist the bayou peoples with basic needs, cleaning, rebuilding, and long term support. In January 2006, Four Directions changed its name to Four Directions Solidarity Project to support the long term vision of the organization. Also in January, Four Directions finalized fiscal sponsorship with the Cloud Forest Institute and began long-term development activities. In the spring of 2006, Four Directions began support of the Strongheart Civil Rights Movement based out of the Oglala Lakota Pineridge Reservation.  Our SymbolThe symbol of our work unites four hand prints aligned in the sacred directions - East, South, West and North. The handprint is a universal symbol found in cultures from all directions. Each hand is a different color honoring the four tribes of Mother Earth and the colors can be aligned in many ways fitting each culture's traditions. Four Directions seeks to bring together the four tribes in solidarity and service while honoring indigenous knowledge, sacred sites, and harmony with all life. Four Directions Council The work of Four Directions is guided by the Four Directions Council. Our Council is composed of warriors, artists, healers, activists and organizers from indigenous nations and nations from the four directions. Membership in the Council is open to anyone with a demonstrated commitment to our work. Current Council Members are: Other prospective Council members are considering invitation. * Denotes founding member. Our Mission Four Directions Solidarity Network is a grassroots organization that works in solidarity mutual-aid with indigenous communities by exchanging respect, knowledge, and active support. We maintain a threefold mission: WE CONNECT PEOPLE from the four directions to work respectfully with indigenous communities to solve problems and preserve culture through times of hardship and change. WE CONNECT SUSTAINABLE RESOURCES with indigenous communities so they can be healthy in spirit, mind, and body when challenged by natural forces or man-made disasters. WE EMPHASIZE THE CONNECTION that exists between a people's tenacity to protect traditional wisdom and sacred places, with their strength for perseverance and self-determination. Our Values Our work is rooted in the values of tradition, respect, integrity action, and pride. Long Term Vision 1. Continue relief, recovery, and cultural preservation work in Louisiana. 2. Increase organizational capacity, advance indigenous leadership within Four Directions, and secure long-term funding and support including support from indigenous nations. 3. Develop Emergency Response Team that can work collaboratively with indigenous people to help protect the health, traditional wisdom, and sacred sites of their communities during times of hardship. Principles of Solidarity and Respect 1. TRANSPARENCY - Be open about ideas, plans, and solutions with indigenous leaders. Recognize there is often multiple layers of leadership within indigenous communities. 2. COLLABORATION - Don't hoard relationships or information. Seek collaboration with others who are working with indigenous people. 3. RESPECT - Defer to, and have respect for indigenous leadership and decision making with emphasis on traditional priorities and needs. 4. DECISION MAKING - When addressing a problem, present a wide range of possible solutions to indigenous leaders that can empower more informed decision making. Don't hold back needed information. 5. LISTEN - Listen to indigenous priorities and leadership, with special emphasis on the needs of traditionals. Be aware of your own preconceived notions, goals, and cultural baggage. 6. COMMUNICATION - Encourage open communication among native leaders and stakeholders, including those stakeholders who may offer additional or alternative information. 7. PATIENCE - Work patiently, at the speed of the indigenous leaders, reflection and decision making. 8. CULTURAL SENSITIVITY - Suppress enthusiasm for your own beliefs, ideas and solutions to further empower problem solving and decision making among native leaders. 9. TRIBAL VOICES - Empower indigenous leaders and community members to speak with their own voices. Create opportunities for native spokespersons to share their stories, needs and priorities. Never speak for an indigenous group. 10. HONOR - Honor indigenous culture, history and tradition but don't appropriate them for your own esteem. Set aside your own cultural baggage. Recognize your place as an outsider. |
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