Indigenous Knowledges Holder Circles

The Indigenous Knowledges Holder Circles offers a unique opportunity for (elder) language keepers and knowledge holders and (younger) knowledge learners to convene, exchange ideas, rejuvenate, and build meaningful connections. This project aims to share knowledge, culture and Indigenous language across generations in a sanctuary space. The project offers circles at Mesa Refuge. First, three knowledge learners (youngers) will convene for two weeks. Then the knowledge keepers (elders) will convene for 10 days. At the end of the knowledge keepers circles, the knowledge learners will return and join the elders for 4-5 days. The culmination of both retreats is an interaction between the two groups as a form of youth and elder exchange, closing with an evening talk and meal with an invited group of local community members.

The circles are funded by the Indigenous Knowledges Holder Fund (IKHF), a sister fund to Tamalpais Trust. The goals of this new fund are to support Indigenous knowledges holder and their community initiatives, facilitate the transmission of Indigenous knowledges, and invest in the protection of Indigenous languages.