Tribal Outreach Project
In the fall of 2023, rainbow gathering participants circled in California’s Sierra Foothills to start putting energy towards a gathering in California over the July 4th 2024 holiday week.
Out of this initial circle, the Tribal Outreach Project was formed. Meeting weekly since December 2023, our goals have included outreaching to any tribes whose ancestral homelands could potential be the site of the 2024 Annual Rainbow Gathering.
We began by researching the ancestral homelands of the tribes who once occupied the land that consists of the portion of California from roughly Interstate 80 north to the Oregon border, from the Sierra foothills east to the Nevada border.
We have reached out via telephone, email, and/or US Postal Service to approximately twenty different tribes and/or bands of people who were indigenous to these lands’ pre-contact regardless of their status with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Our hope was and is for the ability to gather in a good way for all people including the indigenous nations of the area. While collectively our intentions are to create peace and the positive evolution of the planet, we do recognize that our very presence causes many people consternation.
While our outreach has not resulted in as many conversations that we had initially hoped for due to a lack of response from many tribes and/or bands, we respectfully request that any band, tribe, and/or nation that we have contacted, reach out to share their concerns. Many individuals who attend Rainbow Gatherings are eager for this communication and dialogue.
We understand that there are many concerns in circulation that may be due to misinformation about the rainbow gathering and people who attend; therefore, we would love to hear back from the tribes and/or bands to arrange time for dialogue.
If any tribal group is unclear who to contact, please call the Rainbow Gathering Lightline 530-ITS-INFO / 530-487-4636 and leave a message stating your tribe, your name, how and when we can reach you, and someone will reach out to you.
With love and respect,
Tribal Outreach Project
The Tribal Outreach Project is a self-selected bunch of individuals working with the intent to share collective wisdom for the good of the earth and all humanity, within the narrower space and time context of the 2024 Annual Gathering which may happen in California.
Disclaimer: No one involved in this project is appointed by, nor speaks for, the Rainbow Family. No individual or group can speak for or represent the Rainbow Family or any other individual. Our collective voice is heard through our council process, which is not a legislative body but does make nuts and bolts decisions, consensus statements, and/or practical advice from time to time. Yeah, it’s confusing to us, too! This council process happens regularly, usually three times a year. All are welcome to take part.
Hello, this might be slightly off topic but i have an idea for a sculpture of painted stone in the shape/design of a half circle rainbow. Like a low wall or outdoor dancefloor. Ideally large enough for hundreds of people to occupy. Im seeking an appropriate place to begin assembling materials and possibly the structure itself. If anyone has any ideas or possible locations i would be grateful. This project will be a symbol of unity and oneness that will outlast us all. I will provide all materials and seek only to leave a lasting monument to that effect. I welcome all assistance and knowledge in all things always...
ReplyDeleteI recall much positive spirit lived at the South Dakota Rainbow Gathering. There are great stories of building relationships with the native Elders and families who attended. There was the two fingers entwined symbol of the relationship among the gathered Lakota and Rainbows.
ReplyDeleteWhen my family arrived we met Lakota people along the trail. We were coming in from an all nations Sun Dance. Together we sang Sun Dance songs and we were welcomed to the land.
I was at both California gatherings. I recall walking on big rocks as stepping stones so we didn’t disturb the plants along the ground, respecting local tribal guidance.
Good idea to keep building relationships through sharing cultural ways.
I had a very long conversation with tribal representative of the region that was selected. An admin on the main FB page lied to me and said that a tribal representative had “been heard”… and that there was no opposition to the gathering landing in the Susanville area. When, in fact, the tribal chairman and multiple other indigenous, individuals and representatives in the region, have been more than clear that they are completely opposed. Yet you decided to move forward. Look at the Facebook threads on the topic. So full of blatant racism and hateful insensitivity. Just listening to people assert. Their concerns is not the same as hearing them. What is the point of asking them for their feelings when you have zero intention of yielding to the concerns. Hypocrisy is unbelievable. So shameful and embarrassing.
ReplyDeleteI've seen three tribal organizations letters that represent many Indigenous people from the area that do not endorsed or support this gatherings. Pit River Tribe, Susanville, and the Maidu Consortium who make up seven Maidu organizations and tribes. So what is the response to that? Do it anyways because you couldn't reach then in time? I don't know seem very hypocritical for what you stand for. Also, the entitlement that people are showing is ridiculous. I k ow I wouldn't want to make the indigenous ancestors of that land angry.
ReplyDeleteDoes the tribal outreach project keep a list of the tribes that were contacted or at least reached out to?
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