Designing Ecological Habitats - Gaia Education

140 Designing ecological Habitats
Currently, the primary focus is on sustainable energy systems and production.
The Foundation is working very closely with the tribe in these areas, with
the result being the creation of a whole new economy on the Reservation.
As a closing, I would like to share Michael Sierra’s message to Ta S’ina’s
Tokaheya’s Ti O’spaye:
When we first began to come together as young men and women, we
started a process of restoring our customs and traditions. As a result we
became healthier and also restored our own pride and dignity because of the
completeness and beauty intrinsic in our way of life.
Because of our culture we learned to work towards building a better
future for the next seven generations. However, we could see the reality of
the conditions our people have been subjected to in America. We realized it
would require our full commitment and begin with accepting the responsibility
ourselves to change our environment.
Ta S’ina Tokaheya culminated to become the focus of our efforts for
modeling a way of life that incorporates a foundation based upon continuing
the restorative efforts and practices of our Spirituality, that encompasses our
role as ‘Caretakers of Mother Earth’, that utilizes sustainable and renewable
concepts and technologies, and permits us to endeavor to achieve economic
self-sufficiency.
Notes
1 Ti O’spaye is the Sioux word for community. Ta S’ina Tokaheya Ti O’spaye is one of many Ti O’spayes
throughout the Reservation.
In the early 90s, Suzanne Foote helped found and establish Ta S’ina Tokaheya Foundation,
later serving as one of the directors. In 1995 she formed Earth Origin Seeds, a program
under the Manitou Institute, which focuses on sustainable agriculture and seed
preservation. Currently she is serving as the Executive Director of both the Manitou
Foundation and the Manitou Institute. Since 1988, the Manitou Foundation has provided
land grants and financial support to various wisdom traditions for contemplative retreat
centers, educational groups, and environmentally sustainable projects. Through Hanne
Strong’s vision, the Manitou Foundation established the world’s largest intentional interfaith
community. The Manitou Institute was later formed in 1994 to support local spiritual and
environmental projects and programs, and to administer the Manitou Habitat Conservation
Program, a local land conservation program.