Our Earth is sacred. She is alive.

Sacred Wisdom Sacred Earth is a compelling feature-length documentary on how the efforts of Wisconsin’s Native American tribes to restore their spiritual, cultural, and environmental resilience is rooted in their sacred connection to the land and waters of the Great Lakes.

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Vision

To create pathways for Indigenous peoples of all generations and backgrounds so they can come home - in spirit, in community and as part of the Earth.

To create a documentary that centers Indigenous knowledge and wisdom in the Great Lakes area, designed and led by Indigenous leaders, featuring Wisconsin’s Native Elders, knowledge holders, academics, scientists, activists and youth leaders.

To weave relationships where the world presents divides: geography, race, gender, academic fields and pedagogies and hierarchies.

To rewrite the future  — for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike, for our non-human relatives, and Mother Earth.

Partnerships

We respect the inherent sovereignty of the Tribal Nations of Wisconsin. We fully recognize and uphold their right to self-governance, cultural preservation, and control over their intellectual and cultural property. We are privileged to have many advisors who are Tribal members and to partner with the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council Inc., which represents:

Map of the Tribes of Wisconsin

Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Forest County Potawatomi Community, Ho-Chunk Nation, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Oneida Nation, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Sokaogon Chippewa community, Saint Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, and Stockbridge-Munsee Community. We fully recognize and uphold their right to self-governance, cultural preservation, and control over their intellectual and cultural property. We are privileged to partner with and be advised by members of many of Wisconsin’s tribes.

This documentary; from start to finish; was guided by highly respected leaders including: Gary Besaw (Menominee), Aaron Bird Bear (Mandan, Hidatsa, Diné), Brian McInnes (Anishinaabe), Janice Rice (Hoocąk), Elena Terry (Hoocąk), Carla Vigue (Oneida), and Mike Wiggins Jr (Bad River).

Learn more about the cultural keepers featured in Sacred Wisdom Sacred Earth

Gratitude

The Sacred Wisdom Sacred Earth documentary was made possible due to the financial support of:

Bess Family Foundation Logo
Fetzer Institute Logo
Kalliopeia Foundation Logo
The Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Global

As well as: Agnes Bourne, the Caritas Foundation, Peggy Hedberg, and Barry Hershey.

We are deeply thankful for their faith in the vision of this project.

Support Our Outreach

Your contribution helps expand general outreach, bring the film to Indigenous communities, and support continued efforts toward building environmental and cultural resilience.

Thank you for amplifying our message.