History
The land back fundraiser launched in 2020 and was spearheaded by an Indigenous woman,
Mary Big Bull-Lewis, who saw a need to Indigenize spaces, and has created momentum towards positive change. This is not a say all for all Indigenous People nor is it representation of a single tribe as a whole. We value individuality & acknowledge that there are difference of opinions. This is not associated with any tribal council or advisory boards at this time.This fundraiser does respect all entities that have continued to represent, educate, and honor our ancestors and has always welcomed collaborations.
In 2019, Mary began meeting with many organizations, boards and individuals to discuss the project and seek support for a year prior to launching the land back fundraiser. With no clear path for this dream, she formed an Indigenous led grassroots nonprofit.
Mary is the Chair of the newly formed Indigenous lead nonprofit, the Indigenous Roots & Reparation Foundation.
In order to create awareness and put words into action, Mary utilized her business, Wenatchi Wear, to amplify the fundraiser as well as contribute specific proceeds from selected merchandise from her business to the fundraiser. Mary is an enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribe; Wenatchi, Moses and Entiat & a descendant of the Blackfoot Tribe. Mary has wanted to find a way to give back to her people. A way to put words into action.
She was born & raised in the Wenatchee Valley and recognized a lack of Native American history being taught at grade school levels. She has focused on learning more about her culture, and during these past several years has found her purpose. A term she utilizes is Modern Native; and defines as having an urban upbringing with non-traditional teachings in a colonized space with a strong connection to the land, and drive to reconnect culture.
She is a successful Indigenous Entreprenuers who co-owns two small businesses alongside her husband.
This land back project is her purpose:
Honor her ancestors, protect the land and Indigenize spaces.
Her story is not uncommon within our Native American culture, as many have faced the same struggles to find community within colonized spaces. This organization has become more than Mary could imagine just within the first year.
It has provided productive communication. It has provided a safe local space to share our stories with each other.
Most importantly it has provided healing.
The Indigenous Roots & Reparation Foundation has taken the lead on this project beginning in 2021.
We have been grateful for the tremendous support from Steve Clem, who has helped guide us towards becoming a 501c3 organization. Currently we are a charitable organization within Washington State and working towards the 501c3 status.
With the progress of the land back project, a group of people began forming an Indigenous lead non-profit in early 2021.
This organization will oversee and allow the fundraising efforts to grow, as well as continuing to increase our outreach. This project takes many people to come together to work towards one goal, and we have had multiple individuals with various knowledge step up in order to make this a true Indigenous community space. Updates will be posted as we progress.
Community Support
The community has asked how they can support local Native American tribes.
Purchase authentic Native American artwork, Inspired Natives rather than native-inspired appropriated artwork.
Donate to Native American fundraisers and or projects.
Land recognitions with a purpose.
This fundraiser needs community support for funding, cheer-leading, guidance, and more.
Continual Fundraiser
Our goal is to continue to amplify Indigenous voices while creating a safe space.
This fundraiser will continue to raise money to build a community center. The community center will be for all Indigenous Peoples to have a safe place to gather, practice traditions, dance, meet and more.
All funds raised through this fundraiser go directly to the Indigenous Roots & Reparation Foundation to manage.
We will continue to use our voice to promote positive change, honor our ancestors and the land we walk on.
We are the land and the land is us.