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 and features 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 envision and recreate the pathway that brings us all home — for Indigenous peoples, all humanity and Mother Earth.

PARTNERSHIPS

The Loka Initiative respects the inherent sovereignty of the Tribal Nations 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. The documentary; from start to finish; was advised by a number of highly respected individuals including: Gary Besaw, Aaron Bird Bear, Brian McInnes, Janice Rice, Elena Terry, Carla Vigue, and Mike Wiggins Jr.