ABOUT
US

Led by Indigenous women, we are working to revitalize and preserve our native languages, traditions and cultures. We are a vital resource providing safe spaces for community discussions about critical issues.

MISSION.

To restore the health and balance for all people and our environment by utilizing traditional knowledge and wisdom, respectful land-based practices, ceremonies and a deep understanding of the dynamics and peoples of our communities.

ABOUT US.

As an indigenous women led organization we ensure our matriarchal indigenous beliefs are instilled in all programming we conduct.

Grounded in this traditional knowledge and wisdom as well as respectful land-based practices and ceremonies, we proactively utilize modern tools and resources to help build individual and community capacity to restore health and balance for all people and our environment.

We are working to revitalize and preserve our native languages, traditions and cultures. We are deeply rooted in the frontlines of activism, engaging with our communities in proactive response to climate adaptation; cultivating green pathways in local economic development; and building capacity for both individuals and the community .

Indigenous Lifeways continues to be a vital resource as we support and provide safe spaces for community members to gather and discuss issues such as environmental racism to sexual violence. Our pre-pandemic non-violent direct action frontline efforts were the foundation of our Covid-19 emergency response efforts. By expressing ourselves through art and participating in traditional ceremonies communities, our families find their voice and purpose.

OUR HISTORY.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Indigenous Life Ways (ILW) began as a collective action, culture-based organization in 1987 as the Southwest Indigenous Uranium Forum. In our 30 years, we have worked with over 150 Tribal communities and convened a gathering of Indigenous peoples from Alaska, North America, Bolivia, Japan near Acoma Pueblo to discuss uranium developments and share knowledge, experiences, and strategies combating nuclear power worldwide.

We continue our work protecting Sacred Sites and our precious water.

Below are photos of our founders and early activism. Their courage and activities tell our story in its humble beginnings.

In 1992, Southwest Indigenous Uranium Forum was able to present multiple times at the Protecting Mother Earth: Sovereignty and the Environment

Anna Rondon and John Redhouse also had time to speak during the same gathering with Manuel Pino. All three individuals have planted seeds of knowledge across the world.

Thank you again for your life-long dedication to our indigenous people.

After a peyote meeting in 1989, Anna Rondon stood in solidarity in Oregon at the Green Conference in 1989.

Southwest Indigenous Uranium Forum hosted the Cleansing of the Universe Ceremony with a Rinpoche on top of the Chuska Mountains in New Mexico. September 1990.

Western Shoshone Anti-Nuclear Bomb Demonstration at the entrance of the Nevada Nuclear Test Site. 1989

Anna Rondon

World Uranium Hearing 1992. Carletta Tilousi (Havasupai), (Far left) Thomas Banyaca (Hopi) (middle) and Claus Beigert, (far right) photo by Unknown * please contact us for credit

Southwest Indigenous Uranium Forum was able to host the Walk across America initiative in 1992 at Fire High Ranch, NM

Coalitions.

We recognize that we are taking on big...really big.... issues in the arenas of social and environmental justice. Therefore, we consciously and carefully develop strategic relationships with other local and regional organizations so that we can wisely and most effectively facilitate the futures we desire for our communities.

No False Solutions

We are a founding steering committee member. NFS Coalition includes 8 indigenous, youth and frontline organizations addressing the climate crisis in New Mexico.

NM Land, Air, Water, and the Sacred

This group

Ring of Fire Cohort

We are 1 of 15 inaugural member of this cohort which allows space for international indigenous trainers to assist communities on learning the impact of carbon pricing and commodification of the sacred.