The Global Wisdom Collective (GWC) supports indigenous and endangered communities in preserving the wisdom of their people for generations to come. GWC serves as a bridge for native nature-based, societies so that the human connection to our Earth is given voice, and is preserved and protected in a way that honors the core integrity of all communities.
These original and endemic communities have historically been driven out of our modern-day society as a result of colonialism, capitalism, industrialization and humanity’s disconnection from self. This disconnection has led to an ongoing destructive war both internally and externally. Within each nation, these communities have been safekeeping the treasure that is human relationship with its deepest self as well as accumulating natural wisdom and knowledge that is gained only by living in harmony with Earth herself over many lifetimes The struggle has been to maintain this wealth of information in the face of mainstream societal pressure and appeal to assimilate, increased exploitation of natural resources, and ever-expanding territorial overreach.
Right now, with the disappearance of the Earth’s most precious wildlife and ecosystems, these communities are endangered and at risk for extinction. The loss of even one devastates the whole of our human ecosystem irreparably, placing not only our home (our planet) but our collective body (our lives) at risk.
Only with thorough and universal understanding can we begin to know how to tackle our planetary issues with a lens that is pure and true and not just the result of siloed research.
The Global Wisdom Collective seeks to ignite the core knowledge that lives in all of us.
As years go by, people grow old, generations pass by, cultures are lost in the process of being to the next generation. The evolution of the cultures and the transition of these practices across communities of the world has not spared the people of the Endorois community. This site seeks to enhance and preserve the great things about their culture. Years from today we won't have a traditionally dressed woman. The art of piercing the ears of women and men alike will have been lost. This site will be there. This is a deliberate intention to ensure the next generation gets to know the beautiful things about our culture and not just pass it on but also practice it.
The days that followed remain vivid in my mind. Each day, the Sinhalese translator–– who grew to be a close friend––and I would walk forty-five minutes alongside rivers and through marshes to arrive at Sumanapala’s remote, tucked away home. He would greet us at the edge of his house with a few of his handwritten books in one arm and his grandchild in the other. His wife and daughter would frequent the small plastic table set up on the side of their home, silently smiling and curious about their new guests. The medical dictionaries he had written were filled with detailed pictures and diagrams of local snakes, plants, and venomous snake bites.
Global Wisdom Collective engages with many partners in the space of sharing and teaching the value of intergenerational dialogues. SeaPotential, an organization based in Washington state, facilitates relationships between youth and marine ecosystems. In June 2022, GWC facilitated an intergenerational dialogue workshop to prepare youth for dialogue with elders. The workshop taught youth communication skills which have the power to heal waterways and communities.
Our work focuses on protecting traditional ecological knowledge and key cultural lifeways pertinent to, for, and alongside treasured and sacred communities that would otherwise be at threat for extinction.
Our work prioritizes channeling resources in protection of sacred natural resources and wildlife.
We create a space of sharing and involvement between generations and cultures that will carry the torch of this preservation work, as guided by our elders and ancestors.
We empower leaders and change makers to champion the protection of sacred communities and endangered beings.