Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS FOUR WINDS FOUNDATION?
Four Winds Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Central Oregon dedicated to the teaching and preservation of Native Ways. We honor the ancient traditions of walking in balance with Nature and respecting all living things as our relations in the Hoop of Life.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?
To make these wisdom teachings available to people of all races and ages so they may use them for the benefit of the earth and all our relations for the present day as well as for the next generations.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS?

1. Host Rites of Passage ceremonies for boys and girls in order to give children healthy tools for their transition into adulthood;
2. Work with at-risk Middle and High School students to teach them self reliance skills and introduce them to their connection with the world of Nature;
3. Provide hands-on opportunities for students to learn Native plant identification, Native crafts, primitive skills and healthy eco-system maintenance;
4. Steward 40 acres of land in Central Oregon which is used as a sacred gathering place and as a refuge for wildlife;
5. Maintain partnerships with various environmental and social agencies to actively protect wildlife habitat, waterways and the land;
6. Guide ongoing Native Ways classes with adults and children;
7. Host Native ceremonies such as inipi (sweat lodge) and hanbleceya (vision quest) in the Lakota tradition, bringing in Native elders to share their wisdom and experience;

WHO IS YOUR NATIVE WAYS TEACHER?
Our teacher is Sweet Medicine Nation, a respected healer and sought after international speaker and teacher. Of Chocktaw/Cherokee descent, she teaches in the Lakota tradition as handed down to her through an honored lineage of medicine men and women.

DO I HAVE TO BE NATIVE AMERICAN TO LEARN THESE WAYS?
No. We honor the ancient teachings that state that these traditions must be passed on to all peoples in order to survive and to aid in the survival of the planet.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FOUR WINDS FOUNDATION?
Join us in a Native Ways class or for one of our monthly sweat lodges. Visit our website or call for times, location and additional information on these and other ongoing events.