June 2023 Positive Change Recipient: OJI:SDA

Article provided by OJI:SDA’ –

OJI:SDA’ Sustainable Indigenous Futures OJI:SDA’, pronounced O-gee-stah, translates to ‘embers of the fire’. Fire is the core of the earth, it is the energy of the sun, which both make life possible. The embers of our fire are in connection with our ancestors before us and those to come afterwards. OJI:SDA’ is where the energy for creation, transformation and manifestation are rooted.

We are an Indigenous women founded, and led, non-profit organization. We come together from diverse nations to collaborate in creating responsive educational experiences focused towards the reconnection to our traditional teachings, storytelling and media literacy. OJI:SDA’ Sustainable Indigenous Futures was founded by Tahila Mintz, Executive Director – Indigenous Yaqui/ Jewish media maker, ancestral scribe, educator, and community organizer.

The mission of OJI:SDA’ is to expand Indigenous visibility, land literacy and good health by using innovative methods of sharing ancestral knowledge. Our vision is a world where Indigenous people are seen, heard, healthy and thriving, and our earth is cared for and respected. To meet this mission we offer a variety of programs that range from plant care to summer camps specially designed for Indigenous youth to community education and disaster response. Some examples of the type of work we do is highlighted here, but visit our website to learn more.

The Center for Intergenerational Learning provides direct support to teachers in developing Land-based learning curriculum with guidance from Indigenous elders for K-12 students. “The Indigenous perspective and teachings are not represented in the mainstream education system today”, says Tahila Mintz, Founder and Executive Director. Currently a cohort of Teacher Fellows from Ithaca City Schools are participating in this program. This Land-based learning benefits all students and provides opportunities for them to build a stronger connection to the Land and develop a sense of responsibility and care for all of our relations.

By leveraging our networks, we mobilize relief, resources and supplies following disasters which affect Indigenous communities in need. For example we delivered food and food bearing trees to the Seneca Nation and sent out medicinal herb blends to different Indigenous communities across North America. “Building a relationship with the land and medicinal plants is part of our cultural identity ” says Tahila Mintz. Plant Care Fellows have represented over 30 Indigenous Nations. The Fellows act as facilitators that re-establish ancestral relationships with plant medicine, share tea circle, and empower Indigenous people from different Nations to engage in practices of self and community care.

OJI:SDA’ Sustainable Indigenous Futures is honored to be the GreenStar June 2023 Positive Change Recipient. OJI:SDA’ will also participate in GreenStar’s Cooperators in the Community program meant to encourage GreenStar members to volunteer. Volunteers are needed in a variety of ways such as Plant care volunteers that meet on Volunteer Sundays to garden, gather, harvest, process botanical medicines or maintain trails. Anyone is welcome to volunteer.

Visit our website to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.