Keepers of Indigenous Ways
This website was created to bring a little more insight, from an Indigenous point of view. We are Tongva
based/ Inter-Tribal & Volunteer Organization. We have mutual concerns, we share concepts & ideas, we are trying
to fill some important gaps that we feel need addressing. We look for positive solutions and constuctive discussion. For those
that find this website compelling we ask for generous donations. We have many projects that need to be funded. And hopefully
a healthy dialogue will be created from these pages. So we also ask you to respect these pages as a virtual journey and to
leave the images and words where you find them. We ask only that you think with your heart. 'Aweskone Xaa, thank you
Total emersion village for the Tongva People
Federal Recognition
Unified Indigenous
Nations
Primary focus on Southern California Culture
Past-Present-Future
Culture, Language, Arts, Maritime,
Scared Sites
MISSION
To instill a sense of wonder, respect and stewardship for all people through
the eyes of the indigenous for Mother Earth, her Water, her Air, and her Ecosystems. The Keepers of Indigenous Ways will involve
the community and the region through engagement in culturally respectful entertainment, education, and storytelling.
An empowerment of eco-balance will be achieved through exhibits and programs about Mother Earth and her Wetlands & Oceans
and the lives of her first people and “All Our Relations-Wee’ Nehiinkem.”
PURPOSE
The Keepers of Indigenous Ways (KIW) is in response for need to bring people together to develop and implement
programs and activities related to our indigenous ancestral lands & maritime cultures, including the building, repair
and maintenance of our traditional plank canoes. The KIW teaches members of the Indigenous community, and others, through
learning our Languages, storytelling, arts, lectures, classes, and demonstrations. The KIW teaches respect for our ancestors
and ourselves by continuing the traditions of our indigenous ancestral lands & our maritime culture
Welcome to our web site!
Native American cultures and traditions have always held the environment
as an important priority. Our lives have been tied, traditionally, to the land and the ocean. There are unwritten customs
for respecting the land, ocean and the ecosystems. These codes of respect have been passed down orally from generation to
generation in our songs, stories, prayers, and teachings of our elders’ - as far back as Tribal memory serves,
e.g., "Take only what is needed, Do not waste, Treat all life with respect."
We know that if these traditions and others are followed then the land
will continue to provide for us, the water will be good, and the Village of Man & Woman will experience good fortunes.
