2024 OJI:SDA’ Highlights
Thank you!
For all of your support in 2024.
Dear Friends, Volunteers, Supporters, Donors, and Colleagues,
As we approach the close of another remarkable year, I want to share my heartfelt gratitude for the collective effort that sustains and inspires OJI:SDA’ Sustainable Indigenous Futures.
Your engagement, insights, and contributions have amplified the impact of our programs, enabling us to grow as an organization and bring to life the dreams that drive our vision: “A world where Indigenous people are seen, heard, healthy, and thriving; and the earth is respected and cared for.” Thank you to our donors, whose belief in our mission fuels our work; to our board, committee, and advisory members for their unwavering guidance; and to our team members for embracing new ideas with agility and enthusiasm.
From all of us at OJI:SDA’ Sustainable Indigenous Futures, we send our heartfelt wishes for a restful and joyful holiday season. May this time bring peace and renewal to you and your loved ones. We deeply value your connection to our work and look forward to continuing this journey together in 2025.
With gratitude,
Tahila Moss, Founder & Executive Director
Here are a few highlights from 2024…
January marked the midway point of our Teacher Fellows program in partnership with the Ithaca City School District. Fellows participated in Knowledge Carrier Sessions and Library Research Days to advance their land-based curriculum development. Knowledge Carriers included Geraldine Standup (Mohawk, Bear Clan), Nicky Thompson (Seneca), Kelly Tudor (Lipan Apache) and David Winston, whose wisdom and guidance deeply enriched the program.
In February, our Founder and Executive Director, Tahila Moss, was honored to speak at the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week at the UN headquarters in New York. During the event Tahila brought a unique perspective to the gathering.
Through a guided meditation, Tahila invited participants to connect deeply with the present moment and the natural world around them. Attendees were encouraged to feel the wind on their faces, ground themselves in the earth, and observe the intricate life of a tiny bug—carrying it gently back to a tree and being present with its energy.
This practice underscored the wisdom of Indigenous teachings: that clarity, healing, and wisdom arise when we embrace our role as guardians of the natural world. By honoring the interconnectedness of all life and sharing kindness and care, we activate these qualities within ourselves, nurturing both the earth and our own spirits.
In March, our Founder and Executive Director, Tahila Moss, represented OJI:SDA’ at A Meeting of Sacred Waters: A Global Gathering of Indigenous Voices in the Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico. The gathering brought together nearly 200 people from 46 Indigenous communities to address the urgent need for Indigenous stewardship of water amidst the climate crisis. Through dialogue and collaboration, participants explored shared values, interdependence, and solutions to transform systems for a sustainable future.
In April, OJI:SDA’s Educational Committee finalized the Educational Framework for Land-Based K-12 Curriculum, a guide rooted in Indigenous spiritual and cultural knowledge, language, and practices. This framework bridges longstanding gaps and misconceptions about Indigenous ways of life while fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of relationships—with nature, the planet, and oneself.
In May, OJI:SDA’ hosted the 2024 Virtual Spring Summit with the theme “Ways of Knowing from Coast to Coast”, celebrating Indigenous knowledge and its role in shaping sustainable futures. Participants heard from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Carriers about the importance of integrating Indigenous teachings into classrooms, explored ways to restore balance on Turtle Island, and connected with ideas to honor Indigenous leadership and youth in K-12 education.
In June, OJI:SDA’ launched a new season of Volunteer Community Days at a fresh location: the Soil Factory in Ithaca; and continued work at the OJI:SDA’ Forest in Spencer. Together, volunteers planted baby plants and seeds, cultivating community connections with the earth and each other. This launch was a beautiful reminder of the power of coming together to nurture the land and foster belonging.
Also in June, the OJI:SDA’ Center for Intergenerational Learning celebrated the closing ceremony for Teacher Fellows from the Ithaca City School District. These educators, guided by Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Carriers, completed their K-12 land-based curriculum development program and received certificates of achievement. This moment marked a powerful step forward in bringing Indigenous teachings into classrooms.
In July, the OJI:SDA’ team gathered in Ithaca, NY, for our first in-person retreat, bringing together remote team members to connect, celebrate, and plan for our future. Highlights included a Water Ceremony at Ithaca Falls, hiking the Enfield Glen gorge, and enjoying music and culture at the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival and the Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Pow Wow. This retreat was a beautiful reminder of our shared vision and the collective strength of our community.
In August, the OJI:SDA’ Board of Directors gathered for a one-day retreat to approve the annual plan and budget, celebrate leadership transitions, and invest in the future of the organization. The board thanked Jason Corwin (Seneca) for his invaluable service as founding board president and warmly welcomed Barbara Abrams (Tonawanda Seneca) as the new board president. Building on a strong foundation, the board also launched a Board Development series, reflecting their commitment to continuous growth and governance excellence.
In September, Yvonne Wakim Dennis (Cherokee/Sand Hill/Syrian) led a Storyteller’s Bag Workshop, teaching youth about the Lenni-Lenape tradition of oral storytelling. Participants crafted their own storyteller’s bags, selected meaningful ‘memory objects,’ and explored the art of storytelling. Yvonne, an educator, social worker, and award-winning author, inspired young people to carry forward this rich tradition.
In October, OJI:SDA’ hosted an Insect Creek Walk with Kelly Wessel, Ph.D. (Biology), to measure the health of local waterways. Guided by Kelly and his son, Cosmo, participants collected and identified macro-invertebrates, including stoneflies, caddisflies, and even water pennies! This experience was a beautiful reminder of the importance of water protection and the joy of connecting with nature.
Additionally on Indigenous Peoples Day, OJI:SDA’ was honored to host the Trail of Truth 2024 Ride for two nights. Led by Muwekma Ohlone Chairwoman Charlene Nijmeh, the caravan journeyed from San Francisco to raise awareness about the lack of federal recognition for her nation. We shared our Plant Care Program’s Emotional Support Blend Tea with all the participants, offering warmth and support to those on this powerful journey.
In November, OJI:SDA’ collaborated with @illuminatedpress to host a Zine Workshop. Participants created zines inspired by memories rooted in plants, place, and relationships, while learning about the medicinal properties of amazing plants 🌱. This workshop was a beautiful reminder of the healing and inspiration that can come from engaging with our natural world.
December has been a time to reflect on an incredible year of growth and impact at OJI:SDA’. Over the past year, we’ve strengthened our organization internally and expanded our external impact, making meaningful strides toward our mission. Together with our Board of Directors and advisory committees, we celebrated our achievements over the last four years and laid inspiring plans for a future of positive and lasting impact. With a renewed sense of purpose, we are excited to continue this transformative journey in the years to come!
OJI:SDA’ Sustainable Indigenous Futures
Thank you to everyone who has supported OJI:SDA’ Sustainable Indigenous Futures in 2024.
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