Tiwahe Foundation is a community-built organization, serving Native peoples across Minnesota, rooted in the spiritual knowledge, reciprocal relationships, and daily cultural practices that connect Indigenous peoples to one another and the land.  “Tiwahe,” translates to “family” in the Dakota language, embodying our commitment to collective well-being guided by culture, ceremony, and kinship. From living the practices of prayer and stewarding medicines to our seasonal gatherings on the equinoxes and solstices with elders and founders, every aspect of Tiwahe’s work is shaped by our four community-defined organizational values:

Honoring Family (Welcoming, Belonging, Resourcing and Reconnecting)

Tiwahe is a family and acts as a good relative who supports Native peoples in ways they can always count on.

Honoring Culture and Language

The practice and sharing of culture, language, traditional knowledge, and lifeways are Tiwahe’s identity, central to all that we do, and what connects us through past, present, and future.

Honoring Commitment

Tiwahe is very intentional about committing our current capacity and resources to partnerships with aligned values and solidarity through their mission.

Honoring Reciprocity

Tiwahe values reciprocity as transformative and impactful in all of our relationships. Reciprocal relationships are necessary to ensure creative changes are sustained for our future generations. Tiwahe facilitates opportunities to join the circle of generosity as a way to demonstrate reciprocity in our community.