2026 Wisdom of the Elders Winter Newsletter: Reflection, Renewal, Responsibility |
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A New Year, Rooted in Community
As the new year begins, Wisdom of the Elders reflects with gratitude and looks ahead. Across our programs, we are honoring important milestones, continuing our work with intention, and preparing for the opportunities and responsibilities of the year ahead. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors, sponsors, and community partners whose support makes this work possible. A special thank you to Willamette Week’s Give!Guide and everyone who contributed your generosity helped us raise critical funding to support our programs in 2026. We are deeply grateful.
Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK)
Celebrating Graduation & Looking AheadWe proudly celebrate the graduation of our 2025 Fall Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) Internship cohort. Each graduate carries forward ancestral knowledge, practical skills, and a deep commitment to land, community, and restoration. Their growth and dedication continue to inspire us.
As we prepare for spring, our team is actively refreshing and reorganizing spaces, painting, setting up the new ITEK classroom, and preparing the apothecary for the Spring 2026 ITEK Internship. This season marks an exciting chapter of renewal and expansion for the program.
Upcoming 2026 ITEK InternshipApplications are open for our upcoming ITEK Internship, offering Native participants hands-on experience rooted in cultural teachings, ecological stewardship, and workforce development. Interns will gain experience in:
Habitat restoration and land care Indigenous plant knowledge and seed stewardship Cultural teachings and community-based learning Pathways into environmental and ecological careers Learn more and apply here:
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Wisdom Workforce Development LLCGrowing Our Team & Our ImpactWith the graduation of the Fall 2025 ITEK cohort, Wisdom’s Workforce Development LLC continues to grow. We are excited to welcome: Carmelina Jackson: Our Wisdom Workforce LLC Program Director We also celebrate Carmelina Jackson, a two-spirit Flathead Salish Kootenai tribal member, who has stepped into the role of WWD LLC Program Director, bringing her multifaceted skills and leadership to the team. Our WWD LLC crew is proud to support land remediation and restoration efforts in partnership with Metro, the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Clean Water Services, and others. New faces, new energy, and new learning spaces reflect Wisdom’s continued commitment to creating meaningful employment pathways for Native people in the environmental workforce.
Contracting with Wisdom Workforce Development LLCNeed support with Habitat Restoration and Conservation? Some of our services include:
Unwanted plant removal Tree and shrub planting Trail maintenance Revegetation Weeding and site care To inquire about contracting our team, please contact: carmelina@wisdomoftheelders.org |
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Multimedia & Cultural ArchivesPreserving Voices, Sharing WisdomAs we move into the new year, Wisdom of the Elders continues its long-standing commitment to preserving and uplifting the voices of Native Elders. Our multimedia team actively cares for and expands our cultural media archives, ensuring these teachings remain accessible for generations to come. Alongside archival work, we are producing new media grounded in thoughtful, community-centered storytelling. In the year ahead, we are:
Partnering with local libraries to present Indigenous stories and media Developing a new broadcast series with Open Signal Community Media Center Beginning a project highlighting the cultures of the nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon The media department also continues to document the impact of the ITEK program and Wisdom Workforce Development LLC, strengthening partnerships and showcasing this work through a new visual and storytelling style. |
| View Films on YouTube |
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Welcoming New Multimedia Team MembersWe are excited to welcome Tallon Jackson (Ke-ash, Red-Tailed Hawk) and Ashé Friday to the Wisdom of the Elders multimedia team.
Tallon Jackson: (Ke-ash) is an enrolled member of the Klamath Tribes and an Indigenous filmmaker based in Portland, Oregon. Trained at Open Signal Community Media Center, his work centers on culturally rooted storytelling that uplifts Indigenous identity, resilience, and healing. Tallon brings a mindful, resourceful approach to filmmaking grounded in the belief that Indigenous peoples are the first storytellers and caretakers of this land.
Ashé Friday: A trained videographer with experience in public media and documentary production. After completing his training in Richmond, Virginia, and working for a local PBS station for 5 years, Ashé moved into freelance filmmaking and editing. Through the Wisdom of the Elders Internship, he expanded his understanding of Indigenous communities while using his skills to help preserve Indigenous history and culture.
Film & Media ProjectsWe are currently filming a documentary titled Walking On, centered on an Indigenous flute player. Through music, the film explores themes of transition, reflection, and continuity. More will be shared as the project unfolds. |
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Featured Media
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Seeds of ResilienceWisdom’s new Seed Bank received a meaningful boost thanks to a generous donation from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. These seeds represent resilience, continuity, and the responsibility to care for future generations. We are grateful for partners who support this living library of Indigenous plant knowledge. Learn more about Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds:www.rareseeds.com
With GratitudeAs winter carries us inward and the new year opens new possibilities, we thank you for walking alongside us. Your support helps Wisdom of the Elders continue to tend the land, preserve knowledge, and strengthen community now and for generations to come. |
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