All decisions (creative and otherwise), policies, management in general, will be determined by a MATRIARCHAL (women-led) internal Council, aka the Wisdom Circle, comprised of elected members of TATANKA, all aligned to Indigenous Knowledge, aka Ancestral Wisdom.
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Why women in charge?
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Note from the Editor, a dude: You know, instead of me mansplaining this, let's use history to womensplain it with some examples of matriarchal oral traditions and one cautionary tale:
- Gelede
- This masked society is governed by women, and its oral heritage and dances are considered a testimony of its former matriarchal order.
- Kikuyu
- This Bantu-speaking community in Kenya has an oral tradition about a time when women ruled society, but men eventually plotted to take power back which eventually they did. That shift of power back to men did not turn out well for anyone as the results included:
- Loss of women’s influence and agency in decision-making processes
- Decrease in social cohesion and cooperation, as women’s roles in maintaining social harmony were diminished
- Shift towards more patriarchal and hierarchical structures, leading to inequality and marginalization
- All of the above are antithetical to TATANKA’s mission. Refer back to our focus on DEI for further reading.
- This Bantu-speaking community in Kenya has an oral tradition about a time when women ruled society, but men eventually plotted to take power back which eventually they did. That shift of power back to men did not turn out well for anyone as the results included:
- Pueblo
- Oral traditions recorded since the 19th century, especially among the Hopi and Zuni, emphasize matrilineal clans as founding social units and matrilineal leaders as key figures in social history.
- Khasis
- This indigenous matrilineal society in India’s state of Meghalaya is known for its oral tradition.
- Kihnu
- This island culture in Europe is considered to be the last surviving matriarchy, and its traditions have endured through harsh weather and 50 years of Soviet occupation.
TATANKA will be non-denominational, but will rely on Universal Truths as elders once taught, and again, will teach us all in order to live in harmony and balance with each other and the planet.
Indigenous knowledge and ancestral wisdom are frequently Matriarchal, invaluable sources of information that have been passed down through generations within indigenous communities. These values are rooted in the deep connection that indigenous peoples have with the land, their traditions, and their ancestors. This knowledge is often based on observation, experience, and spiritual beliefs that have been honed over centuries and are integral to the cultural identity of indigenous peoples.
One of the specific values of indigenous knowledge is its focus on sustainability and harmony with the natural world, one of many Matriarchal leadership advantages. Indigenous peoples have long understood the importance of living in balance with nature and have developed intricate systems of environmental management that have sustained their communities for generations. This knowledge is based on a deep respect for the land and the understanding that all living beings are interconnected and interdependent. You know, Mother Earth is named so for damn good reasons.
Another key value of indigenous knowledge is its emphasis on community and collective decision-making. Indigenous societies are often organized around communal values and shared responsibility, with decision-making processes that prioritize consensus and inclusivity. These too are yet more typical Matriarchal ideologies and practices. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity within the community and ensures that all voices are heard and respected (not just men’s, as any history book documents).
Indigenous knowledge places a high value on inter-generational learning and the transmission of knowledge from elders to younger generations. This passing down of wisdom ensures the continuity of cultural practices and traditions and strengthens the bonds between individuals and their communities. This oral tradition is a vital aspect of indigenous knowledge and serves as a way to preserve and protect cultural heritage. Guess which gender most often was responsible for transfer of Indigenous oral histories?
Point taken? Cool, but if not cool, don’t bother to apply. However, read on, if you want to play, work, and live fairly so that everyone can benefit from Applied Equity!
Indigenous knowledge also values diversity and inclusivity, recognizing the richness that comes from different perspectives and experiences. Indigenous communities often have diverse ways of knowing and understanding the world, with different groups possessing unique knowledge systems that contribute to a broader understanding of the world. This diversity is celebrated and nurtured within indigenous societies, as it enriches the collective knowledge of the community.
Indigenous knowledge values spirituality and connection to the divine. Many indigenous belief systems are deeply rooted in spiritual practices and rituals that serve to maintain balance and harmony within the community and the natural world. These spiritual beliefs guide the ethical behavior of indigenous peoples and inform their interactions with the land and other living beings.
Indigenous knowledge also emphasizes humility and humility, recognizing the limitations of human understanding and the importance of respecting the wisdom of the natural world. This humility is reflected in the reverence that indigenous peoples have for the land and their understanding of their place within the larger web of life. This perspective fosters a sense of humility and gratitude for the gifts of the earth and encourages stewardship and care for the environment.
Indigenous knowledge values resilience and adaptability, as indigenous peoples have endured centuries of colonization, oppression, and dispossession and have still managed to preserve their cultural traditions and ways of life. This resilience is rooted in a deep sense of identity and connection to both the past and the future, providing strength and courage in the face of adversity.
Indigenous knowledge and wisdom are profound sources of universal truth, insights and guidance that offer valuable lessons for all of humanity. These values encompass a deep understanding of sustainability, community, intergenerational learning, diversity, spirituality, humility, resilience, and adaptability, which serve as foundations for a harmonious and balanced way of life. By honoring and respecting indigenous knowledge, we can learn valuable lessons about how to live in harmony with the natural world and with each other, and foster a deeper sense of connection and respect for all living beings.