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Wayfinders Circle Home

leading
the way

Today, in a time of unprecedented global change, Indigenous wayfinding skills and practices are more important than ever.

Support • Gather • Protect

The Wayfinders Circle supports and gathers Indigenous Peoples from around the world who protect their lands, waters, and territories. This network serves as a platform for various purposes, including learning and exchanging experiences related to ways of life, spirituality, and traditional knowledge. Additionally, the network is envisioned to address challenges, threats, and difficulties faced by Indigenous Peoples. Ultimately, the Wayfinders Circle seeks to foster unity, strength, and mutual support, providing a space for Indigenous communities to come together and share experiences.

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Who are the Wayfinders video still image.

Who are the Wayfinders

Guardians Since TIME Immemorial

The inception of the Wayfinders Circle traces back to 2019 when leaders from the Pawanka Fund engaged in discussions with Nia Tero and the Council of Elders. The collective vision was to facilitate conditions for the establishment of a global network uniting Indigenous Peoples from diverse regions of the world who are experts in collectively caring for and managing their territories, with a profound sense of guardianship, strong self-governance, and ancestral experience in the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and spirituality.

Currently, the Wayfinders Circle is composed of 15 members from across the 7 sociocultural regions of the world, protecting 47 million hectares of land and 72 million hectares of oceans.

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Wayfinders of the world

where are we?

Wayfinders Circle members live in various regions of the world and experience diverse ecosystems including tropical forest communities temperate boreal forest communities; and oceanic island communities, semi-arid areas, grasslands and mountain communities. In each case, the Wayfinders practice a broad array of self-governance formations rooted in their respective bioregions and in full realization of their own self-determination.

Learn About the Members

Film Series

Honoring Indigenous Stewardship of Mother Earth

As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges, embark on a transformative journey bringing the world closer to Indigenous Peoples and their vital role in sustaining our planet. Through a series of short documentary films, viewers are introduced to the inspiring members of this global alliance, hailing from 15 Indigenous lands and waters, highlighting the profound wisdom of reciprocal relations, deep connection with the Earth, and ancestral knowledge passed down through generations.

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Stories

Amplifying Indigenous voices

Wayfinders Circle members share their experiences and stories to inspire and be inspired by others within this learning circle and beyond.

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“The Wayfinders” premiered at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City during Climate Week.
Article

September 24, 2024

Film Series Spotlighting Vital Role of Indigenous Peoples in Safeguarding the Planet Premieres at American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History Climate Week NYC programming kicks off with launch of “The Wayfinders” Film Series, which centers global Indigenous Leaders.

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Tyson Running Wolf during the recording of the film Niitsitapi.
Article

September 23, 2024

Op-Ed: Indigenous Peoples Are Key to Navigating the Climate Crisis. We Deserve a Seat at the Table. (via TIME)

As Climate Week NYC kicks off today, leaders in government, business, science and philanthropy from around the world are coming together to strategize the global fight against climate change.

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Borneo forest canopy. Photo by Kynan Tegar.
Article

September 18, 2024

Climate Week NYC 2024: Wayfinders Circle to Debut Film Series and Join Inside Out Exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History

In keeping with its mission to inspire strong courage for transformative action, the events will showcase the power of the cultural and spiritual continuity of Indigenous communities through artwork.

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Reports

2022 ANNUAL Report

The report provides a brief overview of the Wayfinders Circle and its members; a review of differences, similarities, and shared knowledge about self governance practices; and considerations for a path forward. The report also includes varying levels of details about each members’ territorial management systems.

Read Our 2022 Annual Report

Reports

2022 governance report

In this 2022 Governance Report, you will learn the story of the Wayfinders members, their lands, and their contributions towards each others’ shared learning and efforts in Indigenous guardianship. Find the 2022 Governance report in multiple languages.

Read Our 2022 Governance Report
Updated Wayfinders illustration 2024