Today, in a time of unprecedented global change, Indigenous wayfinding skills and practices are more important than ever.
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.
Who are the Wayfinders
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.
Wayfinders of the world
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.
Film Series
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.
Stories
Wayfinders Circle members share their experiences and stories to inspire and be inspired by others within this learning circle and beyond.
November 20, 2024
Under the vast Mongolian sky at the Wayfinders Circle 2024 gathering, Chi Suwichan from Hin Lad Nai, Thailand, drew on ancient truths through his tehnaku, a sacred harp of the Karen people.
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November 11, 2024
The second global Wayfinders Circle gathering happened in Mongolia and brought together 14 of the 15 members of the alliance.
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September 24, 2024
American Museum of Natural History Climate Week NYC programming kicks off with launch of “The Wayfinders” Film Series, which centers global Indigenous Leaders.
ReadReports
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.
Reports
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.
