Winyan Maka/Tiyospaye

Housing-
This issue is near
and dear to our
hearts! We are currently working on a huge project for a young family whose mother and older brother where killed in a vehicle accident just before Christmas, 2006.

This young family of seven, is dealing with depression and chaos. Their home environment is in disrepair; all but one of the siblings has dropped out of school and they are unable to find work; their transportation is unreliable, utility bills are difficult to keep up with, food and diapers become scarce at the end of the month, and alcohol could become an issue for two of them.

The sudden death of their mother and older brother found this young family ill-equipped and unprepared to handle all of the problems that arose out of this tragedy. The difficulties described above are symptomatic of shock, anger, grief, and the isolation these young people feel. 

Winyan Maka offers a comprehensive, holistic project approach to help them problem-solve. They have agreed to a temporary relocation to Colorado (January 10-May 30, 2008) while the remodel layout of their trailer is developed with them. While here, two will attend an alternative high school and they will have help to develop a more structured environment for school work; there are after school jobs, and public transportation. Deciding to regroup and take a proactive approach to addressing problems magnified since December of 2006, they could in fact, become the catalyst for change in their peer group creating a ripple effect to others.

We are in DIRE need of financial assistance for this project, as there is a projected cost of $60,000. You can find more information on our "Projects" page.

Education-
As this site is brand new, please return soon and the education assistance endeavors of Winyan Maka will be posted here

Restorative Justice-
The founder of Winyan Maka, Christinia Eala is a certified Restorative Justice facilitator and has successfully coordinated meetings between victims and offenders. Our main goal is to bring a wholly indigenous way of dispute resolution to indigenous community members, off and on the reservation.  For more information...contact us.

United Indigenous Nations
Winyan Maka has
formed an alliance with United Indigenous Nations whose purpose is stated herein:

"To Promote the continuation and advancement of Indigenous Peoples to protect our spiritual and cultrual heritage; to foster unity, friendship, respect and human rights; to feed and nourish our children, to empower our peoples and to take our rightful place among the nations of the world."

The position of the United Indigenous Nation's is that the traditional indigenous peoples of the world could function at the level much truer to their spirit if they operate under traditional laws and customs. To that end, United Indigenous Nations travels around the globe to advocate just that perspective to the varied tribal administrations and councils. They have met on various Reservations but 2008 brings good fortune to Fort Collins, Colorado as they will convene here in June.

Alcohol Prevention-
Since there are such a high number of indigenous peoples who are struggling, suffering, and dying of alcohol and drug related diseases, Winyan Maka works with those agencies that are culturally sensitive and have in place the knowledge and personnel to allow successful interaction with indigenous populations.  Contact us if you need more information for yourself or a loved one.  We will gladly be of help in any way we can.

Domestic Violence-
Winyan Maka strives to make a difference in the area of domestic violence by partnering with those agencies whose sole focus is domestic violence and prevention.   Please contact us for more information on services we provide in this area.