Sacred Fire Foundation supports the continuance of Indigenous wisdom and strives to raise awareness about the values of Indigenous world-views as a way to effect social change and transform the world in which we live.
The mission of the Foundation is two-fold: to ensure the continuance of ancestral wisdom; and to expand awareness about why the Indigenous worldview is crucial for all of us now, as well as for the future generations. We envision a global society that prioritizes balance, community and connection, and helps to sustain all life on earth.
Our grant program provides direct funding and technical support to Indigenous communities worldwide to ensure that their ancestral wisdom can continue to flourish for generations to come.
Our awareness initiatives provide opportunities for people to experience ancestral wisdom directly from Indigenous Elders, either through in-person gatherings or digital media, with practical advice for integrating this wisdom into your life.
Our Wisdom Treasure Award honors the work of Elders who have demonstrated lifelong achievement in bringing wisdom, leadership and learning to their people and their community.
Indigenous peoples hold the moral reserve of the world.
—Onondaga Chief Oren Lyons
Protecting the Sacred
Through a strong participatory partnership model, our Grant Program works with Indigenous communities worldwide to ensure that their ancestral wisdom can continue to flourish for generations to come.
Honoring Indigenous Elders
Indigenous Elders are keepers of the wisdom that our ancestors cultivated through the ages. We honor and support them through our Wisdom Treasure Award.
Raising Awareness
Through our Events and Media Program we provide opportunities for people to experience Indigenous wisdom and learn how to apply these values in their daily life.
Focus Areas
Since 2012 our grant program, Protecting the Sacred, has made more than 126 grants to Indigenous communities, disbursing more than USD 523,507, across the globe.
Select a focus area above or click on a grant in the map to find out more information.
Connect with Ancestral Wisdom
Upcoming Events
Voices of Wisdom gatherings provide opportunities to listen and learn from Indigenous Elders in an intimate ritual setting.
Recent Blog Posts
Protecting the Sacred – A Word from Mercedes Caso, SFF Grants Director
How Does Sacred Fire Foundation Protect And Support Indigenous Wisdom? The main purpose of our grantmaking program, Protecting the Sacred, provides modest grants and organizational support for Indigenous wisdom keepers and their communities worldwide. To help them...
In Solidarity
IN SOLIDARITY. In one of the hundreds of treasured conversations I’ve been blessed to have with Pauline Tangiora, the subject of us all being “one people” came up. I don’t remember the context or who shared that very common vision, but Pauline, in her gentle...
Seeds of Wisdom – Pauline Tangiora (English)
In response to the urgent calling we are all feeling during this challenging and transformative time, and in solidarity with our Sacred Fire Foundation community and the many Elders we have had the privilege to work alongside, we are grateful to be able to share...