Indigenous Reciprocity Over Time
Circle of Sacred Nature church centers the importance of indigenous reciprocity as a core component of our spiritual practice and theological praxis. We acknowledge that our connection to the lineage where our church originates is a relationship based on respect, mutual support, and sacred interconnection. Since its inception in 2010, CSN has been engaged in reciprocity efforts in the Sibundoy Valley of Colombia. We now partner with our sister non-profit organization OIOC (Organization for Indigenous Outreach and Conservation) to fiscally sponsor and support project implementation. Here is a timeline of our major activities:
Circle of Sacred Nature's Commitment to Reciprocity
These are highlights of the various efforts that we have supported over the years with the generous support of our community and the conscious allocation of resources from our church sponsored activities.
2010
Initial project to support ongoing revitalization of traditional medicine gardens at the home and healing center of Taita Juan Agreda Chindoy.
2010-present
Ongoing efforts and financial contributions to support medicinal plant revitalization, Kamentsa language initiatives, traditional art and weaving commerce, community health initiatives, sponsorship of Kamentsa youth, support of Kamentsa elders, and holiday gift drives.
2018
Shanayoy Maloca fundraiser- CSN helped to support the construction of a ceremonial maloca that is now being used for both traditional medicine ceremonies and community gatherings.
2020
Land of Origins Project was created as a branch of the church to launch a Covid relief effort in Sibundoy while CSN’s principal teacher, Taita Juan, was serving as the governor of the Kamentsa community. We successfully raised $15,968.
The project involved a twofold effort- an initiative to support food security by gifting food staples, seeds, and veggies starts to 1000 Kamentsa families. And, an initiative to provide housing for the most marginalized members of the community through the construction of 8 houses, repair of other housing structures, and the purchasing of a property to provide housing for 24 families.
2021
Circulo de Naturaleza de Sagrada, a Colombia non-profit was formed to further support reciprocity efforts and our ongoing partnership with Taita Juan and his healing center, Shanayoy.
2022
Direct support to Shanayoy Healing Center for upgrades on the retreat center accommodations including: improved sleeping quarters, hot water showers, and general improvements on the space to accommodate groups.
2023
Creation of OIOC (Organization of Indigenous Outreach and Conservation) to expand reciprocity efforts and engagement with international audiences to further support projects. CSN and OIOC evolve as sister non-profit organizations.
2024
Deepening the Dialogue Initiative- Creating a pathway for the CSN community to be in closer connection to the projects and individuals that they are supporting.
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Meaningful contribution of 10% of membership fees that will directly support projects
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Feature project updates in CSN newsletters
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Opportunity to directly be involved in and visit projects on CSN retreats at Shanayoy
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Direct sponsorship of Kamentsa youth, elders, and families for ongoing relationship building
Ongoing
Since the inception of Circle of Sacred Nature, a conscious allocation of resources from all church sponsored activities have been directed toward supporting community projects in the Kamentsa community.
