All Nations Gathering Center

Overview

The All Nations Gathering Center is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, designated as a 501(c)(3) entity, primarily focused on cultural, ethnic awareness, and community building. The center aims to provide a safe, nourishing environment where individuals can reconnect, learn, and heal through various cultural teachings and spiritual practices.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the All Nations Gathering Center is to create a welcoming space where people from all nations can come together to share their medicines and gifts, fostering an environment of love, learning, and healing. The vision includes developing a holistic approach that integrates four core medicines: mind, body, emotions, and spirit, to help individuals transform and manage their lives effectively.

History and Development

Founded by Becky and Dallas Chief Eagle, the center was initially established on a 12 ½-acre farm on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The site included the construction of sweat lodges and the renovation of a large barn to accommodate community gatherings. In 2016, the organization relocated to a 47-acre site in Yellow Bear Canyon, where comprehensive renovations were undertaken with the help of volunteers from the Mankind Project and local communities.

Programs and Activities

The All Nations Gathering Center hosts a variety of cultural and spiritual programs, including Boys to Men, Womanhood Camps, Co-ed Gatherings, Healing of Healers (led by Elders), and Couples Retreats. These programs often incorporate emotional intelligence activities developed by the Mankind Project, emphasizing holistic healing and community building.

Alliance with the Mankind Project

The center has formed a significant alliance with the Mankind Project USA, known as the Tatanka Alliance, which was formalized in a historic ceremony in 2015. This alliance represents a commitment to mutual support and healing, marking the first such agreement between the Oglala Lakota community and an external organization in over 150 years.

Future Initiatives

Future plans include developing an agroecological teaching oasis, which involves building sustainable housing, high tunnels, root cellars, and outdoor gardens. The center also aims to provide classes on food preservation, traditional plant use, and healthy nutrition. Additional projects focus on renewable energy, indigenous social organization development, and environmental conservation.

Financial Overview

As a nonprofit organization, the All Nations Gathering Center relies on donations and other forms of support. In recent years, contributions have been a major source of revenue, with significant financial growth and a strong asset base. Donations to the center are tax-deductible.