Welcome to

storiesandsongs logo horiz no glyphs
grassroots gathering text wh

An Inter-Cultural / Inter-Faith Gathering for all Peoples of all Nations - Friends, Allies and Relatives

Join Us in The Sacred Black Hills (Paha Sapa)
August 22 - August 25, 2019

Calling All:
Cultural knowledge Bearers and Keepers * Elders * Water Protectors * Youth Councils * Faith Keepers * Well-Being/Wellness practitioners * Healers * Environmental Science practitioners * Environmental Law practitioners * Performing Artists * Visual Artists * Film Makers * Scholars * Treaty Scholars * Presenters

Join us for an INITC Intercultural, Interfaith sharing of experience and knowledge for the profound social, cultural, economic, legal and environmental issues reflecting the impacts to the health and well-being of our collective Nations and our Planet.

Join us in continuing the conversation and process for defining what it means to be a ‘Human Being’, how to work together as Friends, Allies and Relatives and reach shared understandings for how we create Cultural, Social and Environmental equity and justice.

Photo provided by Wil Sterner

An InterNātional Gathering Sponsored by
INITC - The InterNātional Initiative for Transformative Collaboration
This Event is 100 % Alcohol and Substance Free (Why?). FYI - Medical marijuana is not legal in SD


‘In the old ways and in the old days it has been said that we came together by invitation. Some sent a message stick, others a ‘runner’, some by season, meeting place, ceremony, while others knew by cultural duty and responsibility. It was said then that we are spiritual beings first. That is remembering who we are.’ -- INIPV Elders meeting May 2010

“I believe that to meet the challenge of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not for his or her self, family or nation, but for the benefit of all mankind. Universal responsibility is the real key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace, the equitable use of natural resources and through concern for the future generations, the proper care of the environment.” -- Excerpt from address by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, ‘Address to the Parliamentary Earth Summit (Global Forum) of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)’ (1992)