Seraphim International Incorporated

Imagine a young person from a remote Native village standing at the helm of a ship, learning to navigate by wind, stars, and compass, gaining confidence, leadership, and a path to a maritime career. Raven’s Journey is making that possible. With your help, we can take the next step to launch this life-changing program.

About Raven’s Journey

Raven’s Journey is a maritime skills and leadership program for Native youth facilitated by Seraphim International and The SSV Raven Foundation. The program is built around the Raven, a U.S. Coast Guard–certified sailing school vessel currently under construction. Our mission is to provide hands-on seamanship training to underserved Alaska Native and Native American youth, creating pathways to maritime careers, and reconnecting students with the traditions of their people, traditions deeply tied to water, navigation, and resilience.

We’ve already taken the first significant step: we have the partially completed vessel. Now, we need to outfit her, crew her, and bring her into service for the youth she’s meant to serve.

Why This Funding Is Needed Now

The next critical step is building the partnerships, securing the sponsors, and raising the funds to outfit and operate the Raven. The fastest, most effective way to do that is by showing up in person at the events where industry leaders and tribal decision-makers gather.

That’s why we’re launching this GoFundMe, to raise the seed money for Raven’s Journey’s first official outreach year.

Your Contribution Will Fund Two Specific Things

Attendance at Three Major Marine Industry Trade Shows

Goals: Secure in-kind donations (equipment, sails, electronics) and industry sponsorships to outfit the vessel. Develop a relationship with potential donors who share a passion for sailing.

Attendance at the National Congress of American Indians Conference

Goal: Present Raven’s Journey to tribal leaders nationwide to secure program partnerships and long-term funding.

Travel, Booth Fees, and Outreach Materials

Includes booth banners, printed handouts, and a portable display system.

Why Support Us and Why Now?

Time-sensitive - these events only happen once a year, and missing them would delay the launch of Raven’s Journey by at least 12 months.

High impact - attending these events can secure sponsorships worth far more than the cost of attendance.

Direct connection - this funding goes straight to travel, registration, and outreach for these events.

Ways to Help:

In Closing:

For generations, our ancestors read the waves and stars to guide their journeys. Raven’s Journey will carry that legacy forward, equipping Native youth with maritime skills, leadership training, and a sense of pride in their heritage. Your gift today helps us take the first step — bringing Raven’s Journey to the places where partnerships are built and futures are launched. The sooner we’re there, the sooner youth will be standing at the helm of the Raven, steering toward their own horizons.