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Nawa! EarthLodge's Movement mission is to revive our ancestral MudLodge building, applying our historical records, star knowledge of our elders, sacred geometry and Arikara builders.
Our goal is to build a Earthlodge in Pawnee, Oklahoma. Arikara relative, Jasper YoungBear is a spiritual leader and Earthlodge builder who is here to help us achieve our dream. The Arikara have constructed numerous lodges in North Dakota.
We will construct a demonstration Earthlodge near the Boys' Dorm on the Pawnee Reserve in Pawnee, Oklahoma. During the build, everyone involved will have the chance to share skills, stories, build healthier bodies, and cultural knowledge. We are rekindling the love of our own people for the lodge, just as our ancestors did.
The Pawnee Reserve Cultural Resource Division attempted to construct an Earthlodge at Pawnee Nation between April and August 2019. Pawnee Nation Business Council approved the site for the lodge, which is located on high ground next to the Boys' Dorm. The project then stalled. Now, in 2022, we are blessed to have an Arikara Earthlodge builder, Jasper YoungBear, who has built Earthlodges in several states. It is our intention to finish what we began in 2019 by building a demonstration Earthlodge that will be 35' in diameter and visible to the public. This is a time-sensitive project and we plan to finish it by the end of May 2022.
During this time, at least 25 people will learn how to build Earthlodges, enabling other Earthlodges to be built for each band of the Pawnee and then some. When the Pawnee were in their homeland, these structures resembled what our ancestors lived in. These structures are likely to be able to withstand tornadoes with a F3 rating by design. When they are built correctly, they should last 30+ years, provided they are maintained. Our Arikara relative will teach the symbolism and cultural significance of the structures.
In order to complete the Earthlodge project, we are extending an invitation to make a historical contribution towards a new foundation of Pawnee-Arikira cultural revitalization. Financial assistance is greatly appreciated for tools, equipment, supplies, safety equipment, chainsaws, ropes, shovels, tamping bars, gas for vehicles, chainsaw fuel, chainsaw blade replacement, a portable sawmill, a gas card for volunteers, maintenance funds for Earthlodge, and meals for at least 20 people per day for four months. As such, we would like to be able to provide stipends to our volunteers and cooks who do not get paid for four month's worth of work.
Your generous donation is greatly appreciated. Our goal is to build the Earthlodge in a way that takes pride. Creating a new foundation of cultural opportunities, and attract visitors to our community while revitalizing the Pawnee cultural foundation. Ultimately, you will be investing in the future generations of the Pawnee people and culture with your gift.
During the long-standing tribal tradition of the Pawnee Nation, beautiful earthen lodges were used for ceremonies and multigenerational households in the Pawnee homelands of Nebraska and Kansas. After 149 years, we will now see the Earthlodge for the first time on the Pawnee Reserve. Our Nasharo Council, with support from the Cultural Resource Division, along with the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society and many volunteers, respectfully request assistance from gofundme.com to complete this project.
Our elders helped Earthlodge build the Chicago Field Museum many years ago, in the 1970s. In 2010, our Arikara relatives built an Earthlodge in Kearney, Nebraska that brought tourist traffic to their city.
During the long-standing tribal tradition of the Pawnee Nation, beautiful earthen lodges were used for ceremonies and multigenerational households in the Pawnee homelands of Nebraska and Kansas. After 149 years, we will now see the Earthlodge for the first time on the Pawnee Reserve. Our Nasharo Council, with support from the Cultural Resource Division, along with the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society and many volunteers, respectfully request assistance from gofundme.com to complete this project.
Our elders helped Earthlodge build the Chicago Field Museum many years ago, in the 1970s. In 2010, our Arikara relatives built an Earthlodge in Kearney, Nebraska that brought tourist traffic to their city.
In The Spirit Of Our Ancestors,
May The Blessings Be!
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