Indigenous Cultural Experience

There's a beautiful piece of land in the Catskill Mountains that I've been blessed to take care of during this lifetime and it needs to be shared with others. The vision for the land is for guests to book a cultural, natural off-grid overnight stay with the option to also book an add-on educational indigenous experience.

Picture being surrounded by breathtaking mountains, nature, calming streams, and stunning stars. Take a beautiful walk right behind the land where the Historic Catskill Rail Trail is located. Part of the beautiful trail is surrounded by native birch trees and a serene pond. An outhouse, shower/sink area connected to an off-grid hot water system will be installed.

The land will have 4 dedicated areas:

First, a dedicated area to the Cheyenne and Blackfeet tribe from The Backbone of the world aka Montana. Truly blessed to have such a strong connection with the Backbone of the World. Astonishingly, my beautiful neighbor and friend who lives nearby is Cheyenne. He's a retired professor who taught the Cheyenne language and culture.

By choice, my bonus grandfather retired and spent the rest of his days living in Montana. He had a deep respect and admiration for all indigenous people. When I spent time in Montana, I gained a dear friend who's from the Blackfeet tribe. He currently owns a full service hunting, fly fishing, and packing outfitting and eco-tours business.

In honor of all, a custom-made Cheyenne and Blackfeet tipi will be delivered this spring all the way from Montana to NY by my dear Blackfeet friend. My Cheyenne and Blackfeet brothers will help install both tipis on a deck, furnishing each one with precious indigenous details. During the process, we will have a blessing ceremony.

The second dedicated area on the land will be to honor the Taino tribe from the Caribbean. My Taino ancestors are from Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. By choice, my great grandma lived completely off-grid her entire life (100 years). She was alive when electricity and gas was easily available in her small town. She always refused it and truly lived how our Taino ancestors did many moons ago. She enjoyed nature, farming, reading, cooking, la hamaca, and of course drinking her coffee. The word Hamaca aka hammock actually comes from a Taino culture Arawakan word meaning fish net. In honor of all, a precious hammock with Taino symbols that traveled from Puerto Rico will be hung in the dedicated area near the stream. You will have the opportunity to relive the natural way great grandma and our ancestors did.

The third dedicated area will be to plant native crops with local indigenous tribes. There’s already an abundance of fruits and medicinal plants on the land that people can enjoy too. Goal is for people to pick fresh ingredients from the land and cook native dishes.

The fourth dedicated area is by the natural spring wading pool. In many indigenous cultures, water is sacred and the giver of life. A center piece of beliefs and ceremonies. Its a very special place to cleanse your spirit, body and mind.

Last but not least is the option to add a cultural experience during your stay. You will have the choice to book an experience to learn about the Taino or Cheyenne culture. Currently, working on connecting with a local tribe member to also offer an experience as well.

For each booking, a percentage will be donated to indigenous non-profit organizations.

When sharing the vision with others, I was told by many that it’s important and necessary for all of us to be involved. So far, people have donated money, time, resources, and discounted fees. The county is currently working with me on receiving grants. Truly amazed and grateful for everything. This is just the beginning!

It truly takes a village to create and educate. Please help support this vision and spread the word. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small, medium or big contribution. Any support is forever appreciated and may it quadruple back to you.

Hahom/Thank you for taking the time to read and feel.

“The Earth gives us so much to eat, if we just paid more attention to the gift that nature has given us, we would all live happier lives.” ~Chief Panchito

“Freedom will not exist until all the indigenous people of the world are free.” ~Jose Marti