ndigenous Vision for Land and People!
HAMAATSA is an indigenous continuum learning center and demonstration site located on 320-acres of environmentally protected aboriginal lands in the foothills of the Ortiz Mountains, between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
HAMAATSA is a place committed to regenerative and sustainable living, spiritual wholeness, and cultural restoration. When fully operational, the Center will comprise three program gateways: (1) An indigenous learning center offering culturally relevant "emergent leadership" programs for Native youth, adults and families and for non-Native people working toward restoration for First Nations communities; providing indigenous learning models for social change, spiritual life-ways and health and well being. (2) A small-scale sustainable community and demonstration site for living simply on the land, advocating sustainable land planning, permaculture design, green building, renewable energy systems and land conservation. (3) An eco-friendly retreat center for individuals and organizations who desire a healthy nurturing environment and pristine sanctuary for spiritual renewal, personal contemplation and organizational meetings.
HAMAATSA is a Native led 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. The founding directors are Larry Littlebird, from Laguna/Santo Domingo Pueblo and his wife, Deborah Littlebird. The organization uses an indigenous approach to governance through a Council Process. The Board of Directors and a strong cadre of indigenous elders, culture bearers, and teachers and non-native advisors are working together to accomplish the organization's mission.
THE FIRST STEP toward development of the Center was to finalize the purchase of the 320-acre land base. We joyfully fulfilled our land purchase on August 1, 2007! Historically, this property is aboriginal home lands of the Pueblo Indian people and is an ideal match for the HAMAATSA mission for restoration of indigenous land stewardship. Following the land acquisition, site analysis and visionary master planning for the 320-acre land base began with world renowned permaculture designer, Scott Pittman and his talented wife, Arina. After a year of careful planning and design, the master plan was completed. This beautiful hand-rendered plan details the long-term vision for restoring these aboriginal lands to environmental health and simple sustainable living. Click here to see the visionary master plan.
THE NEXT STEP was to create our architectural plans for the learning center. David O. Riley, (Hopi/Laguna Pueblo) architect and owner, WaterParrot Design Studio, has joined the project as lead architect for the Center. David is working closely with Larry Littlebird to incorporate Chacoan architectural principles to create a spiritually inspired design for Hamaatsa! The Center - "Where the People Gather", will feature Puebloan architecture (pre-European contact) and utilize sacred geometry design principles. This large "family style Pueblo home" will incorporate indoor and outdoor spaces emphasizing our relationship to this particular landscape. A large indoor gathering room and kitchen will open to an outdoor space for gathering and dining which will then flow back inside to a circular storytelling/council room. The Center will have a lodging capacity for twenty with simple guest rooms and a bath house. Gardens, orchards and food forests with moving water will be integrated throughout the property with areas for quiet reflection.
PROGRAMS emphasize experiential land-based learning including hands-on adobe making, stone wall construction, permaculture classes, and watershed restoration. Cultural life-way programs for Native youth and families are designed for mentoring and equipping "emergent leaders" in the areas of language preservation, revitalization of oral traditions, indigenous agriculture and the use of native medicinal plants for healthy diets and diabetes prevention. Hamaatsa talking circles provide community dialogues and forums to address social change and critical issues facing First Nations people, such as historical trauma and colonization.
FUNDING comes from the generosity and kindness of individuals and granting organizations. Becoming financially sustainable is part of the long-term vision for Hamaatsa. Donations of any size are welcomed and gratefully appreciated!
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Copyright 2007 Hamaatsa. All rights reserved. HAMAATSA is a Native led 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
