Many Lightnings has as its purpose the restoration of and education about Indigenous cultures and customs, particularly those that promote healing, self-worth, community pride, healthy lifestyles, sobriety, and connections with our Earth Mother. We restore and maintain native vegetation at the Pathways of our Ancestors (formerly known as the Native Garden) at Jensen River Ranch (Woodward Park) in
Fresno, along with the Parkway Trust and California State government agencies. We also work with RiverTree Fresno Volunteers to maintain the San Joaquin River and to encourage people to reconnect with their local environment. Loosely affiliated with the local American Indian Movement (AIM) chapter in Central California, we are vigilant about the civil rights of Indigenous people, and advocate transparency, consensus, and traditional practices in the administration of local tribal affairs and economic development. We also have affiliations with the American Indian Studies Program, Political Science Department, Smittcamp Honors College, and the First Nations Indigenous Student Organization at Fresno State. We have outreach and connections with the Traditional Choinumne Tribe, Turtle Lodge, the Fresno State Powwow, the Red Road Powwow, the Central Valley American Indian Veterans Association, and other like-minded cultural preservation and Indigenous community groups.
