Rooted Ways: An Indigenous Cultural and Ecological Initiative

10/12/2026

Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the deep, unbroken relationships that Indigenous peoples maintain with the land, waters, and First Foods of this region.

​Indigenous Peoples’ Day is more than a date on the calendar—it is a reflection on resilience, ongoing ecological stewardship, and the vital role Traditional Ecological Knowledge plays in restoring balance to our environment. From the camas prairies to the cedar stands, Indigenous communities continue to care for the lands that have sustained our ancestors since time immemorial.

​Today and every day, we invite our community to support Indigenous-led ecological initiatives, learn about the ancestral lands you reside on, and center Native voices in environmental and cultural education.

Support Our Work: You can directly support our ongoing cultural and ecological education programs by making a tax-deductible donation today:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-cultural-education

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Help us build our organization and contribute to land restoration, revitalization of cultural practices, and creation of spaces for healing, learning, and…

10/04/2026

Stephanie will be speaking in Eugene Oregon in October. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, October 29, 6:00 p.m.

10/03/2026

Wisdom of the Elders had the honor of filming Stephanie Craig (Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde) during the Glass Blowing & Weaving Workshop, a three-day workshop put on by Confluence August 26 to 28 at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum in Washougal, Washington.

This video is a recap of Stephanie's time at the workshop. We were also glad to help Confluence film an upcoming basket making series with Stephanie, so keep an eye out for its release.

Stephanie is a seventh-generation basket weaver, the founder of Kalapuya Weaving and Consulting, and co-executive director of Rooted Ways. She has been teaching traditional weaving for over 20 years and has taught more than 10,000 students, from preschoolers to Elders.

We were also honored to hear from Leah Altman (Oglala Lakota), Executive Director of Confluence, who shared some insight into their partnership with Stephanie.

A special thank you to Confluence, Kalapuya Weaving and Consulting, and Rooted Ways for the knowledge they share with our communities. Their work makes a real difference in people's lives.

Thank you to the Two Rivers Heritage Museum for hosting. If you're in the area, go check it out. The museum is located at 1 Durgan Street in Washougal, right across from the Pendleton Woolen Mill.

Wisdom of the Elders is preparing to launch our media library on YouTube, more than 30 years of Indigenous stories, teachings, and cultural knowledge.

Follow all of our partners for updates, and like, share, and repost this video. It makes an impact, and your support helps all of us.

kalapuyaweaving.com
rooted-ways.org
confluenceproject.org
2rhm.com

09/25/2026

Today, September 25th, our offices are closed in observance of Native American Day.

​We are spending the day honoring Indigenous heritage, culture, and the ongoing contributions of Native peoples across our homelands and communities. We take this time to gather, reflect, and ground ourselves in traditional ecological knowledge and community connections.

​Our physical office in Amity will be closed today, and our team will resume regular operations on Monday, September 28th.
​Wishing everyone a meaningful day of reflection, celebration, and connection to the land.
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09/15/2026

Attention Hunters! We are looking for deer toes and dew claws, elk and deer legs from the knee down (with skin and toes attached), elk ivory teeth, and antlers of any size.

These will be used for a future workshops for tribal members!

09/07/2026

Such a great drum making workshop today! Thank you to Gary and Molly for teaching everyone! Thank you to Brick + Bloom Gathering Space for providing a great space!

Looking forward to more workshops!

09/04/2026

Come see Molly this weekend at the Vista House At Crown Point this Saturday! She will be beading, working on regalia and have other works of cultural art to look at.

See you there!

Molly Leno will be demonstrating traditional beadwork at Vista House on Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 10am to 4pm.

Molly Leno is of Rogue River, Umpqua, and Oglala Sioux ancestry. She is a women’s traditional and jingle dress champion powwow dancer, embodying strength, prayer, and the beauty of her people with every step. She practices traditional lifeways including making regalia, beadwork, hide processing, leatherwork, and working with feathers. She also prepares and uses traditional medicines, and pours water for the sweat lodge. Molly’s hands create, heal, and teach, carrying forward the knowledge passed down through the old ones before her.

Stop by anytime between 10am and 4pm to talk with Molly and watch her create.

An Oregon State Parks Day-use parking permit - either single day fee or annual pass - is required at Crown Point State Park and other nearby Oregon State Parks.

Image description - Molly looks at the camera while wearing a woven hat and beaded necklace and earrings

Oregon State Parks Rooted Ways: An Indigenous Cultural and Ecological Initiative

09/01/2026

We have a couple of spots available for Tribal/Metis people for a juncus 1 day weaving workshop in Manzanita, Sunday, September 27th, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Please reach out if you are interested! These are free spots, must have your own transportation. Workshop fee and materials fees are covered. 🤩

08/24/2026

State archaeologists recommend photographing objects in place and contacting preservation offices. Human remains are a different matter.
https://mrf.lu/2C5tc