was founded by the late Martin High Bear (Lakota medicine man and spiritual leader) and Rose High Bear, Deg Hit'an Dine (Alaskan Athabascan) in 1993. Since incorporating in 1993, Wisdom has successfully produced three series of public radio programs, Wisdom of the Elders Radio. We produced educational curriculum for Oregon’s schools, including social studies, language arts, environmental science a
nd arts (storytelling, traditional arts and music) lesson plans which are aligned to Oregon’s Educational Standards. In 2004, we launched Turtle Island Storytellers Network, the web-based speakers bureau which provides speaking and consulting opportunities for 80 gifted tribal historians, storytellers, artists, and song carriers. We formed the Northwest Indian Storytellers Association in 2005 and hold an annual Northwest Indian Storytellers Festival and tribal storytelling workshops in Portland, along with apprenticeship projects for emerging tribal storytellers. We have recorded and preserved 250+ native elders and storytellers and other cultural artists to share their messages and rich cultural values with younger generations. Our newest project, Discovering Our Story, has been a part of the Wisdom Board of Directors’ Strategic Plan since 2004. Working with seven local partners, we are producing multimedia Native American curriculum for mental health, addictions, domestic violence protection and Type Two Diabetes learning modules for Portland area service providers and their clients. We have also hosted 15 multicultural celebrations since 1999, including An Afternoon with Wisdom of the Elders, Native American Day, and celebrations launching our radio and television series.
