Who We Are

“The dimension which needs to be expanded on is one of spirit, it is the core of our being as a people, difficult to measure from a western perspective but central to our survival and existence. Spirit is the spark that kept us alive after the devastation of disease that came with colonization in all its forms. This is a park of our making. Spirit is what kept the Xhota alive and prosper despite overwhelming odds, it is the same spark which provides the light we need as we move forward in designing this park into a world that continues to seek peace and reveal the splendors of creation. This spirit collectively transcends all the trials and challenges we all face individually and collectively. This tribal park will show to the world and to us what is possible in working together. Language, politics, religion and the focus of economics forced us as indigenous people to narrow our view of ourselves and our surroundings. What this park will allow us and all those fortunate enough to visit the park is to see and experience again, and some for the first time, is what we as all peoples and communities can build and share. It would reignite for all what we are witnessing with the Hubble telescope and James Webb Telescope that possibilities of creating opportunities for learning and dialogue are limited only by our imaginations. The spirit to survive is within each of us, this park provides that opportunity to cognitively and experientially dream and see possibility created.”

Dr. Paige Baker