A world where Indigenous people are seen, heard, healthy and thriving
Mission: OJI:SDA’ expands Indigenous visibility, land literacy and good health by using innovative methods of sharing ancestral knowledge. Through media arts and authentic curriculum, we focus on environmental protection, sustainability, community wellbeing, healing, and cultural vibrancy.
Who Are We? We are an Indigenous women led, non-profit organization. We come together from diverse nations to collaborate in creating responsive educational experiences focused towards the reconnection to our traditional teachings, storytelling and media literacy empowerment. We promote tools for self-healing and community support, through land relationships and curriculum for public schools that are rooted in Indigenous perspectives. OJI:SDA’ Sustainable Indigenous Futures is founded by Tahila Mintz, Executive Director – Indigenous Yaqui / Jewish media maker, ancestral scribe, educator and community organizer.
Shout-out to the Onondawaga’ OJI:SDA’ Staff Team, Board of Directors & Advisory Council:
- Nicole Edin Sundown (Seneca), Community Outreach Coordinator, Plant Care Program. Nicole Edin Sundown is a member of the Seneca Turtle Clan and has been a resident of the Buffalo Creek territory her entire life. Nicole holds an Associate Degree in Occupational Studies with a focus on Business Management. With over 10 years of experience in the quality assurance and customer service sectors. Nicole has volunteered with Global Concepts Charter Schools, contributing to both their diversity and CEO committees. Additionally, she serves as an OJI:SDA’ Plant Care Fellow. She draws motivation from spending time in the garden and also takes joy in sharing the knowledge she carries with her sons, nieces, and nephews.
- Jason Corwin (Seneca), OJI:SDA’, Chair & Board Member. Jason Corwin Ph.D. is a citizen of the Seneca Nation and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Indigenous Studies at University at Buffalo. Jason has an extensive background as a community-based media and environmental educator with a deep commitment to grassroots organizations.
- Justin Schapp (Onondawaga’ Agegwaiyoh – Deer Clan Seneca), OJI:SDA’ Board Member. Justin is from the Seneca Nation’s Ohi:yo’ (beautiful river) Territory and is a father to two amazingly wonderful young Indigenous women, Zygs and Zora. An Indigenous centered activist, he was instrumental in the Seneca resistance movements against NYS economic oppression in 1992 through 1997, and has actively participated in every activist movement since. A graduate of Syracuse University and Oklahoma University’s College of Law, he has used his experience, passion, knowledge, and education to make tremendous positive impacts for Indigenous Peoples and communities.
- Michael De Munn (Kahada’ Nyah: Seneca/French), OJI:SDA’ Advisor. Michael De Munn is a Seneca author, artist and forest ecologist, who has lived and worked in the Finger Lakes region most of his life. He believes it is his spiritual and cultural duty to honor and care for the Earth for future generations. Michael is the author of several major award winning children’s books and he is currently writing and illustrating a book of forestry and ecology from a Native perspective for landowners and students. As a conservationist, Michael has been a leader in helping to establish many nature preserves and he is a founder of the Finger Lakes Land Trust and serves as their forestry advisor. Michael carries on the teaches passed down to him about the use and care for different plants important to Indian culture and the spiritual duties that come with our relationship to the Earth, including the plants, animals, soil, air and water.
Show your support by checking out OJI:SDA’ at the following link: https://www.ojisda.org/
