Alexis Nakota Legacy Project

Land-Based Family Healing Retreats

Presented by ANSN in Partnership with Four Pillars

The Alexis Nakota Legacy Project is a healing-focused initiative designed to support Elders and families within the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. Funded through the Four Pillars initiative, “Language, Culture, Heritage, and Wellness”, this project seeks to foster reconnection, healing, and unity within families through a spiritually and culturally grounded approach.

Program Overview

This year-round initiative offers funding and logistical support for families and Elders—particularly residential school survivors and those impacted —wishing to return to the land and participate in family led cultural & land-based retreats.

These retreats include therapeutic activities, cultural rituals, and spiritual practices led by Elders, spiritual mentors, family therapists, and or cultural guides.

Purpose of Funding

The funding is designed to:

Promote healing and reconnection within families.
Provide opportunities for families to engage in land-based, culturally relevant retreats.
Support Elders in sharing their knowledge, stories, and healing practices.
Encourage wellness across emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual practices.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be members of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation.
Priority will be given to families with Elders who are residential school survivors.
Families must demonstrate an intention to engage in land-based healing or cultural retreats.
Applications must include a basic plan of activities, including dates, number of participants, and cultural/spiritual focus.

Application Process

Intake and Registration
1. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Interested families must complete a Funding Request Form, available through the Project Administrator.
3. Applications can be submitted in person, via email, or through community outreach sessions organized by the Project Administrator.
Review and Recommendation
1. The Project Administrator reviews the application to ensure it meets eligibility and completeness.
2. Each application will be analyzed according to family composition and need.
Approval
1. Final decisions and funding amounts will be approved and set by the Project Administrator. Funding will be based on program priorities and available funding.
Notification and Disbursement
1. Once approved, applicants will receive a confirmation notice and a funding agreement outlining the terms of support.
2. Funds will be disbursed through the Project Administrator, based on actual costs submitted or projected budgets.
Eligible Costs
1. Funding may cover:
  - Travel expenses to the land.
  - Supplies and equipment (tents, food, firewood, etc.).
  - Honorariums for spiritual and cultural guides.
  - Therapeutic support services.
  - Other culturally or spiritually relevant items that support healing and wellness.
2. *Note: Families are encouraged to include all estimated costs in their initial application.
Program Duration and Limits
1. The program will operate year-round until all available funding is exhausted.
2. Support amounts may vary per family and are determined by Project Administrator, based on need, impact, and available resources.
3. There is no limit to how many times a family can apply, but new applicants will be prioritized over repeat applicants, as funding permits.