We write to you with humility, deep respect, and sincere acknowledgment of the ancestral stewards of the Mendocino land.

We humbly request the presence of a representative elder from each of the tribes of Mendocino at Aniwa Gathering, to offer a land acknowledgment and share with participants about your people, history, and territory. We believe it is essential that those who gather here understand whose land they are on and the living cultures that continue to steward it.

We reached out to several local tribal councils and, at the time, received no response. Eventually, we were connected with a Pomo leader who agreed to bring elders of the territory to offer a land blessing. Out of respect for his request, we are not sharing his name publicly, as he expressed concern following the reactions of other tribal members to the event’s social media promotions. We understand there are 17 different Pomo tribes in Mendocino, and that relationships between them are complex. This is why we remain open to dialogue and to learning the best way forward.

We’ve heard your concerns, and before anything else, we want to honor the immense grief, violence, and displacement your people have experienced. We acknowledge the memory of your ancestors and the pain still carried in your bloodlines. When a gathering happens on your land, it can reopen wounds - your protectiveness is deeply valid, and we are listening - with the sincere intention to move forward in a good way, with respect and openness to guidance from your people. 

We’d like to offer clarity, not in defense, but in transparency. The Aniwa Gathering is a non-profit event. No one is selling ceremony here. Ceremony is very sacred to us and is never for sale. What we do charge for are tickets to cover the basic costs of organizing an event that brings 40 elders and wisdom keepers from all over the world. Many of these elders come from remote areas and require long, expensive travel, assistance with passports and visas, and support throughout the journey. We also cover the logistics, permits, rentals, equipment, elders’ food, accommodations, and security needed to hold a safe, respectful space.

In truth, ticket sales don’t cover our costs. Last year, we ended in debt. Our founder receives no salary and dedicates half the year to this work. We seek sponsorships and donations so elders are honored and their wisdom shared.

This is not a festival, it’s a prayer for the Earth. A space to awaken responsibility and stewardship. Our goal is not to take from sacred ways, but to realign with them.

People come to remember how to honor water and land - original instructions shared with all peoples, forgotten by many. We offer no rites of passage, initiations or secret teachings, only a collective path toward healing and land preservation, which requires effort from us all.

Our deepest prayer is for peace - beginning with those who remember their roots and traditions.

We do not come to exploit, but to pray. To leave offerings, not footprints. And to walk together in healing, for the Earth and for the generations to come.

We honor your people and your sovereignty, and we are here to listen, with respect and truth.

Grandmother Mona Polacca - Tewa / Hopi / Havasupai shares : 

“ANIWA is a gathering of Indigenous elders from all over the world coming together as a unified action of sharing their Indigenous messages about how we have relied on and continue to practice the ancient traditions that have shaped & strengthened our basic survival up to now. It is imperative that we come together to share with each other the ceremonies that will sustain our continued existence.  All over Mother Earth, Indigenous Peoples are faced with government & corporate industries who continue to destroy & rape our lands, territories & water. They freely do this without giving “Free, Prior & informed consent” to the tribes/Indigenous Peoples. For the first time an opportunity for Indigenous elders from various regions of the world will come together in a peaceful unified action of prayer & ceremony. Is this not a good cause to support. This is historic! We finally have a means of gathering.”