"They go to...museums and see exhibits about Native Americans and think we're a people of the past. But we're a people with a past, not of the past."
-Frank Waln
For too long, native peoples have had their culture oppressed, memories erased, and lived under colonial rule, rules, and racism. At The Woape Foundation, we recognize the importance of allowing native culture to reclaim itself. That's why all our projects are in consultation with tribes and stakeholders. We do not know what is best, the people do. Our role is to provide assistance to breaking down barriers of all kinds.
"Education is justice."
-Christopher Kilner
For too long, many native peoples have faced a Catch-22. No companies will move to the reservation, and none will higher off the reservation. Without access to opportunity, poverty prevails. Education breaks this cycle by creating an employable workforce and a mobile community of support - the only way to break a Catch-22 is to break the mold of the old world order.
"Here is what we seek: a compassion that can stand in awe at what the poor have to carry rather than stand in judgment at how they carry it."
-Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J.
As Frank Waln states, many people do not know that strong native culture still exists. Those that do often look upon the reservation and those on it with either disgust or despair. The fact remains that native culture is vibrant, and its people human. At the Woape Foundation, we do not seek to perpetuate colonialism with an outside attitude of knowledge. Rather we seek to empower native american communities to chart their futures.
"Let us build a justice world, an educated world, from the bricks of the walls we tear down."
-Christopher Kilner
Institutional racism, oppression, and colonialism have perpetuated the poverty and silencing of native communities. Even today, government "assistance" locks in a pattern of malnutrition and poverty. Only through encoding justice in the laws of the land, and the hearts of its democratic peoples, can their arise an institutional culture of justice and atonement.
Through our new Blog program for Native youth, we break down barriers and misconceptions of the indigenous community by providing a platform for the Native American leaders of tomorrow.
Learn MoreThrough our S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering) we educate Native American youth for the economy of the future while also allowing them to explore their heritage in a positive environment.
Learn MoreOur philosophy derives from the Jesuit motto of men and women for and with others. Through our website, internships, PenPal program and teaching materials, we advocate for Native Americans.
Learn MoreThe only way to end systematic oppression and racism and open up opportunity for indigenous communities is to democratize. Through all our programs, we seek permanent change and justice.
Learn More
In partnership with the Red Cloud Indian School and Toyota USA Foundation, we have developed a S.T.E.M. Program to solve many challenges, including:
Our S.T.E.M. partnership has increased college admissions into fields of the future by 70% over the past four years. From NIH internships to Millennium Gates scholarships, the success of the program proves that the will, energy, and passion are there for the leaders of tomorrow. All that's needed is the opportunity.
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Our headquarters are stationed right outside of Washington, DC. This allows us to advocate for Native American issues.
Our main partner, the Red Cloud Indian School, is based on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, USA.
Contact us by filling out the form above or visiting our contact us page, where you can find information on reaching out.
You can also directly mail or email our organization. You will find our address and email information on the contact us page.
