For the first time since we began sixteen years ago as a spiritually oriented group doing primarily environmental work, we have now fully dedicated our actions to our deepest vision,  the "Mending of the Hoop of All Nations." Our related purpose is to help bring about a resurgence of indigenous wisdom and deep ecological consciousness as a key element in creating a sustainable, Earth-honoring culture in the 21st century

Since first coming in contact with John Seed and Joanna Macy in 1989, we have understood that "inner" and "outer" approaches are necessary if humans and complex life (pythons, redwoods, whales, tarantulas, tigers, etc) are to pass through the ever narrowing tunnel of survival. When we say "inner approaches" we mean those that directly effect human consciousness in ways that can lead us to perceive the world in a new way - a way that is in harmony with and realizes our complete dependence on the Earth. To this end, we have convened dozens of workshops and expeditions to bring forth this perception as much in ourselves as in the participants. What has emerged for many is a profound, if fleeting, feeling for what is truly "indigenous" - a deep connection to land and community and a new willingness to express gratitude.

This has led to another major area of activity for us: an ongoing Native Siberian/Native American wisdom exchange focused on bringing forth new ideas on how to create balance for the sake of future generations. It is this balance that traditional peoples have understood for millennia which we seek to promote more vigorously. What is particularly interesting is that, on an energetic level, what transpired in 1989, when we first started hooking Russian environmental activists up to e-mail - that sense by all involved of "Oh! This is terribly important and needed" - is the same synergy that occurred when SEN invited five indigenous leaders from Siberia to meet dozens of their counterparts in North America in the autumn of 2001.

SEN strives to do all of this with whole-hearted cooperation. It is becoming more apparent that, in both cyberspace and the natural world, cooperation leads to success. To paraphrase renowned cell biologist Lynn Margulis, "The newest findings in biology alter our view of evolution as a chronic, bloody competition among individuals and species. Life did not take over the globe by combat, but by networking."

- Bill Pfeiffer click for bio

February 2005