GIVING BACK
10% of the total cost of each class supports our indigenous partners and is distributed according to current needs. We occasionally also support causes that protect indigenous people/lands beyond our community below.
The Elijio Panti National Park
Don Elijio's descendants continue to protect the forest to this day. The Elijio Panti National Park is 13000+ acres of pristine, old growth rainforest, home to rare and precious animal and plant species, as well as several sacred caves and ceremonial sites hallowed by the Masawal Maya people of this bioregion.
The area is under constant threat from poaching, theft and frequent legislative change. Recent threats include extreme fires in 2024 that saw 4000 of 13,000 acres lost and current logging permits issued at the adjacent Mountain Pine Ridge.
Decades since Elijio's passing, the mission to keep the forest standing still continues, and at this time of rapid climate change, is more urgent than ever. Efforts to protect EPNP are spearheaded by the local community and the Itzamna Society in particular, of which Don Elijio's neice Maria Garcia is chairperson. We are honored to be able to support the local community to protect their sacred lands. To learn more visit www.epnp.org
Walter
Cholotio
Walter Thomas Mendoza Cholotio descends from a long line of Tzutujil Maya healers and spiritual guides. He spent his childhood steeped in ancient rituals and healing ceremonies, coming to an understanding and acceptance of his duty to continue the traditions that were passed to him.
Walter works extensively with Maya Fire Ceremony, the healing symbols of the Maya Calender, herbal medicine and acupuncture - with the intention to raise human consciousness. He currently resides in Santa Cruz del Quiché, Guatemala.
To book a Maya astrology reading or to make a private donation to support Walter’s work, you can contact him via WhatsApp on +50255509260
Shirley Waru
Shirley Waru is a Māori woman hailing from the Te Rarawa Iwi standing bravely to protect non-native trees on her local Maunga (mountain) at Ōtāhuhu in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland.
Shirley had a strong belief in the principle of Kaitiakitanga - best understood in English as guardianship - our duty of care to all living beings.
Shirley is not only protecting hundreds of trees and millions of living beings from human folly, but also values of her culture. To learn more visit www.respectmountrichmond.org.nz
Supporting Indigenous Learners
All online offerings with Samar are free of charge for students who identify as indigenous. This includes Tending the Belly (Level 1), Belly Care Provider Training, Opening to Spiritual Healing and Deepening to Spiritual Healing. In this way, all core cultural content can be accessed by indigenous students without any financial hardship.
All in person and online offerings with Samar are free of charge for Palestinians.
We are also grateful to have had multiple opportunities since 2020 to support Taos Pueblo youth with educational pursuits and multiple cultural exchanges with the Kichwa nation of Peru.
