Why donate?
As we shed some of the layers of colonization that are no longer serving us, we also gift with gratitude to the indigenous peoples who have been among the most affected by colonization. We dream of a world that enjoys the benefits of technology and western science, yet re-embraces and re-values the wisdom of indigenous cultures around the world. We humbly acknowledge that we have a pressing need for indigenous wisdom to bring our bodies, our communities, and our planet back into health. In this spirit, we have established a fund that will be dedicated in its entirety to support the revaluation and dissemination of indigenous wisdom.
This year, the contributions will be given in their entirety as scholarships and grants to indigenous people in rural areas of Ecuador. Located in the very center of the world, Ecuadorian indigenous tradition has contributed enormously to the overall landscape of traditional wisdom, from their reverence of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) and Taita Inti (Father Sun) as two of their most sacred mythical figures, to the exploration of countless plant medicines, most famously represented by Ayahuasca.
Notoriously, a recent study conducted in Ecuador revealed that over 50% of indigenous children in Ecuador suffer from malnutrition. This study was conducted in the context of an indigenous uprising in the country that was violently crushed by the current government of the country.
As we once again somberly meditate on the ongoing violence perpetrated by the effects of colonization on vulnerable populations, we joyfully share some of our abundance in gratitude and solidarity.
The Donation FAQ
How will the donations be used?
Extensive research has shown that one of the most effective and efficient ways of contributing is to donate financial resources directly to the people we wish to benefit. In that spirit, and to minimize bureaucratic processes, the donations will be handed in their entirety (excluding GoFundMe fees as grants to benefit people of indigenous lineage in Ecuador who have compelling proposals about how the resources will serve to cultivate and/or disseminate indigenous wisdom.
How will the beneficiaries be chosen?
A committee, in which we hope to include elders of rural communities in Ecuador, will choose the beneficiaries among applicants based on stated need as well as merit of the proposal
Are you part of a 501(c)(3) organization?
As a young initiative, we are not yet affiliated with a particular non-profit organization. According to the level of interest and success of the initiative during this year, we intend to find affiliation with an established organization in upcoming years. We are aware that our current status requires more trust from our donors, and we are extremely grateful to those who are able to place this trust on us, while fully understanding that not everyone will be able to
What type of accountability do you offer with regards to donations?
As the donation recipients are chosen and funds are distributed, we will post detailed descriptions of the chosen proposals and amounts distributed on this website, and to anyone who has given us their contact information.
Who started this initiative, and why should I trust it with my donation?
While I do not wish my identity to be central to this initiative, I will share what seems relevant. I am a person of mixed European and Indigenous Ecuadorian descent, born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, transplanted to the US, and currently living in the beautiful neighborhood of Bernal Heights, San Francisco. As anybody else, I carry the wounds and joys of both the oppressor and the oppressed in me. The question of how to reconcile and integrate these poles is central to my journey, and the Gratitude Fast initiative is part of that exploration. If you feel the desire to know my full identity to feel more comfortable with donating, please use the contact form and I will gladly answer your questions.
I would like to donate, but first I need some more information
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have about the people or process involved, or for any further discussion