Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform

Bear Root Resource Center is dedicated to measure, reduce, and remove carbon emissions with the help of Carbon Direct science-backed carbon management solutions.  

We also follow Bay Nature for local environmental issues and Nature Conservancy   and Earth Law to stay informed about global environmental issues and how to apply this information with our advocacy work.  

Bear Root Resource Center is dedicated to advocating and defending Water rights locally, Regionally, Statewide, Nationwide and Globally.  

Water is a human right.  Water is vital to all living things.  Water is life.

Water covers 71% of the Earth's surface. Take a look at the U.N. Research and learn more about Water Justice.

"If we’re going to make innovative changes for water governance, it has to come from an  interdisciplinary approach. We can’t solve these issues in isolation."   

— Dr. Kelsey Leonard, Shinnecock Nation

Indigenous Earth Law

Dr. Kelsey Leonard's Bio

Bear Root Resource Center is dedicated to advocating and defending Water rights locally, Regionally, Statewide, Nationwide and Globally.  

I recommend the book: "Tending the Wild," by M. Kat Anderson, to learn more about Indigenous Land Management practices.

Bear Root Resource Center is dedicated to advocating and defending BIPOC cultural rights and advocating for Social Justice locally, Regionally, Statewide, Nationwide and Globally.  

Indigenous culture preservation is not only morally required, but also legally required.  The rights of indigenous groups to uphold and advance their cultural  traditions and customs are affirmed by a number of international legal frameworks, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Everyone is welcome, as long as an individual, group or organization is mutually respectful and compassionate to others, and follows our guidelines. This is considered a safe space and discrimination is not tolerated.  However, you are only eligible to use the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform if you are of legal age in your country/region or if you have consent from your parent or guardian.  There may be certain age restrictions for specific Platform services in various countries or  regions.

This is considered a safe space and discrimination is not tolerated.  Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] is committed to your safety and well-being, and we are dedicated to ensure that everyone receives a high quality experience.  Any individual(s) interfering with the what we offer via our Bear Root Community Platform, including the use foul / abusive language,  making obscene gestures or making any person feel violated, wearing culturally insensitive attire or making culturally insensitive remarks, or any other violation(s) of our Bear Root Community Platform guidelines may result in you being ejected or removed from the  space and further consequences to such individual(s) may follow, if it is determined that you have violated any potential laws or pose an additional threat to any of our Staff, Community Members, Partners, Third-Party vendors or attendees.

Our Bear Root Community Platform does not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not  knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under  the age of 13. If You are a parent or guardian and You are aware that  Your child has provided Us with Personal Data, please contact Us. If We  become aware that We have collected Personal Data from anyone under the  age of 13 without verification of parental consent, We take steps to  remove that information from Our servers.

If We need to rely on consent as a legal basis for processing Your  information and Your country requires consent from a parent, We may  require Your parent’s consent before We collect and use that  information.

Most of what we offer at our Bear Root Resource Center and via our Bear Root Community Platform is appropriate for children of all ages.  In the event that any content is age restricted, we will post notices and caution viewer or participant discretion.  

Parent or Guardian Responsibility

We will require registration forms with basic details that will request name of the Parent or Guardian and contact number, an emergency contact number, insurance information and the child(ren)'s name and age.   We will have matching wrist bands with a distinguishable participant number that our Bear Root Resource Center staff can refer to and help reunite a child(ren) with their Parent or Guardian.   

Lost Child(ren) & Parents

Every child or parent should be told to contact anyone who is wearing a Bear Root Resource Center staff shirt to help assist them find the person who might be lost.

If you would like to request anything that we offer on our Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform to be offered in another language, we will do our best to offer a translations service or translated resource, as language Justice is vitally important to us.  If this would be important to offer at one of our virtual or In-person events, we welcome your request with as much advance notice as possible so that we can coordinate translators or another potential translation resource. 

If you would like to request anything that we offer on our Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform to be offered in another language, we will do our best to offer a translations service or translated resource, as language Justice is vitally important to us.  If this would be important to offer at one of our virtual or In-person events, we welcome your request with as much advance notice as possible so that we can coordinate translators or another potential translation resource. 

Additionally, we want everyone to have access to what we offer and consider ADA guest services to accommodate any special needs.  We strive to offer accessible seating option, restroom(s), etc.   If you would like to request another special accommodation based on your ability, please let us know, so that we can be sure to make you receive the highest quality experience, that is both comfortable and without any limitation.

We are not offering a Pet or Animal event at this time.  No animals will be permitted to any of our events, and your safety is the utmost importance.  We respect and love animals, but in public spaces we want to minimize and reduce any potential threat, security risk, interference or disruption that can impact the quality experience we want to deliver for our staff, Third-Party vendors, Partners, community members, or attendees.  Contact us if you have questions about this Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform policy,  we thank you for your understanding.

Certain events, experiences and performances may offer limited drinks and offer Alcohol beverages to those who are 21 years or older, and maintain one person on duty as a Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) server and any person serving food prepared to be a certified Food Handler server to adhere to safety guidelines.  If you would like to request a Designated Driver, your safety is the utmost importance to Bear Root Resource Center and we will coordinate a ride share service for you. 

When you purchase to attend a Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform event, experience or performance, we will include options for parking and potential transportation methods.  It is your responsibility for any parking or transportation needs, and you understand that this may be a separate expense.  You are responsible for any personal belongings and urge you to not leave any personal or valuable items in your vehicle.   

For In-person instances, be safe and report any Security issue please find the nearest Bear Root Resource Center staff member or Security person.  You may also text to 707-235-4963 and a discreet and effective response will follow to help address your concerns.  

For any virtual security concern, please Contact us and we will follow up with you to address your concerns.

Prohibited Items:

• No Drugs
• No weapons of any kind, including knives, guns, or any item that is perceived to be a weapon. Additional items may be removed at the discretion of Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] staff or Security. 
• No outside beverages or alcohol is permitted.

Everyone is welcome, and we don't want lack of financial resources to prevent a person from participating in anything that we offer via our Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform.  We will offer an option when you confirm your "Reciprocal Exchange" payment method for purchase for any of our services to have a "Pay it Forward" button to donate to our "Stipend Fund" that will cover the expense for a person who doesn't have the resource to pay.

Bear Root Resource Center offers pay what you can afford options or needs based stipends, eligibility is based on a person's income level and household size, and we are able to offer this only according to our Program funding availability.  If we don't currently have funding available, in some instances we might recommend to refer you to another resource, consider a fundraiser to help meet the need, or offer partial assistance, or offer you to go on our wait-list to attend a future service, event or program when funding to assist you becomes available.  Contact us for more information and let us know more details about your needs.

Stipend Eligibility

1). Everyone is welcome to apply, priority is given to BIPOC community members and those who live within the San Francisco Bay Area.

2). Applicants must demonstrate a financial need and be over the age of 18, or with a Parent or Guardian's consent to apply for children ages 13 to 17.

3). A short Essay is required to apply for the Stipend and we would like to know reasons you express your interest in our service/event/program(s), we would like to know why it is important to you personally, and the impact you believe you will benefit from participating.  The Essay shall be a minimum of 250 words and no more than 1000 words.  Your Essay should include:

• your Full Name, Age, Household size, City where you live; 
• Ethnicity and Cultural identity;
• 1 to 3 sentences that explain your life goal;
• how our S.H.I.F.T. programs and Mission will impact your life;
• mention what our slogan and Purpose statement, "Remember you are medicine," means to you;
• and how you see yourself participating in our Vision to plan and adapt to climate change by 2030.

4).  Express if you would like us to consider a Community project or if you would like to nominate others to our program and refer other community members to participate. 

5). Must submit Essay within Eligibility deadline window, which is typically posted on our website 90 days before the Service/Event/Program, and eligible applicants must submit Essay no later than 2 weeks before the Service/Event/Program is scheduled to start.  We will notify applicants of our determination and if any stipend will be awarded, within 30 business days and no later than 7 business days before the Service/Event/Program start date. 

A "Service" includes anything that is provided by Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)], or through a collaborating third-party, vendor, or as an Individual(s), who share their knowledge and are open to teach others who seek to relearn their traditions, may charge a price to access or purchase access to this "Service."  A "Service",  or "Subscription," or "Material Good(s)," such as an Art work piece, a product item(s) or "Experience," or "Performance," are an example of services provided and the price or cost to access these services are charged according to the value that Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform states as a price or cost to share with you when you agree to purchase access.  We consider this to be  reciprocity terms and which we consider as a "Reciprocal Exchange," which restores trade currency values and circular economy shared resource principles. 

Reciprocal Exchange (Purchasing) at Online Store or Pop-Up Location

When making Reciprocal Exchange (purchase) at the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform, or on the 7G Store Store, or any other Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)] whether on the Websites, by telephone, or by mail, you will be asked to provide information necessary to fulfill  your order, including your name, billing and shipping address(es),  telephone number, and credit card number. For online orders ,we ask for  your email address and telephone number so you can receive order and  shipping confirmation emails and queries if we have difficulty  processing your order. When you make a purchase, your credit card  information will be stored temporarily on a secure server. We will  retain the personal information you provided with your order for our records to facilitate customer service and to inform you of our products  and promotional offers. We use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) software, which encrypts the payment information you input.

Reciprocal Exchange (Purchasing) Subscription, Program or Tickets to Events 

When making a Reciprocal Exchange (purchase), the Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)] will ask you to  provide personal information necessary to fulfill your online order, which may include your name, billing and shipping address(es), telephone number, and credit card number. This is the same information  requested when you place a ticket order by telephone or in person. For  online ticket orders, we also require your email address so that you can  receive order, shipping, event, or other transaction-related emails,  and so that we can communicate with you if we have difficulty processing  your ticket order or request. When you purchase tickets, your credit  card information will be stored temporarily on a secure server, and we  will retain the personal information you provided with your order for  our records, to facilitate customer service, and to inform you of Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform programs and offerings.

 A "Reciprocal Exchange" which bears responsibility to any individual(s) when you access or use this "Service" or "Subscription" or "Material Good" or attend an "Experience" or "Performance" and should be treated with respect, and this not to be confused with a Western view of Ownership that implies ownership.  A Reciprocal Exchange price or fee that is charged allows mutual consent to share a sacred resource, in exchange for access to this requires you share something in return to trade with currency that is accepted or something that is of equal value.  This is knowledge is not for sale, and it can not be appropriated, and may not be replicated, and can't be used without written consent to request from those who offer what they are open to share. A receipt for a reciprocal exchange is a trade agreement for purchase of a "Service," "Material Good(s)," "Experience" or "Performance," and any other request to use content from another service will require written consent.  This knowledge, should be respected and never abuse the trust of those who seek trust in us.  This is a sacred space.

Upon subscribing for services that  Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)], or through a collaborating third-party, vendor, or as an Individual(s), who share their knowledge and are open to teach others who seek to relearn their traditions, may charge a price to access or purchase access to this "Service."  A "Service",  or "Subscription," or "Material Good(s)," such as an Art work piece, a product item(s) or "Experience," or "Performance," are an example of services provided and the price or cost to access these services are charged according to the value that Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform, that are described below for your personal enjoyment and entertainment, and in accordance with this Subscriber Agreement (herein, the “Agreement”).  

PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT GOVERNS ELIGIBILITY FOR  AND USE OF THE SERVICES.

For detailed information on how to cancel your subscription, see Section 2(e) below.

Bear Root Resource Center located at 4225 Solano Ave, #543, CA  94558 (“Bear Root Resource Center”) is referred to in this Agreement as “we”, “us” and “our”.  

Use of the Services is subject to compliance with this Agreement. By  accessing or using the Services (including by visiting the Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)] site or by downloading or launching the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform application), you accept and agree  to this Agreement. For clarity, it may be necessary to agree to  additional terms and conditions to continue use of the Services. Unless  otherwise provided by these additional terms and conditions, they are  hereby incorporated into this Agreement. If you do not agree to this  Agreement, you may not use the Services.

We may amend this Agreement. Any such amendment will be effective thirty  (30) days following either our dispatch of a notice to you or our  posting of the amendment on the Services. If you do not agree to any  change to this Agreement, you must discontinue using the Services. Our  customer service representatives are not authorized to modify any  provision of this Agreement, either verbally or in writing. 

ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN YOU AND US, EXCEPT FOR SMALL CLAIMS, IS SUBJECT TO A  CLASS ACTION WAIVER AND MUST BE RESOLVED BY INDIVIDUAL BINDING  ARBITRATION. PLEASE READ THE ARBITRATION PROVISION IN THIS AGREEMENT AS  IT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THIS CONTRACT.

In the event that you are not able to participate in a service, subscription, event, experience of performance, you may request in writing within 48 hours of the scheduled "service" to transfer this or gift this to another individual(s) on the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform, and other terms under our "Purchase & Service Terms" would apply.   

The Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)],  reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, to terminate accounts, to remove or edit content on the Websites, and to cancel orders in its sole discretion.

Bear Root Resource Center COMMUNICATION

• By using the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform , you agree to receive certain electronic communications from Bear Root Resource Center, subject to applicable law.
• You agree that any notice, agreement, disclosure or other communication that Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform  sends you electronically will satisfy any legal communication requirements, including that such communications be in  writing.

Right to Assign, No Waivers, Severability

• Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform may assign its rights and duties under these Terms to any party at any time without notice to you, unless notice to you is  required by applicable law, but this will not affect your rights or our  obligations under these Terms. 
• Bear Root Resource Center's ’s failure to insist upon or enforce strict performance of these  Terms is not a waiver of any of these Terms or Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform's  rights. Users  should always assume these Terms apply.
• If any provision in these Terms is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of these Terms shall continue to be enforceable.

By using the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform , The Bear Root Resource Center grants you a limited license to access and make personal  use of the Websites. You agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell, or exploit any part of the Websites or the services provided  through the Websites without the Bear Root Resource Center's express written  permission. This license does not permit any commercial use of the Websites or their contents; any collection or use of product listings,  descriptions, or prices; any derivative use of the Websites or their contents; any downloading or copying of account information for the benefit of another merchant; or any use of data mining, robots, or similar data gathering and extraction tools. You may not frame or use framing techniques to enclose any trademark, logo, or other of the Bear Root Resource Center's proprietary information without the Bear Root Resource Center's  express written consent. Any unauthorized use by you will immediately terminate your license.

Depending on where you live,  there may be unique laws that pertain to your Country or the Region and additional terms apply and override any inconsistent terms in the Terms of Use.  We reserve the right to monitor and publish any unique terms to be in compliance with our community member local and global places of residence.  We may notify you directly to explain any unique differences of our terms of use and how they may apply to you.

All "Reciprocal Exchange(s)" (aka purchases or sales) are FINAL.    

There are no exceptions, and we will not issue any refunds and no exchanges. 

We prohibit issuing exchanges or refunds after a purchase has been made or for lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.  

If an individual(s) makes a purchase and is found to violate our Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform guidelines, then we will take action to remove them from any virtual or In-person space and do whatever is necessary, to the full extent of the law, to protect the safety and well-being of our staff, community members, and other attendees. 

If a Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform service, event, experience or performance was cancelled, moved or needs to be rescheduled, then at the discretion of Bear Root Resource Center, we may offer a partial refund and certain limitations would apply. 

Additionally, Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)], or through a collaborating third-party, vendor, or as an Individual(s), and their Partners have right to alter or vary the program due to events or circumstances beyond its reasonable control without being obliged to refund monies or exchange.  

Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)] has no liability whatsoever for such  transactions and is not obligated to make refund for the cancelled or postponed events.

We do not authorize reselling or bootlegging anything that is offered on the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform, and other terms under our "Purchase & Service Terms" would apply.   

Once you complete your reciprocal exchange purchase, either through an online order or In-person, then you have accepted and completed the reciprocal exchange and have taken responsibility that you have access to the "service" according to the terms and time-frame you may access or the material product(s) are in your possession, which is solely your responsibility, and you agree to hold Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)], harmless any refund claim, lost or damaged item(s), potential personal injury or any other unknown circumstance that may result in your ability to not be satisfied with your reciprocal exchange purchase.  

This includes but is not limited to:

1. Unforeseen circumstances that do not allow you to participate in a service, subscription, event, experience or performance

If product care instructions  that are provided on the product labels and on our website are not  followed, products will decay as they are organic and do not contain  preservatives. We are not responsible for any products that are broken,  become moldy, or are lost and do not issue replacements for these items.

Except for Software used and Content purchased with license rights and as User Content (defined below), all of the content on our Platform - including text, software, scripts, code, designs, graphics, photos, sounds, music, videos, applications, interactive features, articles, news stories, sketches, animations, stickers, general artwork and other content ("Content") - is owned by BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] or others we license Content from, and is protected by copyright, trademark, patent and other laws. Bear Root Resource Center reserves all rights not expressly described in these Terms.

• All copyright, trademark, service marks and trade names, works currently in development and and future works (e.g., the Bear Root Resource Center name, our entire Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform, the Bear Root Resource Center location concept and future Franchise concept, our Bear Root Resource Center Scope of Work, the Bear Paw Logo Design [Concept altered from Tattapic(R)], our slogan "Remember You Are Medicine," the S.H.I.F.T. program name, our Land & Roots format, and concepts, our 7G Shop, Reciprocity Membership Club & Network, Wampum Giving Fund, Cowrie Giving Fund, Lakou Sanctuary, Berga Center for our sister project in Haiti, ) are owned, registered and/or licensed or in process to protect our Intellectual property owned by Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")].  You do not acquire a license or any ownership rights to any copyright, trademarks, service marks, or trade names through your access or use of the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform or Content.
• You agree not to change or delete any ownership notices from materials downloaded or printed from the Platform.
• To the extent Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")].  approves the download or use of Content comprised  of copyrights or copyrightable works, Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] grants you a limited,  personal, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, and revocable license to  access and use such copyrights or copyrightable works solely for their  intended purpose and solely for as long as Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] makes such Content  generally available to the public. You do not acquire any ownership rights in the Content (including any trademarks or other intellectual  property included in the Content), and all such Content is intended for  personal, non-commercial use.  Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")]  reserves the right to monitor your  use and to alter or revoke this license or your access to the Content at  any time and for any reason.  Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] reserves the right to take down any Content in violation of these terms or Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")].=  intellectual property rights.  Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] allowing you this limited use does not constitute a waiver of any of Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")]  rights to the Content. 
• Outside of the specific usage rights granted to you by Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")].  in  connection with the Platform, you agree not to use, copy, edit,  translate, display, distribute, download, transmit, sell, create  derivative works of, or in any way exploit any Content, including User  Content (unless it is your own User Content that you legally post on the  Platform), without Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")].  prior written consent. Unauthorized use of  the Content may constitute a breach of copyright, trademark or other  intellectual property laws and may subject you to criminal or civil  charges and penalties.

Accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of information on the Websites

When  providing information on the Websites, the BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] attempts to be as  accurate, complete, and timely as possible. However, the BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] does not warrant that the Content is accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free. We reserve the right to correct any errors,  inaccuracies, or omissions, and to change or update information or to  cancel orders for goods or services ordered by you if any information on  the Websites is inaccurate at any time without prior notice (including  after you have submitted your order). Further, the Websites may contain historical information which necessarily is not current and is provided for your reference only.

Below is a list of sources and content featured  on our website, and as we continue to update our website, we will update this list.  To the best of our knowledge, Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)], has listed sources of content featured on our website.  If you believe that any information should be updated, or if you would like us to include your name to mention publicly that you were in a photo or video, please contact us and make your request in writing and we will update our website and terms within 30 business days of confirming receipt of your email.  Any individual(s) or organization(s) that may be featured, does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of that individual(S) or organization(s) and they are not paid sponsors.   We respect the privacy of those featured, and value the creative content we share with you, and want to share our authorization to use and feature on our website and other materials.   

Bear Root Resource Center Website Credits:

https://bearrootresourcecenter.com/ 

• Bear Photo_Momma Bear with 3 cubs_Source GoDaddy Stock Image and Adobe Stock license with Artist Lucaar_Keri Akemi-Hernandez 
• Mountain Reflection Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez_Location: Oregon Crater Lake 2023
• Bear with tree roots_Source Adobe Stock license_Keri Akem-Hernandez
• Bear Paw Logo_Modified from Bear Paw Image Source Tattapic(R)
• Bear Root Resource Center_Asking for Help to Reach Fundraising Goal_ YouTube Video_Source Created by Bear Root Resource Center_Content & Source Credits on Video_Creative Credit: Keri Akemi-Hernandez in collaboration with Bency Joseph
• Bear Roots_Source Adobe Stock license _Keri Akemi-Hernandez 
• Bear Root Plant_Source Adobe Stock license _Keri Akemi-Hernandez 
• Support, Heal, Inspire, Fulfill, Transform Images_Sources: Support and Transform images with Shutterstock license_ and  Sources: Heal, Inspire, Fulfill with Adobe Stock license_Keri Akemi-Hernandez 
• Table of gathered Harvest_Source Infinity Visuals_Israel Valencia
• Community with Fishes_Source Infinity Visuals_Israel Valencia
• Husky or Wolf staring into Girl's eyes_Mural in Redding, Ca 2023_Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez
• Twisted Tree stretches over Lake_Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez_Location: Lake Merrit, Oakland, Ca 2023
• Keri Akemi-Hernandez with Drum_Photo_Source Bency Joseph
• Bency Joseph with Hat and without Hat_Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez
• Keri advocates for Immigrants in Napa 2016_Source Infinity Visuals_Israel Valencia
• Family members Allen Waters & Keri Akemi-Hernandez at home in 2022_Photo_Source_Family member Jill Waters
• Keri Akemi-Hernandez offers words on MMIW at Community Event_Source Infinity Visuals_Israel Valencia
• Keri Akemi-Hernandez with her children, 1st Grand child and dog Skye_Photo_J.L.H.Villafuerte. 2022
• Bear Root Resource Center Concept Aerial Urban Sustainable Design modeled after First Americans Museum_Image Source For comparison information use only_Site Plan (Drawing: Johnson Fain) https://www.world-architects.com/en/architecture-news/reviews/first-americans-museum  

              Project: First Americans Museum, 2021
             Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
             Client: American Indian Cultural Center Foundation (AICCF)
             Architect: Johnson Fain
             Design Principals: Scott Johnson, FAIA; William Fain, FAIA

              Project Architects: Daniel Janotta, AIA; Jen Spangler, AIA; Jed Donaldson, AIA

              Project Managers: Larry Ball, AIA; Doug Gardner, AIA

              Project Interior Designer: Suma Spina, AIA

             Technical Architect: Craig Lawrence, AIA

             Master Plan Architects: Juan Begazo, AIA; Robert Shaffer, AIA

             Associate Architect: Hornbeek Blatt
            Structural Engineers: Arup, KFC Engineering, Nabih Youssef Associates
            MEP/FP Engineers: Darr & Collins, Stantec
            Civil Engineers: Benham Group, Cardinal Engineering
            Landscape Architect: Hargreaves Jones
            Lighting Designers: Lighting Design Alliance, David Weiner Design
            Exhibit Designer: Ralph Appelbaum Associates
            Contractor: Centennial Builders (joint venture of Flintco and Manhattan           Construction)
           Construction Manager: ADG Architects
           Native American Advisor: Don Fixico
           Production Designer: Rick Carter
           Institutional and Facility Programming: Lord Cultural Resources
           Market and Project Economics: Harrison Price, Inc.
           Site Area: 280 acres
           Building Area: 175,000 sf

• Bear Root Resource Center Concept Design_Modified rendering from T<arget> Shopping Center rendering from Varsity Plaza Center in Tallahassee May 2017, Developer: S.J. Collins Enterprises https://www.tallahassee.com/story/money/2017/05/23/new-target-store-opening-tallahassee-next-year/102058768/ _Modified rendering of Circluar Building_ Image by Flavours Orchard Vincent Callebaut Architectures https://inhabitat.com/vincent-callebaut-architectures-unveils-futuristic-flavours-orchard-eco-district-for-china/flavours-orchard-vincent-callebaut-7/ Modern Design inspired by Source Cobram Library & Learning Center | CohenLeigh Architects https://www.archdaily.com/895883/cobram-library-and-learning-center-cohenleigh-architects Modified Design Created by Bear Root Resource Center_Content & Source Credits on Video_Creative Credit: Keri Akemi-Hernandez in collaboration with Bency Joseph
• Matika Wilbur on stage in Santa Monica_Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez
• Matika Wilbur with her Mom, and Keri Akemi-Hernnadez_Photo_Taken by Friend met in line at Santa Monica College 2023
• Photo of Note from Matika Wilbur to Ker Bear_Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez
• Book Cover of The Great Shift and Art_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez
• Thunderfoot is born_Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez
• Family photos of Early life of Keri_Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez
• Photos of Haiti_Source Shutterstock license_Keri Akemi-Hernandez 
• Inclusive Community Circle_Photo_Source Bency Joseph
• Waterfall picture_Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez_Location: Burney Falls, CA
• Coastline with Arch in Ocean_Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez_Location: Goat Rock Beach, CA
• Catepillar and Acorns_Mural in Sacramento, CA 2023_Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez
• Photo of Praying Bear sourced from Bear Spirits, Artist Abel Saenz and digital back ground modified by Keri_Akemi-Hernandez
• Justice for Ancestors_Mural in Oakland by BAMP Artists 2021 _Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez
• Path to Light_GoDaddy Stock Photo
• 4 Directions Circle_Google Stock Image
• Everyone is Welcome Here_Etsy Creator
• Ability Active Community_Source Shutterstock license_Keri Akemi-Hernandez 
• Seeds Growing in Stages_Source Shutterstock license_Keri Akemi-Hernandez 
• Woman Liberating Community & Housing Justice_Mural in San Francisco Mission District 2021_Photo_Source Keri Akemi-Hernandez
• Under the Oaks with Community_Source Infinity Visuals_Israel Valencia
• Mission +Purpose+Vision Images_Concept Design_Modified Google Images_Creative Credit: Keri Akemi-Hernandez

Our Ancestors were known as:

1. As Spiritual Leaders, Diplomats and Historians who safe guarded spiritual connection, prayers, culture, traditions and documented significant events through oral history, story telling, as who inscribed events in sacred locations and on caves, who wove unique record of treaties and events on wampum belts, or later through written accounts;

2. As Trade and Economic Development Specialists who established commerce to trade within local Tribal Sovereign Nation and to network complex trade routes with many hundreds of other Sovereign Nations across Turtle Island and in places that reached across other waterways;

3. As skilled Navigators who traveled across waters and on land; 

4. As Expert Survivalists; who understand all of the elements of their natural environment and how to prepare for recurring seasonal changes, and respond to natural disasters.  They are able to remain calm and focused to implement their plans to overcome challenges and respond to community needs to protect large numbers of community members.  They have a clear sense of direction and can use natural landmarks, stars, and sunlight to know what direct they are heading and what time of day it is, as well as to locate water to stay hydrated, the ability to locate medicine and first aid knowledge to help treat any conditions;

5. As Doctors and Healers who have a keen understanding of natural medicinal practices and the ability to teach of a full scope of Medical Sciences, which includes Chemistry, Biology, Physiology, Nutrition, as Surgeons, Prenatal and Postpartum Doulas; and as Aging population end of life care, as Therapists and Psychologists 

6. As Water Scientists and Protectors, Hydrologists, Water Ecologists, and Ichthyologist (Fish Scientists), who respect our water, marine life and are dedicated to conserve, to protect;

7.  As Agriculturist, Sustainable Farmers, Permaculturists, Land Scientists and Stewards, Ecologists, Phenologists (Science of Seasons), Conservationists, and Geologists, with Navigation skills through waters and on land, with Seasonal knowledge and survival skills, with our Ancestral Ecological knowledge of land and how to be in relationship with nature, to understanding Sustainable Agricultural growing practices, land management, restoration and preservation, and applying cultural burns as fire prevention;

8. As World Class Chef's and Culinary Artisans, through food sovereignty and teaching traditional culinary techniques;

9. As Artists who expressed their talents by creating art, writing, music, and dance;

10. As Athletes and Warriors, whose physical strength and mental aptitude, allowed them to strategize and succeed;

11. As Philosophers, Sociologists, and Psychologists who observed and interacted within our community to listen, teach and heal individual(s) by applying as well as their understandings to help ourselves and to better understand how to relate to each other, by applying reciprocity and sharing as a part of community care and consideration for our future 7 generations; 

12. As Astrophysicists who studied Astronomy and had an expert understanding of our Universe;

13. As Mathematicians who applied their sophisticated understanding of Math, to develop complex civilizations with their advanced Engineering, Architecture and Innovative Technology skills;

Our Ancestors were more than the labels that the Colonizers tried to label them as. They were subjected to treatment that labeled them as savages, slaves and other terms used to describe conditions brought against them in order to suppress, devalue, diminish and dehumanize.  Though an attempt was made to erase their existence from history and make their descendants invisible in this present moment, we are still here!  Our Ancestors persevered and overcame those times to pass their inherent knowledge to us.  We should demand reparations and hereby give them honorary degrees for their significant contributions to our community.  

A "Service" provided that contains this knowledge, which Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)], or through a collaborating third-party, vendor, or as an Individual(s), who share their knowledge and are open to teach others who seek to relearn their traditions, may charge a price to access or purchase access to this "Service."  A "Service",  or "Material Good(s)," such as an Art work piece, a product item(s) or "Experience," or "Performance," are an example of "Reciprocity," which we consider as a "Reciprocal Exchange" which  bears responsibility when you access or use this "Service" or "Material Good" or attend an "Experience" or "Performance" and should be treated with respect, and this not to be confused with a Western view of Ownership that implies ownership.  A Reciprocal Exchange price or fee that is charged allows mutual consent to share a sacred resource, in exchange for access to this requires you share something in return to trade with currency that is accepted or something that is of equal value.  This is knowledge is not for sale, and it can not be appropriated, and may not be replicated, and can't be used without written consent to request from those who offer what they are open to share. A receipt for a reciprocal exchange is a trade agreement for purchase of a "Service," "Material Good(s)," "Experience" or "Performance," and any other request to use content from another service will require written consent.  This knowledge, should be respected and never abuse the trust of those who seek trust in us.  This is a sacred space.

The following Artist Terms & Conditions (the “Artist Terms”) govern the submission of your artwork, images, graphics, digital assets, digital media, or content (the “Artwork”) to Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) the https://bearrootresourcecenter.com (“Website”) or any other portal used by Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform.

Please read these Terms carefully  before submitting your artwork. By clicking “submit” or submitting your artwork to Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) , you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to all of these Terms, then you must not submit your artwork.

ARTWORK LICENSE

By submitting your Artwork to the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform yo  agree to grant to Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) along with its affiliates and  partners, a non-exclusive, irrevocable, non-transferable, except as  explicitly set out herein, worldwide license to use, promote, display,  reproduce, and distribute your Artwork for commercial and non-commercial  purposes, including, without limiting the foregoing, to reproducing the Artwork on the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform, manufacturing and selling paper and digital  prints and other products incorporating your Artwork (including  derivative products) through the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform , and use in all Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) promotional materials.

Except as and to the extent expressly  permitted, or as reasonably necessary to make any use of the Artwork  permitted by these Terms, Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) shall not, and shall  not permit others to modify, correct, adapt, or prepare derivative works  or improvements of the Artwork without proper attribution and in accordance with this agreement.

ARTIST(S) RIGHTS

Artwork submitted by you and the rights relating to them, including copyright and ownership rights in the Artwork, remain the sole and exclusive property of the Artist. No other use of the Artwork is granted without your express written consent.

We will use our best efforts to insure  that all uses and reproductions of copyrighted material conform to the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. We  will use our best efforts to insure that all Artwork contains some form of copyright management information (CMI) in some form, such as a copyright notice “©”, attribution with the author’s name, or some other copyright and ownership information embedded in the metadata or  elsewhere unless otherwise agreed to by the you. We will not remove  and/or alter such information in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

SALE OF THE ARTWORK

Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) agrees to make your Artwork available on our website for purchase.  Placement and organization of  the Artwork on the website shall be in the sole discretion of Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”).

Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) is not responsible for the success or failure of the Artwork to sell on the Website. We may take action to promote lower performing products, but we make no representation or promise to do so. If your Artwork is not selling at a rate you would like, you may contact  us to discuss your options or you may withdraw your Artwork from the  Website.

MODIFICATION OF THE WEBSITE

We are constantly looking for ways to improve our services and our Website. Therefore,  Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) reserves the right to modify, amend, alter, or  otherwise make changes to the Website from time to time and without  notice to you. It is  obviously never our intention to disrupt the sale of the Artwork on our website, but we are not responsible if any changes to the Website affect the sale of your Artwork. 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

You hereby represent that:

1. You are the owner of the Artwork and  any other material submitted to Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”), and that you  have all the necessary rights, consents, and authorizations required to  license the Artwork according to these Terms.
2. The content of your Artwork is not abusive, obscene, pornographic, threatening, harassing, defamatory,  unlawful, hateful, or otherwise objectionable in relation to the subject matter covered by the Artwork or the campaign for which it is being submitted.
3. The content of the Artwork does not violate the privacy or publicity rights of any third party.
4. The content of the Artwork does not  violate the intellectual property rights of any third party, including  copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets.
5. That you are over the age of 13, or have the approval of a parent or legal guardian to submit the Artwork according to these Terms.

ARTIST INDEMNIFICATION

You hereby agree to indemnify, defend and  hold harmless Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) and partners,  and each of its and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns from and against any and all losses  incurred in connection with any claims by a third party arising out of  or relating to your breach of these Terms.

Assignment.  Neither party may assign any of its rights or delegate any of its  obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party. Any purported assignment or delegation in violation of this  Section shall be null and void. No assignment or delegation shall relieve the assigning or delegating party of any of its obligations  hereunder.

Successors and Assigns. These  Terms shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the  parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

No Third-party Beneficiaries.  These Terms are for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their  respective successors and permitted assigns and nothing herein, express  or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person or  entity any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of these Terms.

In order to sell Art or perform as a Native and represent your Art to be Authentic, the Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) will only work with authentic Indigenous Artist(s) (This refers to a "Person" or "People" who are from an Indigenous Sovereign Nation , Native American, First Nations, Pacific Islander, Aboriginal, Indígena ) artists. Proof of tribal  enrollment, as well as other factors, may be used in our assessment of  whether an artist is a good match for the Bear Root Resource Center as an organization and Brand. 

• Proof of tribal enrollment (required)
• Demonstrated engagement with tribal communities over time
• Vetting by tribal communities as demonstrated by prior art projects
• Continuity between the artist's creative practice and traditions/themes of their own tribal community

The Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) Written Work(s) or Interview source Confidentiality Obligations: first party confidentiality undertaking; disclosure of confidential information by  first party to certain persons; exceptions to first party's  confidentiality obligations; disclosures of second party confidential  information mandated by law etc; first party to stop using confidential  information upon termination; first party to return or destroy  confidential information following termination; first party  confidentiality obligations after termination. 

From time to time, Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)  may link to or partner with third-party websites, social media platforms, mobile apps, and other products and  services (“Third Parties”).  You may be able to connect with these Third Parties through the Platform, but this does not mean Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)  endorses,  monitors or has any control over these Third Parties or their  activities, which are subject to separate terms of use and privacy  policies.  You should carefully review any Third Party’s sites and terms of use and privacy policy. Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)  is not responsible for the content, policies, or activities of Third  Parties and you interact with Third Parties at your own risk.

 The Services contain links to third-party websites, resources, and advertisers (collectively, “Linked Content”).  The Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) does not control, endorse, sponsor, recommend or otherwise accept responsibility for any of this Linked Content, and may only provide a link to a third-party website for education, research or comparison information. 

Because we are not  responsible for the availability of these outside resources, or their contents or privacy practices, you should direct any concerns regarding any Linked Content to such site.

Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform User Content License

Some parts of the Bear Root Resource Center Community  Platform  allow you to post photos, videos, comments, and other content, which we  refer to as “User Content.”  Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)  is not responsible for User Content others post to the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform . User Content is owned by you or whoever  created it, but when you post User Content you license it to Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)  as  described below:

• You represent that you have the right to post your User Content,  and you grant Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) a non-exclusive, perpetual, transferable,  sub-licensable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use any of the User  Content that you post on or in connection with the Platform, including  the likeness of any person that appears in the User Content, or any of  the concepts or ideas contained in the User Content, for any purpose,  including commercial use, which includes the right to translate,  display, reproduce, modify, create derivative works, sublicense, distribute and assign these rights. Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)  may, in its sole discretion,  remove any User Content at any time.
• You understand that deleted User Content may persist in Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)   systems and on the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform to the extent your User Content has been  publicly posted or shared with others who have not deleted it, unless you or the relevant individual request deletion or blocking of personal  data in accordance with applicable law. 

Our Terms May Change.  However, it is important to know that some jurisdictions do not permit unilateral updates or changes to consumer terms, so this paragraph may not apply to you.   We  may update these Terms from time to time.  If a material change is made, we will post a notice on the Bear Root Resource Center Community  Platform Terms & Conditions page or send you a notification.   Read through any changes, and if you don’t agree to them, please stop using the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform.  If you continue to use our Bear Root Resource Center Community  Platform after we notify  you of changes, you will be deemed to have accepted the updated Terms, except to the extent prohibited by applicable law.

You understand that any comments, feedback, or ideas you send us are provided on a non-confidential basis and you grant Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) a perpetual, worldwide license to use all comments, feedback and ideas.  You may share with us, without notice, compensation or acknowledgement  to you, for any purposes whatsoever, including, but not limited to,  developing, manufacturing and marketing products and services and  creating, modifying or improving products and services

To the extent allowed by applicable law, we are not responsible for your interactions with other users of the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform or any damage or harm  you may experience because of these interactions. 

• Be responsible and take precautions when interacting with other  users (including users you do not know) on the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform. Before you meet  another person face-to-face, consider investigating, bringing a friend,  choosing public locations and letting someone know where you will be.   Bear Root Resource Center [AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”) is under no obligation to become involved with any user dispute,  but may do so at its own discretion.

The BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] owns the compilation of content posted on the Websites,  which consists of text, images, audio, video, databases, design, codes,  and software (“Content”). This does not mean that the BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] owns each component of the BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNITY PLATFORM, some of which may be owned by others  and used with their permission or used in accordance with applicable law  (e.g., fair use). Further, the BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")]owns some, but not all, of the intellectual property rights in the Content, including copyright.

Except for Software used and Content purchased with license rights and as User Content (defined below), all of the content on our Platform - including text, software, scripts, code, designs, graphics, photos, sounds, music, videos, applications, interactive features, articles, news stories, sketches, animations, stickers, general artwork  and other content ("Content") - is owned by BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] or others we license Content from, and is protected by copyright, trademark, patent and other laws. Bear Root Resource Center reserves all rights not expressly described in these Terms.

• All copyright, trademark, service marks and trade names, works currently in development and and future works (e.g., the Bear Root Resource Center name, our entire Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform, the Bear Root Resource Center location concept and future Franchise concept, our Bear Root Resource Center Scope of Work, the Bear Paw Logo Design [Concept altered from Tattapic(R)], our slogan "Remember You Are Medicine," the S.H.I.F.T. program name, our Land & Roots format, and concepts, our 7G Shop, Reciprocity Membership Club & Network, Wampum Giving Fund, Cowrie Giving Fund, Lakou Sanctuary, Berga Center for our sister project in Haiti, ) are owned, registered and/or licensed or in process to protect our Intellectual property owned by Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")].  You do not acquire a license or any ownership rights to any copyright, trademarks, service marks, or trade names through your access or use of the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform or Content.
• You agree not to change or delete any ownership notices from materials downloaded or printed from the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform.
• Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] allowing you this limited use does not constitute a waiver of any of Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")]  rights to the Content. 
• Outside of the specific usage rights granted to you by Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")].  in connection with the Platform, you agree not to use, copy, edit,  translate, display, distribute, download, transmit, sell, create  derivative works of, or in any way exploit any Content, including User  Content (unless it is your own User Content that you legally post on the  Platform), without Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")].  prior written consent. Unauthorized use of  the Content may constitute a breach of copyright, trademark or other  intellectual property laws and may subject you to criminal or civil  charges and penalties.

to the extent Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")].  approves the download or use of Content comprised  of copyrights or copyrightable works, Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] grants you a limited,  personal, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, and revocable license to  access and use such copyrights or copyrightable works solely for their  intended purpose and solely for as long as Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] makes such Content  generally available to the public. You do not acquire any ownership rights in the Content (including any trademarks or other intellectual  property included in the Content), and all such Content is intended for  personal, non-commercial use.  Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")]  reserves the right to monitor your  use and to alter or revoke this license or your access to the Content at  any time and for any reason.  Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] reserves the right to take down any Content in violation of these terms or Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")].=  intellectual property rights. 

Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")]  reserves all rights to works in development and to protect future works.  You may not use our Trademarks without our prior written consent.  If you wish to use our Trademarks, please contact us and make a formal request in writing.  

Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] service marks, trade names, and trade dress are valuable assets. In  following these guidelines, you help us protect our valuable trademark rights and strengthen our corporate and brand identities. By using an  Bear Root Resource Center trademark, in whole or in part, you are acknowledging that Apple  is the sole owner of the trademark and promising that you will not  interfere with Bear Root Resource Center's rights in the trademark, including challenging  Bear Root Resource Center's use, registration of, or application to register such trademark,  alone or in combination with other words, anywhere in the world, and  that you will not harm, misuse, or bring into disrepute any Bear Root Resource Center  [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")]  trademark. The goodwill derived from using any part of an Bear Root Resource Center's trademark exclusively inures to the benefit of and belongs to Bear Root Resource Center.  Except for the limited right to use as expressly permitted under these  Guidelines, no other rights of any kind are granted hereunder, by  implication or otherwise.

Slogans and Taglines: You may not use or imitate an  Bear Root Resource Center slogan or tagline.

For example: “Remember You Are Medicine” or S.H.I.F.T.

Domain Names: You may not use an identical or virtually identical Bear Root Resource Center  [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")]  trademark as a second level domain name.

Disparaging Manner: You may not use an Bear Root Resource Center  trademark or any otherBear Root Resource Center  [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")] -owned graphic symbol, logo, or icon in a disparaging manner.

Rules for Proper Use of Bear Root Resource Center

1. Trademarks are adjectives used to modify nouns; the noun is the generic name of a product or service.

2. As adjectives, trademarks may not be used in the plural or possessive form.

3. An appropriate generic term must appear after the  trademark the first time it appears in a printed piece, and as often as  is reasonable after that. For a list of suggested generic terms please contact us to request a list

4. Always spell and capitalize Bear Root Resource Center trademarks exactly as they are shown. Do not shorten or abbreviate Bear Root Resource Center product names. Do not make up names that contain Bear Root Resource Center trademarks.

Bear Root Resource Center [Bear Root Resource Center or "BRRC" AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US” or "OUR")]  reserves the right to works in development and to protect future works.  The term of a patent is the maximum time during which it can be maintained in force within the United States and Internationally.

Please consult your legal advisor before filing a notice with us  because there may be penalties for false claims.  Bear Root Resource Center  may terminate the  accounts of Platform users found to infringe third party copyrights.

If you believe that your work has been improperly copied to the Bear Root Resource Center Community  Platform, such that it constitutes infringement, please provide us with  the following information 

(1) name, address, telephone number, email address and an electronic  or physical signature of the copyright owner or of the person authorized  to act on his/her behalf;

(2) a description of the copyrighted work that you claim has been infringed;

(3) a description of where on the Platform the content that you claim is infringing is located;

(4) a written statement that you have a good faith belief that the  disputed use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the  law; and

(5) a statement by you, made under penalty of perjury (depending on  applicable law), that the above information in your notice is accurate  and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on the  copyright owner's behalf.

You may also contact our Copyright Designated Agent by mail with a complete set of the above information at:

Copyright Designated Agent
Bear Root Resource Center
4225 Solano Ave #543
Napa, CA 94558

Thank you for your Donation to Fiscal Sponsorship Allies (EIN: 85-0839183) in support of BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER, a fiscally sponsored organization of Fiscal Sponsorship Allies. Per our terms of use, Flourish Change, Inc. (dba Ribbon) does not hold or retain any portion  of your donation, but only acts as a payment processor for purposes of  remitting your donation. No goods or services were provided to you in  exchange for this donation. Your donation is tax-deductible to the  extent allowable by law.

We are grateful for your donation and support of our Bear Root Resource Center organization.  We respect the privacy of its donors and are committed to safeguarding your information. Our Donor Privacy Policy was adopted to ensure that we honor your wishes.  If you agree and confirm in writing that we can share your name to acknowledge and recognize your Donation to say "Thank you," then we will do so, if you decline and would like your identity to remain anonymous, then we will respect your wishes.  The information you provide is only for the stated purpose for which the  information was collected and we do not sell share or trade our donors’ names or personal information to any 3rd party, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. Click to learn more information about our Donor Privacy  

Donation Refunds are only granted in exceptional circumstances, within 30 days of  the donation date, and are returned using the original method of payment. A request for refund must be completed in writing. Refund will  be executed within 30 days from the receipt of the email.

Some circumstances in which refunds might be granted include:

• The donation was made in error, had an incorrect amount, or the selected charity was not that intended by the donor
• The donation was not authorized by the donor
• The donor’s circumstances have changed materially, for instance if  the donation was made from the proceeds of a sale that was later  canceled or refunded.

Recurring Donation Refunds

Donors have the option to give recurring or one-time donations. We  are only able to refund donations from the 30 days before the date of  the refund request. See Donation Refund Policy above.

International Donation Refunds (non-USD gifts)

Donors who give via a currency other than USD will receive the full  transaction amount in the original currency. If the gift is over $5,000  USD, the original exchange rate will be researched via the Federal  Reserve website (www.federalreserve.gov) to ensure the refund amount is as close as possible to the amount originally contributed. 

Charitable Tax Status

If the donor has filed a tax return claiming a charitable deduction for the refunded gift, the donor is responsible for contacting their tax  advisor to determine if their tax return needs to be amended.

All "Reciprocal Exchange(s)" (aka purchases or sales) are FINAL.    

There are no exceptions, and we will not issue any refunds and no exchanges. 

We prohibit issuing exchanges or refunds after a purchase has been made or for lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.  

If an individual(s) makes a purchase and is found to violate our Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform guidelines, then we will take action to remove them from any virtual or In-person space and do whatever is necessary, to the full extent of the law, to protect the safety and well-being of our staff, community members, and other attendees. 

Our Terms May Change.  However, it is important to know that some jurisdictions do not permit unilateral updates or changes to consumer terms, so this paragraph may not apply to you.   We  may update these Terms from time to time.  If a material change is made, we will post a notice on the Bear Root Resource Center Community  Platform Terms & Conditions page or send you a notification.   Read through any changes, and if you don’t agree to them, please stop using the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform.  If you continue to use our Bear Root Resource Center Community  Platform after we notify  you of changes, you will be deemed to have accepted the updated Terms, except to the extent prohibited by applicable law.

You agree that Bear Root Resource Center Community  Platform, in its sole discretion, may suspend or terminate your account (or any part thereof) or use of the Service and  remove and discard any content within the Service, for any reason,  including, without limitation, for lack of use or if Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform believes that you have violated or acted inconsistently with the letter or spirit of these Terms of Service. Any suspected fraudulent, abusive  or illegal activity that may be grounds for termination of your use of Service, may be referred to appropriate law enforcement authorities.  Bear Root Resource Center Community  Platform may also in its sole discretion and at any time discontinue  providing the Service, or any part thereof, with or without notice. You  agree that any termination of your access to the Service under any  provision of this Terms of Service may be effected without prior notice,  and acknowledge and agree that Bear Root Resource Center Community  Platform may immediately deactivate  or delete your account and all related information and files in your  account and/or bar any further access to such files or the Service.  Further, you agree that Bear Root Resource Center Community  Platform will not be liable to you or any  third party for any termination of your access to the Service.

Bear Root Resource Center wants you to enjoy our Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform, but NIKE must also protect itself from any damages you may cause.

Indemnification and RELEASE.  Some  jurisdictions do not permit certain limitations or exclusions on  liabilities, legal warranties and remedies, so these exclusions  limitations may not apply to you. 

You  agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)], officers, directors, employees, agents, licensors and  suppliers (the “Bear Root Resource Center Parties”) from and against all claims, losses,  liabilities, expenses, damages and costs, including, without limitation,  attorneys' fees, arising from or relating in any way to your User  Content, your use of Content, your use of the Platform, your conduct in  connection with the Platform or with other Platform users, or any  violation of these Terms of Use, any law or the rights of any third  party. You, for yourself and on behalf of your heirs, estate, insurers,  successors and assigns, hereby fully and forever release and discharge  the NIKE Parties from any and all claims or causes of action you may  have for damages relating in any way to your use of the Platform.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Some jurisdictions  do not permit certain limitations or exclusions on liabilities, legal  warranties and remedies, so these exclusions/limitations may not apply to you. 

NONE  OF THE BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)] PARTIES WILL BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,  INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION FOR ANY  LOST PROFITS OR LOST DATA, THAT RESULT FROM THE USE OF, OR THE  INABILITY TO USE, THE PLATFORM OR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCTS  PURCHASED THROUGH THE PLATFORM OR THE CONDUCT OF OTHER PLATFORM USERS  (WHETHER ONLINE OR OFFLINE), OR ATTENDANCE AT A BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER EVENT OR BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER PARTNER EVENTS, OR ANY USER CONTENT OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITY IN CONNECTION  WITH THE USE OF THE PLATFORM, EVEN IF BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE  POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.  YOU ASSUME TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR  USE OF THE PLATFORM. YOUR ONLY REMEDY AGAINST BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER IN CONNECTION WITH  ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM OR ANY CONTENT IS TO  STOP USING THE PLATFORM. IF BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER IS FOUND TO BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY  DAMAGE OR LOSS WHICH IS IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR USE OF THE  PLATFORM OR ANY CONTENT, BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER'S LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED US$100.00 OR  EURO 100.00 IF YOU LIVE IN EUROPE.  

Limited Warranty

The  Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)]

The Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform are offered on an "AS IS" basis. Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)] makes no  warranty or representation, either express or implied, with respect to  the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform or the content contained therein, including their quality,  performance, accuracy, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)] does not warrant that the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform are error or virus free and makes no representation or warranty as to the speed or performance of the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform. Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)] does not guarantee uninterrupted access to the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform.

The information contained on the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform is being provided by Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)] as a service to our  community. Although every effort  is made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this information, Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)] and its employees, contributors and reviewers are not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor for any governmental agency's/court’s interpretations, applications and/or changes of  statutes/regulations described herein.

The Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform are designed to provide accurate and authoritative  information in a highly summarized manner concerning the subject matter  covered. They are provided with the understanding that Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)]and  others associated with it are not engaged in rendering legal, technical  or other professional advice or service. If legal and other expert assistance is required, the services of competent professionals should  be sought.

No Infringement Warranty 

The Bear Root Resource Center provides no warranty regarding infringement. The  Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)] 

does not warrant that the quality of any products, services, information,  or other material purchased or obtained by you will meet your expectations.The  Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)] 

does not warrant that the use of materials displayed on the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform will not infringe on the rights of any third-party not owned by  or affiliated with the Bear Root Resource Center AND ITS AFFILIATES (“COMPANY” OR “WE” OR “US”)]. For example, some works may be under copyright by an artist or the artist’s heirs holding rights to these  works, or may include third-party trademarks or rights of publicity. The  Bear Root Resource Center assumes no responsibility or liability arising from such  content or materials, or for any error, defamation, libel, slander, omission, falsehood, obscenity, pornography, danger, or inaccuracy  contained in information within such locations of the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform. 

Bear Root Resource Center does not provide medical advice. Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform may include features to promote physical activity and may only provide general information regarding health,  nutrition, wellness, and physical exercise through its Service. You acknowledge and agree that the Service is not intended  to be, and will not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a  health care professional. You agree to consult your healthcare provider  before initiating any physical exercises or wellness practices, and  follow your provider’s advice accordingly. You also acknowledge and  agree to accept the inherent risks and dangers in participating in new  or strenuous health, wellness, and physical exercises. You agree that  Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform will not be liable for any injury, loss, or damages arising  from your access or practice of the Service’s health, wellness, and/or physical exercise content.

Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform

To report or claim a lost item during, or after, an event, experience, or performance please Contact us as soon as possible. Any found items left behind will be held for two weeks and will coordinate a return of these items at your expense. Any unclaimed items remaining after that  time period will be donated to charity or discarded. We will contact you to confirm if the item was found or confirm that it was not found.

Our Terms May Change.  However, it is important to know that some jurisdictions do not permit unilateral updates or changes to consumer terms, so this paragraph may not apply to you.   We  may update these Terms from time to time.  If a material change is made, we will post a notice on the Bear Root Resource Center Community  Platform Terms & Conditions page or send you a notification.   Read through any changes, and if you don’t agree to them, please stop using the Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform.  If you continue to use our Bear Root Resource Center Community  Platform after we notify  you of changes, you will be deemed to have accepted the updated Terms, except to the extent prohibited by applicable law.

Bear Root Resource Center respects the intellectual property of others. If you believe in good  faith that any materials on the Sites infringe upon your copyrights,  please send the following information to Bear Root Resource Center ’s Copyright  Designated Agent at info@BearRootResourceCenter.com :

1. Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed, or, if multiple  copyrighted works at a single online site are covered by a single  notification, a representative list of such works at that site;
2. Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing or to be the subject  of infringing activity and that is to be removed or access to which is  to be disabled, and information reasonably sufficient to permit the  service provider to locate the material;
3. Your address, telephone number, and email address;
4. A  statement by you that you have a good faith belief that use of the  material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright  owner, its agent, or the law;
   a statement by you, made under penalty  of perjury, that the information in your notification is accurate, and  that you are the copyright owner or are authorized to act on the copyright owner’s behalf;
5. A physical or electronic signature of  the copyright owner or the person authorized to act on behalf of the  owner of the copyright interest.

You may also contact our Copyright Designated Agent by mail with a complete set of the above information at:

Copyright Designated Agent
Bear Root Resource Center
4225 Solano Ave #543
Napa, CA 94558

Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform Mutual Arbitration Agreement.

If the informal dispute resolution procedure does not lead to resolution, then either party may initiate binding arbitration as the sole means to resolve  Disputes, (except as provided in herein) subject to the terms set forth below and the National Arbitration and Mediation (“NAM”) rules. If you  are initiating arbitration, a copy of the demand shall also be emailed  to info@BearRootResourceCenter.com  If you are a Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform account holder, any demand filed by you  initiating arbitration must include the email address you used to log onto Bear Root Resource Center Community Platform, as well as any profile associated with that account  that is controlled by you.

You and Bear Root Resource Center agree that the  terms of this Section 10 (collectively the “Arbitration Agreement”)  govern any and all disputes between us including but not limited to  claims arising out of or relating to any aspect of the relationship  between us, the Terms of Service, or your use of the Services, whether  based in contract, tort, statute, fraud, misrepresentation or any other  legal theory (each a “Dispute” and collectively “Disputes”).

The  parties further agree that the determination of the scope,  enforceability, or applicability of this Arbitration Agreement,  including, but not limited to any claim that all or any part thereof of  this Arbitration Agreement is void or voidable, whether a claim is  subject to arbitration, and any dispute regarding the payment of  administrative or arbitrator fees (including the timing of such payments  and remedies for nonpayment) will be resolved exclusively by final and  binding arbitration in accordance with this Section 10.

The only  matters excluded from this Arbitration Agreement are the litigation of  certain intellectual property and small court claims, as provided below.

This  Arbitration Agreement supersedes any prior Arbitration Agreement entered by the parties and is applicable to unfiled claims that arose,  were asserted, or involve facts occurring before the existence of this  Arbitration Agreement or any prior agreement as well as claims that may  arise after the termination of this Arbitration Agreement, in accordance  with the notice and opt-out provisions set forth herein.

The  parties agree that this Arbitration Agreement is made pursuant to a  transaction involving interstate commerce, and shall be governed by the  Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”), 9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16. 

Notwithstanding  the parties’ decision to resolve all Disputes through arbitration, each  party retains the right to (i) elect to have any claims resolved in  small claims court on an individual basis for disputes and actions  within the scope of such court’s jurisdiction, regardless of what forum  the filing party initially chose; (ii) bring an action in state or  federal court to protect its intellectual property rights (“intellectual  property rights” in this context means patents, copyrights, moral  rights, trademarks, and trade secrets and other confidential or  proprietary information, but not privacy or publicity rights) or for  defamation; and (iii) seek a declaratory judgment, injunction, or other  equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction regarding whether a  party’s claims are time-barred or may be brought in small claims court.  Seeking such relief shall not waive a party’s right to arbitration  under this Arbitration Agreement, and any filed arbitrations related to  any action filed pursuant to this paragraph shall automatically be  stayed pending the outcome of such action.

(iii) Class Arbitration and Collective Relief Waiver

YOU AND BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT  ALLOWED BY LAW, EXCEPT AS SET OUT OTHERWISE IN SUBPART (VI) BELOW, ANY  ARBITRATION SHALL BE CONDUCTED IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY ONLY AND NOT AS  A CLASS OR COLLECTIVE ACTION AND THE ARBITRATOR MAY AWARD RELIEF ONLY  IN FAVOR OF THE INDIVIDUAL PARTY SEEKING RELIEF AND ONLY TO THE EXTENT  NECESSARY TO RESOLVE AN INDIVIDUAL PARTY’S CLAIM. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT, ANY ARBITRATION INVOLVING YOU MAY PROCEED  ON A CONSOLIDATED BASIS IF AND ONLY IF BEAR ROOT RESOURCE CENTER PROVIDES ITS CONSENT TO CONSOLIDATE IN WRITING.

With the exception of this subpart  (iii) and subparts (vi) and (vii) below, if any part of this Arbitration  Agreement is deemed to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal, or  otherwise conflicts with the rules of NAM, then the balance of this  Arbitration Agreement shall remain in effect and shall be construed in  accordance with its terms as if the invalid, unenforceable, illegal or  conflicting provision were not contained herein. If, however, this  subpart (iii) or subparts (vi) or (vii) are found to be invalid,  unenforceable or illegal, then the entirety of this Arbitration  Agreement shall be null and void, and neither you nor Bear Root Resource Center shall  be entitled to arbitrate their Dispute.

(iv) Arbitration Rules The  arbitration will be administered by NAM and conducted before a single  arbitrator in accordance with the rules of NAM, including, as  applicable, NAM Comprehensive Dispute Resolution Rules and Procedures,  Fees For Disputes When One of the Parties is a Consumer and the Mass  Filing Supplemental Dispute Resolution Rules and Procedures in effect at  the time any demand for arbitration is filed with NAM, excluding any  rules or procedures governing or permitting class or representative  actions. The applicable NAM rules and procedures are available at  www.namadr.com or by emailing National Arbitration and Mediation’s  Commercial Dept at commercial@namadr.com.

(v) Arbitration Location and Procedure For  all U.S. residents, the arbitration shall be held (i) at a location  determined under the applicable NAM rules and procedures that is  reasonably convenient for you and is no more than 100 miles from your  home or place of business; or (ii) at another location you and we agree  upon. For non-U.S. residents, the arbitration shall be held in San Francisco, California (unless otherwise agreed by the parties). The  arbitrator shall apply California law consistent with the FAA and  applicable statutes of limitations, and shall honor claims of privilege  recognized at law. The arbitrator or arbitration body shall be empowered  to grant whatever relief would be available in a court under law or in  equity. The arbitrator has the right to impose sanctions in accordance  with the NAM rules and procedures for any frivolous claims or  submissions the arbitrator determines have not been filed in good faith,  as well as for a party’s failure to comply with the Informal Dispute  Resolution Procedure contemplated by this Arbitration Agreement.

If the amount in controversy does not exceed $10,000 and you do not seek  injunctive or declaratory relief, then the arbitration will be conducted solely on the basis of documents you and Bear Root Resource Center submit to the arbitrator, unless the arbitrator determines that a hearing is  necessary, or the parties agree otherwise. If the amount in controversy  exceeds $10,000 or seeks declaratory or injunctive relief, either party  may request (or the arbitrator may determine) to hold a hearing, which  shall be via video conference or telephone conference unless the parties  agree otherwise.

Subject to the applicable NAM rules and  procedures, the parties agree that the arbitrator will have the  discretion to allow the filing of dispositive motions if they are likely  to efficiently resolve or narrow issues in dispute. Unless otherwise  prohibited by law, all arbitration proceedings will be confidential and  closed to the public and any parties other than you and Bear Root Resource Center (and  each of the parties’ authorized representatives and agents), and all  records relating thereto will be permanently sealed, except as necessary  to obtain court confirmation of the arbitration award (provided that  the party seeking confirmation shall seek to file such records under  seal to the extent permitted by law).

(vi) Mass Arbitration.To  incThe  arbitrator’s decision shall be controlled by the terms and conditions  of these Terms of Service and any of the other agreements referenced  herein that the applicable user may have entered into in connection with  the website. The arbitrator will render an award within the time frame  specified in the applicable NAM rules and procedures. The arbitrator’s  decision will include the essential findings and conclusions upon which  the arbitrator based the award. Judgment on the arbitration award may be  entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrator will  have the authority to award monetary damages on an individual basis and  to grant, on an individual basis, any non-monetary remedy or relief  available to an individual to the extent available under applicable law, the arbitrator forum’s rules, and this Arbitration Agreement. The parties  agree that the damages and/or other relief must be consistent with the  terms of the “Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability” section of these  Terms of Service as to the types and the amounts of damages or other  relief for which a party may be held liable. No individual arbitration  award or decision will have any preclusive effect as to issues or claims  in any dispute with anyone who is not a named party to the arbitration.  Attorneys’ fees will be available to the prevailing party in the  arbitration if authorized under applicable substantive law governing the  claims in the arbitration.ings and that batch is  properly designated for filing, processing, and adjudication; (vi) that  the staged process of batched proceedings, with each set including 10 demands, shall continue until each demand (including your demand) is  adjudicated or otherwise resolved; and (vii) to make good faith efforts  to resolve each batch of demands within 180-days, failing which any of  the claimants or Bear Root Resource Center may cease arbitration and file in a court  of competent jurisdiction.

Arbitrator selection for the demands in  each batch shall be conducted to the greatest extent possible in  accordance with the applicable NAM rules and procedures for such  selection, and the arbitrator will determine the location where the  proceedings for each demand within a batch will be conducted.

You  agree to cooperate in good faith with Bear Root Resource Center and the arbitration  provider to implement such a “batch approach” or other similar approach  to provide for an efficient resolution of claims, including the payment  of combined reduced fees, set by NAM in its discretion, for each batch  of demands. The parties further agree to cooperate with each other and  the arbitration provider or arbitrator to establish any other processes  or procedures that the arbitration provider or arbitrator believe will  provide for an efficient resolution of claims. Any disagreement between  the parties as to whether this provision applies or as to the process or  procedure for batching shall be resolved by a procedural arbitrator appointed by NAM. This “Batch Arbitration” provision shall in no way be  interpreted as increasing the number of demands necessary to trigger the  applicability of NAM’s Mass Filing Supplemental Dispute Resolution  Rules and Procedures or authorizing class arbitration of any kind.  Unless Bear Root Resource Center  otherwise consents in writing, Bear Root Resource Center does not  agree or consent to class arbitration, private attorney general  arbitration, or arbitration involving joint or consolidated claims under  any circumstances, except as set forth in this subpart (vi). If your  demand for arbitration is included in the Mass Filing, your claims will  remain tolled until your demand for arbitration is decided, withdrawn,  or is settled.

The parties agree that this batching provision is  integral to the Arbitration Agreement insofar as it applies to a Mass  Filing. If the batching provision in this subpart (vi) or the engagement  of a mediator in subpart (vii) is found to be invalid, unenforceable or  illegal, then the entirety of this Arbitration Agreement shall be null  and void, and neither you nor Bear Root Resource Center  shall be entitled to arbitrate  any claim that is a part of the Mass Filing.

(vii) Mediation Following First Batch in a Mass Filing.The  results of the first batch of demands will be given to a NAM mediator selected from a group of 5 mediators initially proposed by NAM, with Bear Root Resource Center  and the remaining claimants’ counsel being able to strike  one mediator each and then rank the remaining mediators and the highest  collectively ranked mediator being selected. The selected mediator will  try to facilitate a resolution of the remaining demands in the Mass  Filing. After the results are provided to the mediator, Bear Root Resource Center,  the  remaining claimants and their counsel, and the mediator will have 90  days (the “Mediation Period”) to agree on a resolution or substantive  methodology for resolving the outstanding demands. If the parties are  unable to resolve the outstanding demands during the Mediation Period,  and cannot agree on a methodology for resolving them through further  arbitrations, either Bear Root Resource Center or any remaining claimant may opt out  of the arbitration process and have the demand(s) proceed in a court of  competent jurisdiction. Notice of the opt-out will be provided in  writing within 60 days of the close of the Mediation Period. If neither Bear Root Resource Center nor the remaining claimants opt out and they cannot agree to  a methodology for resolving the remaining demands through further  arbitration, the arbitrations will continue with the batching process.  Absent notice of an opt-out, the arbitrations will proceed in the order determined by the sequential numbers assigned to demands in the Mass Filing.

(viii) Arbitrator’s Decision.The  arbitrator’s decision shall be controlled by the terms and conditions  of these Terms of Service and any of the other agreements referenced  herein that the applicable user may have entered into in connection with  the website. The arbitrator will render an award within the time frame  specified in the applicable NAM rules and procedures. The arbitrator’s  decision will include the essential findings and conclusions upon which  the arbitrator based the award. Judgment on the arbitration award may be  entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrator will  have the authority to award monetary damages on an individual basis and  to grant, on an individual basis, any non-monetary remedy or relief  available to an individual to the extent available under applicable law, the arbitral forum’s rules, and this Arbitration Agreement. The parties  agree that the damages and/or other relief must be consistent with the  terms of the “Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability” section of these  Terms of Service as to the types and the amounts of damages or other  relief for which a party may be held liable. No individual arbitration  award or decision will have any preclusive effect as to issues or claims  in any dispute with anyone who is not a named party to the arbitration.  Attorneys’ fees will be available to the prevailing party in the  arbitration if authorized under applicable substantive law governing the  claims in the arbitration.

(ix) Fees.If  you are able to demonstrate that the costs of arbitration will be  prohibitive as compared to the costs of litigation, Bear Root Resource Center will pay  any filing and hearing fees in excess of $250 that the arbitrator deems  necessary to prevent the arbitration from being cost-prohibitive  regardless of the outcome of the arbitration, unless the arbitrator  determines that your claim(s) were frivolous or asserted in bad faith,  in which case arbitration fees (including attorneys’ fees) may be  imposed upon you consistent with the Arbitrator’s Rules and the standard  for sanctions set forth in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11. You are  responsible for your own attorneys’ fees unless the arbitration rules  and/or applicable law provide otherwise, including as set forth in this  Arbitration Agreement.

The parties agree that NAM has discretion  to reduce the amount or modify the timing of any administrative or  arbitration fees due under NAM’s Rules where it deems appropriate  (including as specified in subpart (vi)) provided that such modification  does not increase the costs to you, and you further agree that you  waive any objection to such fee modification. The parties also agree  that a good-faith challenge by either party to the fees imposed by NAM  does not constitute a default, waiver, or breach of this Arbitration  Agreement while such challenge remains pending before NAM, the  arbitrator, and/or a court of competent jurisdiction, and that any and  all due dates for those fees shall be tolled during the pendency of such  challenge.

(x) 30-Day Right to Opt Out You  have the right to opt out and not be bound by the Arbitration Agreement  by sending written notice of your decision to opt out to info@BearRootResourceCenter.com with the subject line, “ARBITRATION OPT-OUT.” The notice must be sent  within thirty (30) days of (a) February 26, 2024; or (b) your first use  of the Services, whichever is later. Otherwise, you shall be bound to arbitrate disputes in accordance with the terms of these paragraphs. If  you opt out of the Arbitration Agreement, you may exercise your right to  a trial by jury or judge, as permitted by applicable law, but any prior  existing agreement to arbitrate disputes under a prior version of the  Arbitration Agreement will not apply to claims not yet filed. If you opt  out of the Arbitration Agreement, and Bear Root Resource Center also will not be  bound by it.

(xi) Changes  

Bear Root Resource Center will provide thirty (30) days’ notice of any material changes to this  “Binding Arbitration and Class Action Waiver” section. Any such changes  will go into effect 30 days after Bear Root Resource Center  provides notice and will  apply to all claims not yet filed regardless of when such claims may  have accrued. If Bear Root Resource Center  changes this “Binding Arbitration and Class Action Waiver” section after the date you first accepted this  Arbitration Agreement (or accepted any subsequent changes to this  Arbitration Agreement), you agree that your continued use of the Service 30 days after such change will be deemed acceptance of those changes.

Bear Root Resource Center has a Leadership team that is our core foundation, with Keri Akemi-Hernandez, as Founder and Bency Joseph, Co-Founder,  and their efforts have grown from Grassroots organizing and community involvement over the last 24 years to bring their dream to life.  We envision our Leadership team to be key decision makers, program designers and implementing operations, with transparent reporting.  We will create a cross-functional organization team which will represent a "Collective" of community members, advisors, industry professionals, experts and value each person's individual contributions and participation.  We are in the process of establishing our Board and will be inviting those to apply by June 2024 and conduct formal interviews afterwards,  We are applying for our Non-profit status for public benefit as a Non-profit 501 (C)(3) to use our Tax ID 81-0727938 that has been inactive.  As a non-profit we will operate our organization for charitable or socially beneficial purposes for the common good, rather than to make a profit.  We are currently seeking a Fiscal Sponsor to bridge this process and to help us with our Financials and Reporting.  We are currently in discussions with HRI and also will inquire with PPF.

Universe The universe is all of space and time and their contents. It comprises all of existence, any fundamental interaction, physical  process and physical constant, and therefore all forms of energy and  matter, and the structures they form, from sub-atomic particles to entire galaxies.

Universal Prayer & Spirituality We respect everyone's personal Spiritual belief and unique Cultural customs and traditions.  There is an opportunity to learn from every  person and coexist peacefully.  When we recognize what we have in common,  and celebrate what is uniquely different, then we can learn and grow together.

Energy In physics, energy is the quantitative property that is  transferred to a body or to a physical system, recognizable in the  performance of work and in the form of heat and light. Energy is a  conserved quantity—the law of conservation of energy states that energy can be converted in form, but not created or destroyed.  Simply stated, energy doesn't disappear.  Energy changes from one form of energy into another form of energy.

Regeneration in biology is the process of renewal,  restoration, and tissue growth that makes genomes, cells, organisms, and ecosystems resilient to natural fluctuations or events that cause  disturbance or damage. Every species is capable of regeneration, from  bacteria to humans, all living things.

Culture is a concept that encompasses the social behavior,  institutions, and norms found in human societies, as well as the  knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups. Culture is often originated from or attributed to a specific region or location.

Land Acknowledgement An Indigenous Land or Territorial Acknowledgement is a statement that recognizes the Indigenous peoples who have been dispossessed from the homelands and territories upon which an institution was built and currently occupies and operates in.  We expanded our Land Acknowledgement to start from an Ecocentric approach with Land first, and then our Indigenous Land Acknowledgement. 

Roots Acknowledgement We  acknowledge that our modern world was and is made convenient on the  black and brown bodies, backs, hands, sweat and tears of Slave labor,  from the experimentation of modern medicine, exploitation and  appropriation of stolen opportunities and futures.

Land & Roots Acknowledgement

An Acknowledgment of Cultural Ties from people of other backgrounds.  We emphasized our Indigenous, Black, Brown and Ally connections to the land in our Land & Roots Acknowledgement. (The combination of Land & Roots Acknowledgement concept was created by Bear Root Resource Center).

Four Directions Philosophy stems from the spiritual Medicine Wheel  teachings, and applies to how we relate to everything and our natural  world, how we have a relationship with ourselves:, with each other, the  dimensions of realms that are physical, spiritual, emotional, how we  relate to time, the elements, the seasons, the directions, and cycles of  nature, etc.  It allows us to better understand how everything is  interconnected and how everything is intended to be in balance. 

All our Relations or Relatives refers to our belief that we are all interconnected and have a deep spiritual connection to each other.  We say this as an inclusive statement and doesn't mean that we necessarily are blood relatives.   

Interconnectedness noun: the state of being connected with each other, "the interconnectedness of all things in the Universe"

A ’ho A universal Indigenous or an Intertribal way to say thank you, acknowledge another person or close a prayer.

Immemorial time origin of existence, originating in the distant past; very old.

Millennia A period of a thousand years, typically when referencing time B.C.

Invisible Culture can refer to a culture or aspects of a culture that are not readily apparent or visible to mainstream society.

Visibility Authenticity and accurate representation is important for a positive culture.

Reciprocity When something is given, something else is given in return. To share and give often.

Reciprocal Exchange A "Reciprocal Exchange" which bears responsibility to any individual(s) when you access or use this "Service" or "Subscription" or "Material Good" or attend an "Experience" or "Performance" and should be treated with respect, and this not to be confused with a Western view of Ownership that implies ownership.  A Reciprocal Exchange price or fee that is charged allows mutual consent to share a sacred resource, in exchange for access to this requires you share something in return to trade with currency that is accepted or something that is of equal value.  This is knowledge is not for sale, and it can not be appropriated, and may not be replicated, and can't be used without written consent to request from those who offer what they are open to share. A receipt for a reciprocal exchange is a trade agreement for purchase of a "Service," "Material Good(s)," "Experience" or "Performance," and any other request to use content from another service will require written consent.  This knowledge, should be respected and never abuse the trust of those who seek trust in us.  This is a sacred space. (The combination of Land & Roots Acknowledgement concept was created by Bear Root Resource Center).

Relationality the acknowledgement that we all exist in relationship to each other, the natural world, ideas, the cosmos, objects, ancestors, and future generations, and furthermore, that we are accountable to those relationships.[i] 

Right Relations essentially means to respect the sacredness of all life. Being in good relations with Indigenous people and communities means a commitment to deep listening, self-reflexivity, creating space and being in solidarity with direct action and advocacy. We have an inclusive saying that relates to these teachings, “All my relations.”

Matriarch Social System in which the female bloodline, Grandmothers, mothers or other female elder(s), have the primary authority over the family group (clan) or Sovereign Tribal Nation. 

Oral History the collection and study of historical information using sound recordings of interviews with people having personal knowledge of past events. 

Language Justice is advocacy that is rooted in connecting an Individual(s) and community to their Ancestral (mother or native) language that is important to preserve, learn and teach others to have access to.  This is also an evolving framework for Social Justice policies which advocate for Individual(s) and communities to be able to have access to information in their Native language to stay informed about important matters, communicate and empower to be understood and relate to others.

Wayfinder Navigation a sign, landmark, or other indicator used to assist people in navigating to a particular location."the chimney stacks have been a wayfinder for nearly five decades"

• a person navigating to a particular location."the wilderness wayfinder should strive to be proficient at both map and compass work"
• Polynesian navigation or Polynesian wayfinding was used for thousands of years to enable long voyages across thousands of kilometres of the open Pacific.  As the voyages became longer, they developed a highly sophisticated  navigation system based on observations of the stars, the ocean swells, and the flight patterns.

Turtle Island Many Indigenous Creation stories share a common understanding about the land that we refer to as the Americas (Continent), that is shaped like a Turtle when you look at it from an Aerial view.  Our Ancestors knew about the shape of our land before it could be measured or technology could confirm this to be true.  

Mother Earth (Tierra Madre or Pachamama) Our Mother, we are all born from water, and our Earth Mother is 71% water, we are 90% of water as humans and our planet is full of life.  We are all connected to the land we originate from and in this way, we share a deep connection to nature, all living things and each other.  

What Nation? This is the most respectful way to be curious and get to know each other. This is typically the first way we normally address each other, if we don't already know each other, but if we did, then we would just speak with them in a familiar way.  It is good to know what land and people we are connected to, and where are roots come from.  For Indigenous culture, we represent independent Sovereign Nations, and we refer to our cultural identity by our Tribal affiliation and our family roots and lineage.

Ingenious or Ingenuity Ingenious Noun: (of a person) very intelligent and skillful, or (of a thing) skillfully made or planned.  Ingenuity:  is the ability to think creatively about a situation or to solve problems in a clever way.

• Something that demonstrates being ingenious shows creativity and inventiveness. If someone compares you to the Genius Katherine Johnson, or Sven Haakanson, they're implying that you, too, are ingenious.  

Indigenous originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native. Universal and inclusive way to recognize and acknowledge Indigenous people worldwide.

Indigi-Genius Learn more about the Scientific and Cultural contributions of Indigenous people from our historical Past and what contributions our community members are sharing in the Present moment on the PBS TV series Indigi-Genius.

Indigeneity A general term that relates to a working definition of Indigeneity, which is  a quality of a person's and a group's identity that links them to specific places with knowledge of and respect for original ways.

The term Indigeneity has emerged to describe the state of being Indigenous, or related to Indigenous-ness.  As Indigenous Peoples, we recognize our Indigeneity, our  Indigenous-ness, our identity. Indigenous-ness for many can relate to your territory, culture, community and traditions.

Noun: the fact of originating or occurring naturally in a particular place."collective rights based on the indigeneity of the community."  Use over time for: indigeneity.

Diverse Indigenous communities weave Indigeneity through a multifaceted array of space and time to revive identities and cultural practices and to regain or retain land, human rights, heritage, and political standing.

Indígena (plural: Indigenae), Originários,  índio o nativa  adjetivo:  Originario del país de que se trata. Aplicado a persona, usado también como sustantivo. noun: indígenas da América (the natives of America.) 

• A person who was born in a particular country or region and belongs to the original inhabitants of that place.

Native American ("Native" might be used as slang) a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of North, Central, and South America, especially those Indigenous to what is now referred to now as the continental U.S.

American Indian (N'dian or Indian might be used as slang)  Same definition as Native American, but it is not generally a term used in all spaces, it has been used in historical references and can often be taken offensively.

First Nation any of the groups of Indigenous peoples of Canada officially recognized as an administrative unit by the Federal government or functioning as such without official status. The First Nation term is generally understood to exclude Inuit and Metis.

Aboriginal inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists; Indigenous.  Here is more information about Aboriginality.

Caribbean a member of a group of Indigenous peoples formerly dominant through the Lesser Antille islands, still living here in smaller percentage of population numbers within a few areas of the West Indies and in parts of Central America and northeastern South America; often referred to as a "Carib."

• of or relating to the Caribbean Sea and its islands.

Pan-Indigneous (Pan-Indian) is a philosophical and political approach promoting unity, and to some  extent cultural homogenization, among different Indigenous groups in the Americas regardless of tribal distinctions and cultural differences.

Meso-american an Indigenous person who is from the region of Meso-America.
"the Meso-Americans had many important achievements in mathematics and astronomy"

• Meso-America is a historical region and cultural area that  begins in the southern part of North America and extends to the Pacific  coast of Central America, thus comprising the lands of central and  southern Mexico, all of Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and small parts of Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. 

California Native The Indigenous peoples of California (known as Native Californians) are the Indigenous inhabitants who have lived or currently live in the geographic area within the current boundaries of California before and after the arrival of Europeans. All of California is on Un-ceded land that was never negotiated or signed away lands to surrender to the U.S. 

Pacific Islander refers to those whose origins are the original peoples of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Polynesia includes Hawaii (Native Hawaiian), Guam (Guamanian or Chamorro), (Samoa (Samoan), American Samoa (Samoan), Tokelau (Tokelauan), Tahiti (Tahitian), and Tonga (Tongan).

Austronesians The Indigenous peoples of the Philippines are ethnolinguistic groups or subgroups that maintain partial isolation or independence throughout  the colonial era, and have retained much of their traditional  pre-colonial culture and practices.

Sámi The Sámi are the traditionally Sámi-speaking peoples  inhabiting the region of Sápmi, which today encompasses large northern  parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and of the Kola Peninsula in Russia.

Mongolian people recognize their kinship to each other in varying degrees through oral history legends,  written history, and especially noticeable through language, despite many dialects which vary from east to west more than from north to south, but few are unintelligible to other Mongols. The Khalkh (Khalkha) dialect of Mongolian dates from about the 17th century; ; the great chronicle The Secret History of the Mongols (mid-13th century) preserves a pre-modern version of the language (Middle Mongol) in a Chinese transcription.

Japanese Archipelago region is home to two Indigenous Peoples of Japan, the Ainu and the Ryūkyūans (or Okinawans), live on the northernmost and southernmost islands of the country's archipelago.

Sovereign Nation A sovereign state or country, is a political entity represented by one central government that has supreme legitimate authority over territory. 

Tribal Of Characteristic of a tribe or tribes. Belonging to or created by a federally recognized Indigenous Nation, tribe or pueblo.

Tribal sovereignty Refers to the right of Native Americans to govern themselves. The U.S. Constitution recognizes Indigenous Sovereign Tribal Nations as distinct governments and they have, with a few exceptions, the same powers as Federal and State governments to regulate their internal affairs.

Africana is the study of the histories, politics and cultures of peoples of African origin.

African Decedent refers  to people who are descendants of the Ancestors who were African victims of the Trans-Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea slave trade. The group includes those of the sub-Sahara slave trade. People of African descent live in many countries of the world, either dispersed among the local population or throughout our global communities.

African American is a term that was invented to relate to people who violently and forcibly removed from their Ancestral land from many regions of Africa during the Atlantic Slave Trade.  This term was created to try to correct derogatory references (that I won't mention here, as we all know what those words were) and an although "African American" was an attempt to be inclusive and equitable, it still doesn't repair damages that were historically done to those who are from the Black Diaspora and still impact descendants today. As James Baldwin said, “To be African American is to be African without any memory and American without any privilege.” 

BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and people of color.  BIPOC is Pronounced “bye-pock,” this is a term specific to the United States, intended to center the experiences of Black and Indigenous groups and demonstrate solidarity between communities of color.

Black Is a term to relate to Black Culture.  Black describes a color palette with beautiful spectrum of colors found in our Universe night sky that reflects light.  As color relates to complexion that ranges from light noir, warm brown sugar, spicy cardamom, red sunset, cool mahogany, sensational coffee, sweet dark chocolate, onyx treasure, and ebony black skin tones, which all are a beautiful divine colors. Love the skin your in!

Brown Is a term to relate to Cultures who don't typically have Anglo-European descent.  Brown describes a color palette with beautiful spectrum of colors found in our natural rich Earth.   As color relates to complexion that ranges from light honey, cool ginger, creamy caramel, toasty almond, spicy Ancho Chile pepper, sweet milk chocolate, warm mocha, sacred tobacco and dark cinnamon skin tones, which all are a beautiful divine colors.  Love the skin your in!

White is a term to relate to those whose cultures typically have Anglo-European descent.  White also describes a color palette with beautiful spectrum of colors found in a prism of Light.  As color relates to complexion that ranges from creamy milk, light silk, freckled coconut, soothing chamomile, sparkling champagne, pink rose petals, soft sandy beach, buttery olive, golden wheat skin tones, which all are a beautiful divine colors.  Love the skin your in!

White-Passing is the appearance of being a member of a perceived racial group, although you identify as a person of color.  There may be stigma within your Ethnic group and there may be perceived privileges of appearing to be of European descent.

White Lens is a perspective that applies an artificial view or perception which perpetuates harm, this is "A filter that distorts our beliefs, words, and actions through the idea  that whiteness is rightness, and it centers whiteness as the ultimate  authority.” White fragility is the defensiveness that many white people exhibit when faced with the concept of systemic racism.

Social or Political Construct an idea that has been created and accepted by the majority of people in a society. Class distinctions are an example of a social construct.  A country and Nation's borders are a political construct.

Social Class A social class or social stratum is a grouping of people into a set of hierarchical social categories, the most common being the  working class, middle class, and upper class.

Social Caste System A caste system is a class structure that is determined by birth. Loosely, it means that in some societies, the opportunities you have access to depend on the family you happened to be born into or what occupation you have.  A caste system is a strict social stratification that often depends on discriminatory conceptions of purity or contamination that is believed to be passed on genetically. 

Genetics  is the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms.  Genes are the blueprint for our bodies.  If a gene contains a change, it disrupts the gene message. Changes in genes can cause a wide range of conditions. Sometimes a changed gene is  inherited, which means it is passed on from parent to child. Changes in  genes can also occur spontaneously.  Scientists also believes that it is an important branch in biology because heredity is vital to organisms' evolution.

Evolution Theory (*ongoing research and highly debated topic*)

1). the process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth. 

2). the gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form."the forms of written languages undergo constant evolution"

Race is a social construct. Race is a categorization of humans based on shared physical or social qualities into groups generally viewed as distinct within a  given society. The term came into common usage during the 16th century,  when it was used to refer to groups of various kinds, including those characterized by close kinship relations.

Ethnicity relates to your connection to your family and your Ancestors.  This is a quality or fact of belonging to a population group or subgroup made up of people who share a common cultural background or descent.  This groups together by social or cultural identity, backgrounds and lived experiences or perceived shared attributes that distinguish  them uniquely different from another group.  

Nationality means the country or place that you were born.  This is a political and social construct.

Colorism relates to showing preference to those who have light-skin, and it also shows how some cultures measure your acceptance to your cultural ethnicity by more color your skin reflects.  From both perspectives, it divides and is harmful.  

Melanin gives a person a range of color (pigment) to their skin.  The more Melanin you have, the more enriched color your skin reflects to the world.  Love the skin your in!

Excellence noun: the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.

Black Excellence counters negative depictions that Society tends to describe People of Color.  Black Excellence also refers to high achievement or ability in a black person or generally in black people, and carries both positive and negative stereotypes.

• Why this is a Positive perspective: Demonstrating resiliency and projecting confidence are qualities of Black excellence passed down through the generations and deserve recognition.

• Why this is a Challenging statement:  It seems to be rooted in this idea of what White people deem as  successful as being the same standard of excellence for Black people.  And if Black people measure ourselves against what White people deem to  be successful, we would be preparing ourselves to fail. Most of us are  taking huge risks in following our dreams and pursuing our passions  whether it’s getting married to our soulmate, building a business,  buying property, acquiring land to farm on, having children, or starting  a non-profit, and we should realize that failing is bound to happen  because most of us are winging it, with no models, guidance, generational wealth, start up cash, or mentorship in the same vein as  our ancestors.

Black Diaspora and Caribbean Diaspora The global Black diaspora is the worldwide collection of communities descended from people from Africa, predominantly in the  Americas. 

Canandaigua Treaty of 1794 was the Peace Treaty, acknowledged with the George Washington Wampum Belt, to symbolize an understanding between the Haudenosaunee Six Nations (Iroquois Confederacy of 6 Nations: Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora) and the young formation of the United States on July 4, 1776 (Fact: The U.S. was formed by Hostile invaders, and they established a Settler Colonialism state on stolen Indigenous Land). 

The Senate  recognized the influence of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy on  the construction of the Constitution in a resolution read on September 16, 1987, that noted, “"The original framers of the Constitution"... 

Wampum are beads made from various white and purple mollusk shells which were and are still used by various Sovereign Indigenous nations throughout Northeastern North America.  Wampum is a vital part of Indigenous culture, used to make jewlry and clothing,  also used to weave into treaty belts to document agreements, and was often traded between tribes and later was used as a form of currency. Wampum is created from the shell of a clam and beads are cut from the white and purple parts.

Cowrie shells in many cultures, cowrie shells were seen as a symbol of wealth,  prosperity and protection. They were often worn as jewelry or used to decorate clothing, and also used as currency.  Cowrie shells originated from the Red Sea inlet of the Indian Ocean, and lies between the on the continent of Africa and Asia, have a rich history and cultural significance in many parts of the world. 

Abalone is seen as high importance for the meat and the shells.  Abalone shells were  ornamented ceremonial regalia, both for visual beauty and to create a jangling, chiming sound during dances, and shells were traded with other coastal groups.

Ayiti (Haiti)  translates from the native language of the Cacique Taíno people and that refers to the island of "High Mountains." We acknowledge Anacoana for her bravery and courage to protect her community during her first encounters with Europeans; after Indigenous people discovered Columbus upon his arrival to their island.  We celebrate the 1st Independent Black Republic, who declared their freedom for the entire island in 1803 and inspired the world to abolish slavery.

Treaty Is a formal agreement between two or more sovereign nations about something of mutual interest and importance. Thus, making treaties with Native Nations reflected a clear recognition by the United States government of the inherent sovereignty of the Native Nations with whom they negotiated a Treaty with.

Tribal Cultural Monitor a trusted tribal member or representative who will have firsthand exposure to field activities so that they may make recommendations to an archaeologist onsite, as well as directly report their observations to their tribal leadership and/or community. They will identify, catalog, and protect Native American cultural resources and acknowledge their cultural and/or spiritual significance. 

Anthropology the study of human societies and cultures and their development. 

Archaeologist a person who studies human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains.

(CEQA) California Environmental Quality Act Establishes an Indigenous Tribal Consultation requirement prior to development or upon finding cultural artifacts, which may include on or many of the following: Sites, features, places, cultural landscapes, sacred places, and objects with cultural value to a California Native. 

Ancestral Unceded Land Ancestral: recognizes land that is handed down from generation to generation. Unceded: refers to land that was not turned over to the crown or government by a treaty or other agreement. 

"I am" means "YOU exist" "I" is a first person address to oneself, Me or Myself. “Am” is first person singular of Present Tense “Be”.

Migration is, first and foremost, a normal and natural human activity.  Human beings and all living things have always moved from place to place, season to season, for survival, for better conditions and opportunity, and also because a change of scenery is nice too.

Immigration to pass or come into a new habitat or place, as an organism.

Borders (Imaginary or Invisible lines) form an edge along or beside (something).

• Border defined as a Social Construct: a line separating two political or geographical areas, especially countries.

Cultural Appropriation the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society. People often make fun or use information to harm or take intellectual property to profit/benefit from. Example: Don’t buy products that are Native inspired as they are not authentic.

Living Community Collection Of Terms (Feedback and Collaboration is Welcome)

As our community circle widens and we continue to grow, we realize that there may need to be additional terms to clarify or resources to include.  Please share your feedback with us so we can include your voice, uplift and empower each other.

Living definitions of terms (Collaboration is Welcome)

Human Rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.  Human rights are moral principles, or norms, for certain standards of human behavior and are regularly protected as substantive rights in substantive law and protect the dignity of all human beings.

Dignity the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.  The modern definition expands to include that this is a human right to be treated ethically. In this context, it is of  significance in morality, ethics, law and politics as an extension of  the Enlightenment-era concepts of inherent, inalienable rights.

Fear an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

Racism is discrimination and prejudice against people based on their race or ethnicity.  Racism is the process by which systems and policies, actions and attitudes create inequitable opportunities and outcomes for people based on race.

Allies (To be an "Ally" and Allyship) to unite or form a connection or relation between another group to work towards a common goal.  An ally is someone who is on your side.   In recent years, the term has been adopted specifically to a person supporting a marginalized group.

• Allyship refers to the actions, behaviors, and practices that leaders take to support, amplify, and advocate with others, especially with individuals who don't belong to the same social identity groups as themselves.
• There are four main focuses when you commit to working as an ally: yielding, listening, learning, and action. Each pillar is crucial in building relationships based on trust and respect.

Equity is when people of all races and ethnicities are treated in an equal manner. Racial equality occurs when institutions  give individuals legal, moral, and political rights. 

Diversity “the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of  different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual  orientations, etc.”

Inclusion people across  varying identities are and feel valued, welcomed, respected, included,  represented, and heard and that they fully belong, can be authentic, can  contribute to the collective, and have a voice.

Ability  inclusion means that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of life to the fullest extent possible. 

Macroagression  Large-scale or overt aggression toward those of a certain race, culture, gender.  Macroagressions are large‐scale systematic oppression of a target group by society's institutions, such as government or education institutions.

Microagression a statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group such as a racial or ethnic minority.

• White Supremacy (and white privilege)or "Caste Privilege" concepts perpetuate harm against people of color, and often terrorize people with horrific crimes.  Due to corrupt laws that often work against humanity, and those who commit these crimes are able to with little or no consequence. 

Trauma is when we experience very stressful, frightening or distressing events that are difficult to cope with or out of our control.  It could be one incident, or an ongoing event that happens over a long  period of time. Most of us will experience an event in our lives that  could be considered traumatic.

• Intergenerational Trauma is the negative impact our Ancestors experienced from a traumatic event and their pain could be passed down through DNA for generations of your family and affect you. 
• The Positive Counter Narrative is Intergenerational Strength, Courage & Wealth of Knowledge Alternatively, strengths our Ancestors exhibited, can be passed down to you and future generations.

Perpetuate the act of causing something to continue, especially something harmful, or the fact of something harmful continuing.

Examples:

1. The military action from other countries has contributed to the perpetuation of the destabilization and destruction of a country.  
2. Imperialism enables and allows powerful world leaders and wealthy oligarchs the continuation of into the future; keep colonialism alive, without any personal consequences.

Disparity an inequality, noticeable and usually significant difference that adversely affects disadvantaged populations in comparison to a reference population.

Example: The glaring economic disparities between different groups in our society.

Marginalized broken systems that were intentional created to build wealth off of POC labor who received little to no compensation, have created "classes" or "Caste" systems in society.  Those who are marginalized, often live in between being visible or may live on the hidden edges of society.  A person who is marginalized may be treated with no dignity, and this mistreatment has a severe and negative impact on their life, health, well-being and also impacts those directly connected to them, or their future generations.  Those with the appearance of more political status or wealthy privilege status, often place an individual(s) in a position of little or no importance, influence, or power, to suppress their ability, limit opportunity and oppress as a group to prevent they ever surpass their status in society.

**However, our collective individual resources,  and with Technology,  we can  amplify voices and empower marginalized individual(s) to strengthen our communities.**

Vulnerable  in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, or risk of abuse or neglect.   Someone who is vulnerable is weak and without protection, with the result that they are easily hurt physically or emotionally.

Resilience the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness, grit, determination and persistence to overcome.

Grassroots is a gathering of people  within a community  to unite to take action as the basis to impact  and implement political or economic  policy change. 

Restorative Justice s an approach to justice that aims to repair the harm done to victims.   Restorative justice brings those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication in order to repair and find a path forward.

Regenerative Justice involves the  explicit and intentional discovery and building of life meanings, as  well as the consideration of the relationships that those meanings have  with wrongdoing and "making things right."

Social Change  is the alteration of the social order of a  society which may include changes in social institutions, social  behaviors or social relations. Sustained at a larger scale, it may lead  to social transformation or societal transformation

Transformation to move from one form of existence to another.

7 Generations is based on an ancient Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) philosophy that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future.   

Defend resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger.

Protect keep safe from harm or injury.  Preserve or guarantee by means of formal or legal measures. 

Honor highest respect, regard with deep appreciation.  Honor is a quality of a person that is of both social teaching and  personal ethos, that manifests itself as a code of conduct, and has  various elements such as valor, chivalry, honesty, and compassion. 

Sacred A person  place or thing that is known to be sacred and is designated as sacred, it is spiritually significant, as it is  unique or extraordinary; and it should be protected, respected and honored by all.

AIM as a definition is a purpose or intention, a desired outcome. 

(AIM )The American Indian Movement is an American Indian grassroots movement which was founded in July 1968.  Originally an urban-focused movement formed in response to police brutality and racial profiling, AIM grew rapidly in the 1970s and became  the driving force behind the Indigenous civil rights movement.

• Wounded Knee 1890
• Occupation of Alcatraz 1969-1971
• Wounded Knee 1973
• Longest Walk 1978
• Native American Religious Freedom Act of 1978 

Black Panther (or Jaguar) are brilliant and agile big cats that are rarely seen in their habitat because they are generally cautious.  Their beautiful dark brown to rich black fur blends the Panther into the surrounding forest and makes them almost invisible at night.  Because the melanin gene is dominant in jaguars, a black jaguar can have either black or spotted cubs, whereas a spotted jaguar pair can only have spotted cubs. 

Black Panther (The Black Panther Party & Black Power Movement) 

The Panther represents the Black Liberation, and the dove as another form of freedom.  Founded in 1966 in Oakland, California, the Black Panther Party for Self Defense was the era's most influential black organization.  In addition to their advocacy to impact social change and the pressure they put on political al leaders to adopt new community programs.  Here are some programs they offered:

• Ten Point Program
• Classes: Economics, Self-Defense & FIrst-Aid
• Created School Free Breakfast Program 
• Nutrition program for Moms & babies that inspired (WIC)
• Delivered groceries to the elderly
• Operated free Medical clinics

Black Panther  (The Movie & Phrase "Wakanda-4-Forever" )  This is a Black Culture journey, with Afro-Futurism and Indigenous influence.  The 1st film opens with a man telling his son the history of their people. Long ago, a meteor containing vibranium crash-landed in Africa.  The Marvel movie "Black Panther" tells the story of T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) who has just been crowned king in his country, of Wakanda.  

The 2nd film ends on a beach in Haiti, and the irony and symbolism can be discussed at length.  How many Americans know about Haiti and the significance of the First Independent Black Nation who declared their freedom to the world in 1803?  It is also interesting how the movie theme that is consistent in both films show the U.S. hunger for world domination and resource extraction, and how this is parallel to what is happening around the world right now in the Congo, Gaza, and Haiti, and many other countries.  

This series attempts to bring a new narrative and give agency to Black and Indigenous cultures, but it still is through the Hollywood White Lens, so it is entertainment and unfortunately still falls short on living up to our BIPOC community expectations.  Some argue that it aims to diminish the actual Black Panthers, puts Black and Indigenous communities against each other to help white people fight wars against people of color, so that part feels awful and twisted.  What is positive is to imagine another view of our Black and Indigenous communities using traditional skills that are actually more advanced than modern technology.  The visual effects of the Afro-futurism and underwater Mayan world are incredible to see on a big screen and I hope the long term impact allows BIPOC communities to tell stories and create films from our own perspective.

1st Film:  Thousands of years ago, five African tribes war over a meteorite  containing the metal vibranium. One warrior ingests a "heart-shaped  herb" affected by the metal and gains superhuman abilities, becoming the  first "Black Panther." There is a reference from the bible, that during the reign of the Messiah, that the leopard and the little boy will camp together peacefully.

2nd Film: The "Wakanda Forever" movie was a tribute to Chadwick Boseman and dealt with the aftermath of King T’Challa’s death with Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye, Nakiya, and Everett Ross coming together to fight for Wakanda’s next chapter.  Incorporating elements of Afro-futuristic settings and mystical Mayan myths, “weaves a full tale."   

The Mesoamerican Indigenous influence  introduces a new character, Namor.  Namor’s family faced the threat of incoming Spanish Conquistadors, they  were forced to take a substance that mimicked the effects of the  Heart-Shaped Herb, a substance that alters the physiology of a person to  grant them increased strength and power. This gave them the power to breathe underwater, but prevented them from breathing air on land. With  the help of the Herb, they fled into the ocean, seeking to rebuild their  empire. However, when Namor’s mother died, and the family resurfaced in  order to properly bury her, they walked into a completely different  world that was once their home. Haciendas, or large plantations,  sprawled the land, with ruthless Conquistadors ruling without mercy. 

As Namor’s family watched the  brutality and desecration that had taken over their homeland, the  audience can see immediate parallels with the real-life colonization of  nations in Latin America during the 16th century. When Spanish Conquistadors arrived in Latin America, they brought disease and  destruction that ravaged the indigenous nations at the time. The movie  highlights the indigenous perspective of this conflict, and showed how  quickly their culture and livelihood fell at the hands of conquerors  from a faraway land. By highlighting indigenous perspectives, the movie portrays the raw, authentic history of native people in the time period,  and shines a spotlight on the lasting effects of colonization on Latin American nations. 

Brown Beret  organization concentrated on combating police brutality and fighting racism but some chapters also demanded education, job, and housing equality.  Is a pro-Chicano organization that emerged  during the Chicano Movement in the late 1960s. They formed as a group of students with the goal of reforming the  inequalities Hispanic people faced within the Los Angeles school system.  David Sanchez and Carlos Montes co-founded the group modeled after the Black Panther Party. The  Brown Berets were part of the Third World Liberation Front. 

Chicano Movement The Hispanic community embarked on a social movement aimed at combating  institutional racism, increasing cultural hegemony, and guaranteeing  equal labor and political rights. The Chicano Movement sparked  national conversations on the political and social autonomy of Hispanic  groups everywhere in the United States.

NAACP National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), interracial American  organization created to work for the abolition of segregation and  discrimination in housing, education, employment, voting, and  transportation; to oppose racism; and to ensure African Americans their  constitutional rights.

• Black Lives Matter
• Reparations

ACLU The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is an American nonprofit  human rights organization founded in 1920. The organization strives "to  defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to  every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United  States.

Habakkuk 1:5-11 The Message  Write the vision and make it plain, to strengthen others.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Prayer is an invocation or act that seeks to activate a rapport with the frequency of our most high, divine, Creator & Universal God, through an act, ritual(s), regular practice of worship and through deliberate communication. In the basic sense, the term refers to an act of spiritual connection with a deity or a deified Ancestor. 

Spiritual Practice or individual and personal spiritual discipline is the regular or full-time dedication of actions and activities undertaken for the purpose of  inducing spiritual experiences and cultivating spiritual development. A  common metaphor used in the spiritual traditions of the world's great  religions is that of walking a path or journey of life.

War is an intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary groups such as mercenaries, insurgents, and  militias. It is generally characterized by extreme violence,  destruction, and mortality, using regular or irregular military forces.

Biological Warfare is the deliberate use of disease-causing biological agents such as bacteria, virus, fungi and other toxins to kill or incapacitate humans, animals, or plants as an act of war.  

Food Sovereignty  Food Sovereignty means defending peoples' rights, land, territories, seeds and biodiversity, promoting agroecology.

“Food sovereignty is the right of peoples to healthy and  culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and  sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and  agriculture systems. It puts the aspirations and needs of those who  produce, distribute and consume food at the heart of food systems and  policies rather than the demands of markets and corporations.”

– Declaration of Nyéléni, the first global forum on food sovereignty, Mali, 2007

sourced from the Food Sovereignty Alliance

Genocide the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group.

Femicide The killing of a woman or girl, in particular by a man and on account of her gender.

Gender Inclusion & Gender equality is a state in which people have access to rights or opportunities regardless of gender. Every person and all genders are welcome!  We pride ourselves to be a safe zone for our Two Spirit LGBTQIA+ relatives.  This is a discrimination free zone. We respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.  Learn more about Human Rights Allies/Safe Zone Program to be respectful and be accepting. 

Ecosystem a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. In general, a complex network or interconnected system.

Ecocide destruction of the natural environment by deliberate or negligent human action. 

MMIW Stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. It is a movement that advocates for the end of violence against Native women.

MMIP Stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. It is a movement that advocates for the end of violence against Native People and Two Spirit Relatives.

Green Washing involves making an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing that a company’s products, policy or activity, etc. appear to be environmentally friendly. 

Trade Economy in macroeconomics, trade usually refers to International trade. Indigenous trade is place-based, unique to specific region and culture and relates to Inter-tribal trade. It recognizes and values origin as the relationship to space and people through the deep and lasting connection to place. It is this continuity that forms the sense of responsibility to place and time within the community. Tribal Nations engaging in sharing and trading of basic needs via complex and far-reaching network of land and water routes.

Circular Economy is a model of resource production and consumption in any economy that  involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and  recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible.

Extractive Economy A resource-based economy, dependent on harvesting or extracting natural resources for sale or trade. Harvesting or exporting resources with little or no processing. 

Exploitative Economy The act of employing to the greatest possible advantage of one group at the expense of another group. Utilization of another person or group for selfish purposes, the action of treating someone unfairly to benefit their own needs. Deliberate maltreatment, manipulation or abuse of power and control over another person. It is taking advantage of another person or situation for personal gain. Examples of exploitation includes slavery, migrant labor, for-profit prisons, etc.

Capitalism is often thought of as an economic system in which private individuals and corporations own and control property or financial assets with their own interests as a priority, and demand and suppl freely set prices in markets to generate a profit. This concept focuses on accumulation of wealth and hoarding abundance, and it also focuses on eliminating any counter systems, people methods that might challenge or stand in the way of “progress.”

Eco Marxism belief that capitalist production mode is the root of social injustice and ecological crisis, and the only way to solve the crisis is to change or eliminate the production mode which would stop capitalism.

Colonialism the actions of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, with military and/or police force to occupy it with settlers and exploiting it economically. Modern studies of colonialism classified into four types: settler colonialism, exploitation colonialism, surrogate colonialism, and internal colonialism.

Decolonization the action or process of a state or Sovereign Tribal Nation withdrawals from a former colony or colonized system, and as a result they gain true independence.

Divest and Decolonize Wealth In finance and economics, divestment or divestiture is the  reduction of some kind of asset for financial, ethical, or political  objectives or sale of an existing business by a firm. A divestment is  the opposite of an investment.

Imperialism a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.  "The struggle against imperialism" Imperialism is a system in which a rich and powerful country controls other countries, or a desire for control over other countries.

Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian, ultra-nationalist political ideology and  movement, characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural  social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived good of the nation or race, and strong regimentation of society and the economy

Land Dispossession involves legal and nonlegal means for removal of an original inhabitant(s) or person(s) from the possession of land.  

Landback is a campaign by Indigenous people in the U.S. and Canada that seeks to re-establish and protect Indigenous sovereignty. 

Indigenous Stewardship means to draw on ancestral knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and safeguarding their rights. It also means to protect and conserve biodiversity, ecosystems and developing and maintaining sustainability. 

Blood Quantum was created by the Federal Government to breed out the Indigenous genetic line and also to regulate those who have enough Indigenous blood would restrict who would have benefits as a Federally recognized Tribal member.

Institutional Racism (aka Systemic Racism) a form of racism that is embedded in the laws and regulations of a society or an organization. It manifests as discrimination in areas such as criminal justice, employment, housing, health care, education, and political representation.

Reservation System President Andrew Jackson created the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The reservation system and the Bureau of Indian Affairs was created to keep Native Americans off lands that Colonizers wished to settle. History will try to polish the words used to describe what truly occurred, that this would somehow benefit the Sovereign Tribal Nations to maintain their cultural and social traditions. But for the Native Americans who survived, they were forced to relocate to lands away from their Ancestral land, without their traditional food, and typically in areas that were considered so harsh that the intention was that they ultimately would not survive. 

Rancheria During the Spanish invasion of the West, Rancherias were their version of the reservation system to forcibly remove Indigenous people to other locations during the 1934 Indian Reorganization act. 

California Mission System Created by the Spanish in the 1770s that forced Native people to be enslaved, convert to Catholicism and adopt Spanish agriculture and culture. Medical experimentation was performed and those who didn’t survive would be buried in a mass grave.

American Indian Boarding School Parallel efforts between the Federal government, along with the Christian and Catholic churches that used the Doctrine of Discovery would justify removing Indigenous children from their homes to attend boarding schools until they became adults. The objective was to eliminate the traditional Native American language, culture and to have them convert to Christianity, to teach them how to assimilate to adapt to the mainstream American culture. Many children did not survive these harsh conditions and they were buried at the boarding school site in a mass grave. Until recently, the children were never returned to their families to be able to lay them to rest in their traditional ways and on their ancestral land. 

"Merciless Indian Savages," is how our Ancestors Peace treaties were received and perceived by Thomas Jefferson's description in the Declaration of Independence; although it was the Colonial Settlers who stole our land, terrorized, raped and murdered our people.  What would you do to protect your loved ones?

Scalping  describes the forceful removal of the human scalp with hair attached. The violent act is usually performed with a knife, but it can  also be done by other means. Someone can scalp victims who are already dead, but there are also examples of people being scalped while they are  still alive.  Native Americans may have invented scalping, but this is culturally complex.

Bounty for Native Americans (Indian Head, Red Skin)

“For every scalp of such Female Indian or male Indian under the Age of  Twelve Years, that shall be killed and brought in as Evidence of their  being killed …, Twenty Pounds,” the declaration reads.

This Scalping reward was a large amount of money for Colonists, equivalent to more than 5,000 pounds, or US$12,000 in today’s currency. The scalp of a male Native American could fetch two and a half times this amount. 

In the Colonial era, such violence was normalized by anti-Native  American sentiment and a sense of racial superiority among Colonists. 

1871 Buffalo Slaughter ‘Kill Every Buffalo You Can! Every Buffalo Dead Is an Indian Gone,’ an unknown American solider is quoted as saying.  Ulysses S. Grant saw the destruction of buffalo as solution to the country’s “Indian Problem.”

Buffalo Soldier Were Black men who were granted freedom to play a complicated and controversial role in the U.S. westward expansion, where the government quite frankly didn't care if either Black or Indigenous people survived and decided to use both groups quest for survival and ultimately freedom, to work against each other.  

Native Americans portrayed as Mascots stems from the bounty placed on Indigenous people.  Many often cite  a long-held myth by non-Native people that "Indian" mascots "honor  Native people," American sports businesses such as the NFL's  Washington 'Redskins' and Kansas City 'Chiefs', MLB's Cleveland  'Indians' and Atlanta 'Braves', and the NHL's Chicago Black Hawks, continue to profit from harmful stereotypes.

Eugenics The study of how to arrange reproduction within a human population to increase the occurrence of genetic inheritable characteristics regarded as desirable. Developed by Sir Francis Galton as a method of improving the human race, eugenics was increasingly discredited as unscientific and racially biased during the 20th century, especially after the adoption of its doctrines by the Nazis in order to justify their treatment of minority groups.

Conservation is the act of protecting Earth’s natural resources for current and future generations.  In an article, “Culling the Herd”: Eugenics and Conservation movement in the U.S. 1900-1950 demonstrates that these concepts were promoted simultaneously with the common theory of preserving the "best human" (intended to be "Whites Only") population and natural environment, and remove Indigenous populations and restrict or prohibit access to people of color.

Sickness condition that adversely affects a person and can be a result of their health, spirit, emotion or life being out of balance.

Ways to overcome being sick:

• Health can be promoted by encouraging healthful activities.
• Immunity is the state of being insusceptible or resistant to bad infection.  Immunity may occur naturally or by immunization.
• Vaccine a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity.

Social Vaccine encourages advocacy that address social inequities and  inspires communities take action. 

White Supremacy the belief that white people constitute a superior race and should therefore dominate society, typically to the exclusion or detriment of other racial and ethnic groups. Racism is an extreme epidemic that the CDC has classified as a mental illness with a serious public health threat with inequitable negative impacts on those who are targeted, and racism perpetuates harm, trauma and disparities among BIPOC communities.  Racism is a public health crisis.

"Wendigo Psychosis Syndrome" is considered an endemic disorder that manifests through compulsive, strong attacks and murderous behavior.  Example: War, Colonialism, Genocide crave to destroy and harm human life and may exhibit signs of Wendigo Pyschois.

• Endemic A disease that is consistently present but limited to a certain region.
• Epidemiologists are scientists who investigate patterns and causes of disease.

Slavery was a condition influenced by the white supremacy mental disorder, where those who were considered white supremacists became inflicted with extremely violent behavior, paranoia and fear, which spread into mass hysteria and infected many minds throughout the world as an cult group.  Leaders of white supremacy groups used their influence to intimate, terrorize and develop world systems which were built from stolen wealth, extracted resources and slave labor.  Those who participated in white supremacy believed that it was acceptable for a human being to be owned by another.  The delusions of white supremacy caused chaos and devastation.  Many who believed in the white supremacy cult felt that they were superior humans and they were convinced that they must commit horrific crimes against humanity.  A person who was labeled by the white supremacist society to be a slave was considered their property.  Slavery was considered legal and there was written law which classified people as property, or chattel (group of animals like cattle), and they were deprived of any human rights ordinarily held by free persons, and were robbed of their dignity, freedom and their bright future(s).

Slave Patrol (that later become modern day Police and Law Enforcement) You need to know the history to understand the present to protect us now and in the future.  With that being said, you may be interested to know that Police and the concept of Law Enforcement were established The slave patrols' function was to police slaves, especially those who escaped or were viewed as defiant.  This is how the National Law Enforcement Officers still include this information in their training, so who is it that they serve and protect?

Defund Police In the United  States, "defund the police" is a slogan that supports removing funds from police departments and reallocating them to non-policing forms of  public safety and community support, such as social services, youth  services, housing, education, healthcare and other community resources.  Click here to view Answers to Questions to 7 Myths around this topic.

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses that was established in the United States during the early to mid-19th century. One of the most widely known heroes of this time was Harriet Tubman, who helped navigate routes to lead enslaved African Americans to safely escape from the slaved circumstances within Southern U.S. States and journey to safe locations in the North and eventually to free destinations in Canada. 

1776 Declaration of Independence -Consider who was considered equal at this time.  Who was able to have "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?"

1787 The United States Constitution - Consider who are "We the People?"

1803 First Independent Black Republic Is known as the world's greatest achievement, and we owe our collective freedom to Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Toussaint Louverture, and Henri Christophe, were the revolutionary leaders who organized the Haitian Revolution.  The 1801 Haitian Constitution banned slavery and all forms of racial discrimination, written by Toussaint Louverture. 

“Let it be known that our flag will forever fly high, and we will never bow down to anyone.”  “The destiny of Haiti is in our hands, and we must work together to  build a prosperous nation.” “Unity is our strength, and we must remain  united to protect our sovereignty,” Jean-Jacques Dessalines

Louisiana Purchase 1803 When the French Military, under the leadership of Napoleon, lost the Haitian Revolution, this temporarily expanded the Slave trade in the United States, but eventually this too would fail.  The Louisiana Purchase became the "Greatest Real Estate Deal," in history.  

Doctrine of Discovery By far, the most dangerous and false excuse to justify Colonialism.  The doctrine of discovery refers to a principle in public international law under which, when a nation “discovers” land, it directly acquires  rights on that land. This doctrine arose when the European nations  discovered non-European lands, and therefore acquired special rights,  such as property and sovereignty rights,  on those lands. This principle disregards the fact that the land  oftentimes is already inhabited by another nation. In fact, this  doctrine was used in order to legitimize the colonization of lands outside of Europe.

More broadly, the doctrine of discovery can be described as an international  law doctrine giving authorization to explorers to claim terra nullius – i.e. said inhabited land – in the name of their sovereign when the land was not populated by Christians. 

Nowadays, the world as viewed by international law is considered to be a finite world, because no land is open to state occupation (no terra nullius left), so this question no longer arises today. However, in 1792 Thomas  Jefferson asserted that the doctrine of discovery was international,  and therefore was applicable to the U.S. government. Today, the doctrine  of discovery is still mentioned in American Imperialism and in regards  to the treatment of Indigenous people.

Acceleration of U.S. Colonialism & Imperilism & Captialism

• Doctrine of Discovery
• Manifest Destiny 
• California Mission System
• Bureau of Indian Affairs 1824
• Railroad started in 1827
• Indian Removal Act 1830
• Trail of Tears 1830 to 1850
• U. S. Stole Mexico with the Treaty of Guadalupe in 1848 
• U.S. Illegal Acquistion of Alaska in 1867
• The Federal Mining Law of 1872
• Westward Expansion
• National Parks 1872
• U.S. Stole Hawaii in 1898
• U.S. Illegal Invasion & Theft of Puerto Rico in 1898
• U.S. Illegal Occupation of Guantánamo Bay in Cuba 1903
• Bureau of Land Management 1946

Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Offshore Slavery attempt on Cow Island Haiti's Île-à-Vache

Lincoln wanted to end slavery—but wasn’t keen on integrating African Americans into US society. His attempt to "Resettle" and  send them offshore proved disastrous.

On the night of December 31, 1862, a day before he issued the final Emancipation Proclamation, President Abraham Lincoln signed a contract with Bernard Kock, an entrepreneur and Florida cotton  planter. Their agreement: to use federal funds to relocate 5,000  formerly enslaved people from the United States to Île à Vache (“Cow  Island”), a small, 20-square-mile island off the southwestern coast of Haiti.

Emancipation proclamation  President  Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1,  1863, as the nation approached its third year of bloody civil war. The  proclamation declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."

Juneteenth Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops  arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than  250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive  decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas.

Sharecropping After the Civil War, former slaves sought jobs, and planters sought  laborers. The absence of cash or an independent credit system led to the creation of sharecropping.  Basically, this was still slavery but just under another name.

Statue of Liberty was a gift from France, made its way to the U.S. on June 17, 1885. It is a symbol of honor and  alliance  between the two countries. 

"The American Dream" concept is from a 1931 book titled "Epic of America," by James Truslow Adams.  In his book it describes, "That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement."  Although this phrase became the National ethos for the United States, at times the laws and policies contradict these values.  The evolution of the American Dream is still being shaped and challenged today. 

"America First" The slogan phrase "America First," was first documented in the 1880s, but didn't reach a national audience until 1915, when Woodrow Wilson used it for neutrality in World War 1.  This phrase was used again in 1920 and 1924 for the Presidential campaign of Woodrow Wilson and Calvin Coolidge.  However, when Mussolini used this phrase to describe American Fascism, the KKK instantly claimed this phrase to describe their white supremacist terrorism. 

Perceived Freedoms

• Ten Bill of Rights
• Fourteen U.S. Constitution Amendments
• 1st Amendment Freedom of Speech 1791
• 14th Amendment Citizenship Rights & Equal Protection 1868
• 15th Amendment African American Men Right to Vote 1870
• 19th Amendment is the Women's Right to Vote 1920
• Snyder Act of 1921
• Citizenship Act of 1924 Native American Citizenship Act
• Civil Rights Act 1964
• Native American Religious Freedom Act 1978
• Amendment to Native American Religious Freedom Act 1994

Reality For Marginalized Communities Who Try To Navigate through Broken Systems

1825 Seneca village was a 19th-century settlement of mostly African American landowners in the borough of Manhattan in New York City, within what would become present-day Central Park. The settlement was located near the current Upper West Side neighborhood, approximately bounded by Central Park West and the areas of 82nd Street, 89th Street, and Seventh Avenue, were constructed through the park. 

Seneca Village was founded in 1825 by free Black Americans, the first such community of African-owned farms north of New Amsterdam in the city. At its peak, the community had approximately 225 residents, three  churches, two schools, and three cemeteries.  Seneca Village existed until 1857, when, through eminent domain,  the villagers and other settlers in the area were forced to leave and  their houses were torn down for the construction of Central Park. 

Jim Crow Laws that were created to monitor and control any person who was not "White."  These were local and state laws introduced in the Southern United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that enforced racial segregation, "Jim Crow" being a pejorative term for an African American, but these rules applied to any person of color who was not "White." Such laws remained in force until 1965

Redlining is a discriminatory practice in which financial services are withheld from neighborhoods that have significant numbers of racial and ethnic minorities. Redlining has been most prominent in the United States, and has been directed against people of color, and the majority of African-Americans were targeted. The U.S. government created "ghetto" projects and segregated America.  Redlining has systemic implications on Health and well-being.  

Racial Gerrymandering and Discriminatory Redistricting Racial gerrymandering violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth  Amendment, which requires that states must treat people the same under their laws. It also violates the Fifteenth Amendment, which outlawed racial discrimination in voting.  This illegal redistricting In representative electoral system, gerrymandering is the political manipulation of electoral district boundaries with the intent to create undue advantage for a  party, group, or socioeconomic class within the constituency.

Sun Down Towns Not only did many hotels, motels, and boarding houses refuse to serve black customers, but thousands of towns across the United States declared themselves "sundown towns", which all non-whites had to leave by sunset. Huge numbers of towns across the country were effectively off-limits to African Americans.  The "Green Book" became a safety lifeline to help keep people of color safe during this time. 

• 1917 Greenwood District "Black Wall Street"
• The 1921 Tulsa Massacre

Repressive Neighborhood Discrimination Laws were formed to segregate people of color and repressive legislation enforced this.  During the Depression Era between 1882 to 1943, people had restrictions on how they could immigrate to the U.S. and for people of color, they were restricted where they could live.  This De Facto Segregation created the various little "towns" or "districts" within Cities, and this established "China-Town," "Japan Town," and the "Mission District" in San Francisco, "Little Saigon," in Sacramento, "Little Tokyo" and "Korea Town" in Los Angeles, and other places around the U.S., New York has there own "China Town," "Harlem" and "Little Haiti,"  Florida had "Little Havana," and "Little Haiti," etc.

The Chinese Railroad Workers From 1865-1869, which included 12,000 Chinese immigrants who constructed the western section of the transcontinental railroad – one of the greatest engineering feats in American history.  When Chinese were first hired in 1864, the company paid $26 a month for a six-day workweek, with the Chinese paying for their own food, unlike  white workers.  Despite their efficiency, endurance, intelligence, and dependability,  The Chinese worked longer hours for less pay than their white peers.  Historians estimate that they cost the company between one-half and  two-thirds of what white workers cost.  Read The Chinese and the Iron Road

Remembering Painful Past

• The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
• Japanese U.S. Internment Camps

Looking Ahead Together

• (AAPI) Stop Hate targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
• AAPI & BLM Solidarity
• AAPI & Indigenous Solidarity

The Great Depression Era  was a severe global economic downturn that affected many  countries across the world. It became evident after a sharp decline in stock prices in the United States, leading to a period of economic depression.

The Bracero Program was a U.S. Government-sponsored program between 1942 and 1964. The Bracero program, which was designed to have a surplus of farm labor to help increase agriculture supply during World War II.  Farm Labor contracts employed 5 million braceros in 24 U.S. states.

Migrant Farm Workers Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta became a voice to advocate for civil and human rights that the immigrant population struggled with and the conditions farm workers faced.  Establish The National Farm Workers Association (NFWA)  "Si, se puede!"

Current Immigration Reform Issues:

• DACA Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (2012 to 2022)
• Immigration Status & Mixed Households  includes an undocumented person(s) and  a person(s) with protections (U.S. citizen or green card holder).
• Families Separated & Children in Cages  Hundreds still need to be reunited. 

The U.S. would never be the same after 9/11.  America responded to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks with paranoia, distrust that turned on foreigners, immigrants and those who were already in communities and were citizens of cultures that were not of European Descent.  After 9/11, the U.S. Got Almost Everything Wrong, A mission to rid the world of “terror” and “evil” led America in tragic directions.  The events of September 11, 2001, became the hinge on which all of  recent American history would turn, rewriting global alliances,  reorganizing the U.S. government, and even changing the feel of daily  life.  The politically charged immigration and border-security created emergency management programs, such as Homeland Security. Unsteeped in America’s traditions of freedom and openness, the new  department was built to view everything through a lens of “Can it hurt  us?” This corrosive mindset became particularly visible on immigration  and border-control issues, as a culture of welcoming new citizens and  families shifted to one of questioning and suspicion—especially if you happened to have dark skin.

• The Muslim Travel Ban of 2017 

SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES THAT NEED IMMEDIATE REFORM:

• For-Profit-Prisons
• Child Labor
• Human Trafficking 

**Global Social Justice Issues That Need Our Attention Now!**

• Ceasefire Now #FREEPALESTINE
• Stop Congo Genocide
• #HandsOffHaiti Empower Haiti Self-Determination

Living Community Collection Of Terms (Feedback and Collaboration is Welcome)

As our community circle widens and we continue to grow, we realize that there may need to be additional terms to clarify or resources to include.  Please share your feedback with us so we can include your voice, uplift and empower each other.