L.I.G.H.T. Foundation (LF) was formed in 2022 as an Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) native plant and pollinator conservation nonprofit established in the traditional territory of the Nspilem People. We support the restoration and cultivation of Spirit Relatives and the culturally respectful conservation of habitats and ecosystems which are climate resilient and adaptive. For us, Spirit Relatives include traditional foods, First Foods, sacred and spiritual plants, animals and places, plant and animal medicines, fibers and materials.
Our approach to land, water, air and species management is to encourage and support actions which are sustainable, holistic, and restore relationships. To be most effective, these actions must be integrated into structures, systems, and practices which maintain an equilibrium between rich biodiversity, ecological health, and the intangible cultural heritage of Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples (TIP). Above all, these actions must be grounded in and led by TIP sovereignty, Treaty rights, reserved rights, and the respectful intergenerational transmission of Indigenous Knowledges (IK).
Our initiatives include:
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WE SWIM TOGETHER - Provide scholarship opportunities for the academic inspirations of Indigenous Peoples.
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OUR VOICES - Honor the teachings of our Elders and Spirit Relatives through education and advocacy.
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INDIGENOUS CLIMATE FUTURES - Advance actions for thriving homelands and habitats for the next Seven Generations.
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ROOTS FOR THE FUTURE - Develop and foster strategic partnerships to secure the health and longevity of Spirit Relatives.
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SECURE HARVEST - Support and encourage Indigenous food systems and food/water sovereignty.
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FIRST FOOD POLLINATORS - Develop and foster partnerships and activities to support native pollinators and biodiversity.
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CERTIFIED INDIGENOUS - Facilitate the inclusion of Spirit Relatives and TIP access into existing environmental certification and/or conservation programs.
Some of our projects include:
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Pacific Northwest Tribal Climate Change Project (PNW TCCP) - A communication network exchanging information between TIP and partners throughout and beyond the PNW on climate policy, programs, grants, and other opportunities. We provide an online resource guide, weekly newsletter, and host a monthly remote public meeting.
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Sʔulíp: Northeast Washington Indigenous Peoples Burning Network (Sʔulíp) - A coordination network to support and safeguard the sacred relationship between TIP and fire, including IK associated with cultural burning and good fire practices. We host and facilitate a bi-monthly remote meeting exclusively for TIP in our region, provide a monthly newsletter, and hold in-person Good Fire Gatherings.
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Indigenous Food Security - We engage with and advise several entities to support Spirit Relatives and advance regional/national food security for TIP. This includes the Okanogan Region Food Council, Tribal Food Sovereignty Community Action Team, Cascadia Partner Forum, and the newly formed North Central Washington Food Council.
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Pollinator Relatives Workshop - In 2026, LF will convene an inaugural Northwest gathering of TIP for a 3-day workshop to network, collaborate, learn, and share resources and research about Pollinator Relatives in a culturally-appropriate, safe space. Through the integration of IK and Western knowledges, TIP will develop an action plan to support their own Pollinator Relatives upon return to their community.
Donate today using this Give Native platform, or directly via our website at How to Donate. Your contribution is meaningful and valued, supporting our initiatives, scholarships, and the culturally respectful transmission of IK with and between TIP.
Contact us to learn more about our ongoing projects and activities!