R.Y.S.E

We decided to create this video campaign because something incredible happened with one of our earlier videos—a simple gala promo. It reached over 16,000 views. When we saw that number, we thought: What if everyone who watched that video gave just $1? That’s $16,000—a huge impact for our program. And if it became a monthly gift? That would change everything.

 

But we know this: too many people feel ashamed to give just a dollar. They think small contributions aren’t good enough, so they give nothing. That’s not how we see it. We believe everyone has something to give, and even the smallest gifts matter. This isn’t just about dollars—it’s about showing up, about believing in this work, and about proving that when we all give what we can, we can change the world.

 

Look at what we’ve achieved already:

• A culture-first, land-based school that sits on 65 acres of land, where every Native tree is represented and a creek runs through the heart of it.

• A space where kids have access to a kitchen, bathrooms, and a safe facility when they need it.

• A fluent Elder who guides us daily, volunteers who show up every day, teachers with deep expertise in language, culture, and education in both worlds, and food to feed our kids.

• A studio where stories and knowledge come to life.

 

We didn’t build this because we had money. We built this because of relationships—because of people who care, who believe, and who gave what they could. That’s what this is about.

In this work, we see so many people hesitate to contribute because they think what they have isn’t enough. We’re here to tell you: Whatever you can give is enough. Even if it’s $1. Because when this blows up—and it will—you’ll be able to say you were part of it.

 

This isn’t just about our school. We’re walking a path with no map. We are creating the map. A map that we will share with all of our sqilxʷ relatives so they can build this too, if they want.

We know $1 million is an ambitious goal. But we believe in our people—both locally and globally—who believe in this movement. We believe in the strength of our community and in the power of showing up together.

 

If you believe in this work, we’re asking you to do two things:
1️⃣ Give $1. No more, no less.
2️⃣ Share this video. Share it far and wide. Let’s make this go viral.

 

This is about showing the world who we are—strong, beautiful, and capable people. This is about proving what’s possible when we come together.

 

We’re sharing this video during the full moon at its peak illumination—a time of clarity, reflection, and energy. It feels fitting because that’s what this moment is about: shining light on a path forward, one that we walk together.

Let’s light up the world. Let’s show them who we are.