History
Founded in 2012, Maqlaqs Gaa’tkni is a proudly Native-led and community-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to restore ecosystems through traditional ecological knowledge while promoting healthy lifestyles and sustainable communities. Maqlaqs Gaa’tkni engages youth in Northern California and Oregon by providing mentorship and skill building through forest restoration and food sovereignty projects.
Through this work, Maqlaqs Gaa’tkni helps young adults find the stability, support, and encouragement to re-engage with education and career training that resonate with their identities as Native youth and contribute positively to their communities.
Our Name
Maqlaqs means people in the Indigenous Klamath-Modoc language.
Gaa'tkni is derived from gaa'la (earth, dirt) gaa'ni (place) kni (from that place) as in ?ewksikni maqlaqs (people of the marsh and lakes). (Sometimes also written as gee’tkni.)
Maqlaqs gaa'tkni is the creation place of our people, the earth we are from and occupy. It is difficult to translate the importance, connection and meaning in English terms.
Our Partners
Maqlaqs Gaa’tkni has partnered with the Klamath Tribes, the US Forest Service, Oregon Woods, Inc., the Long Tom Watershed Council, and many others to provide educational and career training for youth through traditional practices, and strengthening the connection between these practices to their daily lives.
Our Team
Learn more about the dedicated people behind the work!
Contact us
Interested in working together? Send us a note and we will be in touch shortly.