Restoring Ecosystems

Restoring Communities

Maqlaqs Gaa’tkni restores ecosystems through traditional ecological knowledge while promoting healthy lifestyles and sustainable communities

Maqlaqs Gaa’tkni (The People of This Land) is a proudly Native-led and community-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that engages Native youth and young adults in Southern Oregon and Northern California. We provide mentorship and employment opportunities through forest restoration projects. Through this work, Maqlaqs Gaa’tkni helps young people find the stability, support, and encouragement to reengage with education and career training that resonate with their identities as Native youth and contribute positively to their communities.

Our Programs

  • Forest Restoration

    Maqlaqs Gaa’tkni brings community members together to apply traditional ecological knowledge that has been honed over thousands of years, focusing on sustainable practices and the preservation of biodiversity, to the practice of forest restoration

    Effective forest restoration in fire-symbiotic ecosystems focuses on enhancing the resilience of these ecosystems, ensuring their long-term health and sustainability.

  • Food Soverignty

    Indigenous food production encompasses a rich diversity of practices cultivated by Native communities that are deeply connected to our land, culture, and history. This sustainable approach often involves farming, hunting, and foraging that prioritize local biodiversity and seasonal cycles. By valuing traditional knowledge and methods passed down through generations, Indigenous food production not only sustains communities but also fosters resilience against climate change, ensuring food security in a rapidly changing world.

  • Empowering Native Youth

    Maqlaqs Gaa’tkni is deeply committed to building the opportunities and communities that allow Native youth to thrive in a world that overlooks their potential, their culture, and their talents. By embracing our cultural heritage and celebrating their authentic selves, we are working with our youth to cultivate leaders who will shape their communities and represent their voices.

    Programs that focus on education, mentorship, and skill development harness the unique strengths of Indigenous youth, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility. Together, we can uplift native youth to not only navigate challenges but also to rise as guardians of their traditions while confidently stepping into the future.

Our Organization

Find out about our mission, methods, and the results of our decades of work.

Take Action

Ready to take the next step? You can become a contributor to our work, or participate yourself.