Land Back

Land Back

This fundraiser was spearheaded by an Indigenous woman who saw a need to Indigenize spaces, and has created momentum towards positive change. This is not a say all for all Indigenous People nor is it representation of a single tribe as a whole. I value individuality & acknowledge that there are difference of opinions. This is not associated with any tribal council or advisory boards at this time. This fundraiser does respect all entities that have continued to represent, educate, and honor our ancestors. I welcome collaborations.


History of the land we are located on
This is only one story of many tribes that are no longer federally recognized and we want to acknowledge them.
The Wenatchi Tribe (p'squosa) lost their promised land during the 1855 treaty due to the government not honoring. The homelands stretch from what is now known as Wenatchee, WA. all the way up through Leavenworth, WA. and Lake Wenatchee, WA. 
There are 29 federally recognized tribes throughout Washington State
Many Wenatchi tribal members were forced to move to the Colville Reservation. The government agent in charge of surveying the land failed to do so, and the governments interest was far more invested in the railroad construction. The Wenatchi Tribe is a non-federally recognized tribe, due to the failed treaty, and under the governance of the Colville Confederated Tribe.
This is not a unique story that only happened to a few tribes, through forced assimilation hundreds of tribes are no longer federally recognized and on the brink of non existence. Many Indigenous lead organizations are stepping up to keep our cultures alive.

There are 29 federally recognized tribes throughout Washington and they are: Chehalis, Colville, Cowlitz, Hoh, Jamestown S’Klallam, Kalispel, Lower Elwha Klallam, Lummi, Makah, Muckleshoot, Nisqually, Nooksack, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Puyallup, Quileute, Quinault, Samish, Sauk-Suiattle, Shoalwater Bay, Skokomish, Snoqualmie, Spokane, Squaxin Island, Stillaguamish, Suquamish, Swinomish, Tulalip, Upper Skagit, and Yakama.


This fundraiser is spearheaded by Mary Big Bull-Lewis, owner of Wenatchi Wear.
Wenatchi Wear is a for-profit Indigenous owned small business launched in April 2019 by Mary Big Bull-Lewis & Rob Lewis. Wenatchi Wear is passionate about creating awareness & empowering Indigenous Peoples through authentic threads. We design with a purpose, each of our designs shares important history primarily focusing on local Native American Tribes. 
A portion of Wenatchi Wear sales will go to the Land Back fundraiser.


Mary is an enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribe; Wenatchi, Moses and Entiat & a descendant of the Blackfoot Tribe.  Mary has wanted to find a way to give back to her people. A way to protect the land. 
She was born & raised in the Wenatchee Valley and recognized a lack of Native American history being taught at grade school levels. She has focused on learning more about her culture, and during these past several years has found her purpose. A term she utilizes is Modern Native; and defines as having an urban upbringing with non-traditional teachings in a colonized space with a strong connection to the land, and drive to reconnect culture. 
She continues to create wearable art that has more meaning that a generic t-shirt with a cool design. Educating through art & storytelling is designing with a purpose. 
This land back project is her purpose: 
Honor her ancestors, protect the land and Indigenize spaces.


Community Support 
The community has asked how they can support local Native American tribes. 
Purchase authentic Native American artwork, Inspired Natives rather than native-inspired appropriated artwork. 
Donate to Native American fundraisers and or projects.
Land recognitions with a purpose.

This fundraiser needs community support for funding, cheer-leading, guidance, and more. 
If you or your organization can help in anyway, please reach out.


Continuous Fundraiser
Our goal is to continue to amplify Indigenous voices while creating a safe space.
 As we continue to fundraise for land or a generous land owner donates a piece of land, this fundraiser will continue to raise money for a community center & trading post. The community center will be for all Indigenous Peoples to have a safe place to gather, practice traditions, dance, meet and more. The trading post will carry authentic Native American art. 

All funds raised through this fundraiser will go towards purchasing land back, building a community center & trading post.


Indigenous Non-Profit
With the progress of the land back project, we have decided to move forward with forming an Indigenous lead non-profit. This will allow the fundraising efforts to grow, as well as continuing to increase our outreach. This project takes many people to come together to work towards one goal, and we have had multiple individuals with various knowledge step up in order to make this a true Indigenous community space.  We will update as soon as we have further progress.
The Indigenous Roots & Reparation Foundation is a charitable organization working towards our 501c3 status. We are Indigenous lead and taking over the reigns of the land back fundraiser that Mary originally launched. This project is meant to work with a diverse group to create our much needed community center. IRRF donations can be made via PayPal: [email redacted] or mailed to IRRF PO Box 3541 Wenatchee, WA. 98807


As you enjoy Native land: play, live or visit, consider donating even just $5 to support Indigenous lead organizations taking action to create positive change. Or if you are unable to donate monetarily, share with your friends & family.


We will continue to use our voice to promote positive change, honor our ancestors and the land we walk on.

We are the land and the land is us.