We, the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, represent a global alliance of prayer, education and healing for our Mother Earth, all Her inhabitants, all the children, and for the next seven generations to come. We are deeply concerned with the unprecedented destruction of our Mother Earth and the destruction of Indigenous ways of life. We believe the teachings of our ancestors will light our way through an uncertain future. We look to further our vision through the realization of projects that protect our diverse cultures: lands, medicines, language and ceremonial ways of prayer and through projects that educate and nurture our children.
""...the editors are careful to leave room for their subjects’ individual voices, specific details, and practical insights into their lives and philosophies. Informative stories from female elders that focus on the intersection of cultural specifics and universal experiences."" – Kirkus Reviews ""This inspiring book is a vibrant tribute to the lives of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers...[it] reminds us of the invaluable teachings passed down through generations."" – Green Fire Times “After reading this beautiful book, I could not help wondering, as I have so many times over the years, what the world would be like if the grandmothers had been in charge, women in every culture who alone know what it means to give birth, mothers everywhere who sacrifice their own bodies for the sake of new life, and do so with such courage, dignity, and stoic resolve. The word sacrifice means to make sacred, and every time a child is born, the luminosity of the divine is affirmed. Men make war. Women make life.” —Wade Davis, professor of anthropology, University of British Columbia, and author of Beneath the Surface of Things “Grandmothers’ Wisdom is a treasure trove of personal stories and insightful teachings from those who have experienced trauma but emerged stronger and more aligned with the cosmos. Each account gives us a glimpse into a unique journey and its challenges when reaching a deeper purpose, inspiring the reader too to stay the course to reach their own singular calling. These humble and courageous grandmothers and others like them are guardians of our future, whatever it may be. Their voices strengthen my spiritual bones, expand my heart energy, and prepare me to carry on despite fear or uncertainty in order to help bring about healing and a Life-enhancing future.” —Darcia Narvaez, professor emerita of psychology, University of Notre Dame and founder-host of EvolvedNest.org “This beautiful book is needed now more than ever! The world is suffering from ego, arrogance, and ignorance due to lack of wisdom. The feminine voices of wisdom woven together here, in this timeless book, will guide us how we can recover our humanity and our love for one another. This book will prove to be a key to open our hearts and enter the house of happiness.” —Satish Kumar, president emeritus and founder of Schumacher College “Grandmothers’ Wisdom: Living Portrayals from the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers is not just a book; it’s a profound testament to the resilience, wisdom, and guidance of Indigenous women throughout history. In a world where ancestral knowledge is often overlooked, this book stands as a beacon, reminding us of the invaluable teachings passed down through generations. This book is not merely a collection of stories; it’s a roadmap for rematriating entheogens, preserving ancestral wisdom, and taking tangible steps towards liberation. Through the songs of our grandmothers, we find direct guidance on how to heal the wounds of our world and forge a path towards a more harmonious existence.” —Mikaela de la Myco, Mothers of the Mushroom