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American Indian
Sustainable Housing Initiative
Red Feather believes that in order to reverse the vicious cycle of intergenerational poverty and homelessness on American Indian reservations, we must first begin by empowering native families to take the lead role in the betterment of their own communities. Thus, the Red Feather approach builds on the strengths of each tribe’s unique traditions and works with all generations to achieve positive family and community development. Using progressive community education and a hands-on approach to construction methods, Red Feather establishes frameworks for long-term self-sufficiency. Red Feather builds homes with, not for, American Indians. Through a long-term commitment with individual communities, individuals gain the skills and confidence necessary to build desperately needed homes themselves. Healthy homes are the foundation young people need to enable them to address the many other important issues facing their lives and their nation.
Red Feather’s approach neither begins nor ends with constructing an affordable house. Prior to any project, Red Feather staff conducts informational and educational seminars on the reservation to educate tribal members about sustainable, straw bale construction techniques and community planning. Amidst hands-on straw bale wall system demonstrations, Red Feather assists tribal members with the complicated mortgage process and collaborates with tribal housing authorities to facilitate individual homeownership. Once a project is complete, there is ongoing collaboration between tribal homeowners, tribal housing authorities and Red Feather, as each home or facility serves as an example for the rest of the reservation community of how to create a beautiful, super-insulated, affordable straw bale home.
Red Feather begins by building just one house with people—not for them—and that one house, once its intrinsic technology is transferred to the community, may become ten houses—or a hundred.
Red Feather supporters play a major role in this effort by donating to the American Indian Sustainable Housing Initiative. More than 85¢ of every dollar goes directly to the program. You can be assured that Red Feather makes every effort to be good stewards of the generosity entrusted our organization. Please send all tax-deductible donations to the address below. We thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.
Red Feather Development Group
American Indian Sustainable Housing Initiative
P. O. Box 907
Bozeman, MT 59771-0907