Why It Matters
Diverse storytellers from around the world converge to share the narratives that shape our identities and bind us to our roots.
Solutions cannot emerge from the systems that created it. Throughout history, cultures have thrived, learned, and persevered through the power of story, good story and cautionary tales that connect us to our past and guide us toward our future.
Narration: Andrew D Flanagan
Role: Writer
Native Land / Region: Name Name
Narration: Andrew D Flanagan
Role: Writer
Native Land / Region: Name Name
Everything we are is in our web of relations.
Numerous cultures possess words that capture the essence of knowledge existing within the spaces in-between. For instance, among the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara people of Australia’s Western Desert, the term ‘Tjukurpa’ encapsulates time as a repository of history, teachings, stories, and the presence of past and future ancestors. This co-existing liminal realm is accessed through music, dance, song, and art, nurturing a profound connection to heritage (James 2015, pp. 33-46). Similarly, the Samoan concept of ‘va’ echoes these interstitial spaces that bind us all together.
With this understanding, The VA Network deconstructs the traditional content platform, igniting a transformative flame. We invite all individuals to gather around the fireside, celebrating equality, creativity, and unity amidst our rich diversity.
Become a partner
We have chosen to embrace the responsibility of giving, drawing inspiration from the profound wisdom embedded in Indigenous lore. In Indigenous cultures, the act of giving is seen as a sacred duty and a fundamental part of one’s role within the community and the natural world.
According to lore, we are all interconnected, woven together in the intricate fabric of existence. Each individual, community, and entity has a unique role to play, contributing to the collective harmony and well-being of the whole. Within this intricate tapestry, the act of giving becomes an essential thread that weaves us closer together.
Lore is law.
In Indigenous lore, the Earth is often regarded as a benevolent provider, offering sustenance, resources, and life itself. In return, it is our responsibility to reciprocate this generosity by giving back to the Earth and all its inhabitants. This reciprocity extends beyond mere material exchanges; it encompasses respect, gratitude, and stewardship.
By operating as a nonprofit, we strive to uphold these timeless teachings of reciprocity and giving. We recognize that we are all interconnected and interdependent, and it is our duty to give back to the communities, causes, and environments that have nurtured us.
Through our initiatives, we seek to honor the teachings of lore by supporting Indigenous communities, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering sustainable practices. We view our resources, whether they be financial, intellectual, or social, as gifts entrusted to us. It is our responsibility to utilize these gifts wisely and channel them toward creating positive change.
why it matters & how it helps
We talk about the network as more than just a digital space; it is a global community bound by shared values and a commitment to meaningful impact. Like a dynamic campfire, we gather around the essence of storytelling, with a focus on reciprocity, engagement, and addressing the issues that truly matter. Joining The VA Network means becoming an essential part of a collective dedicated to making a positive change in the world.
empowering indigneous voices
We recognize the immense value of all Indigenous and first nations voices and their unique perspectives that come from a way of being and knowing in connection with the land. We created this digital fire for the singularity of indigenous storytellers and allies to share their narratives, stories, and artistic expressions with a global audience, to inspire change and retrieve forward the ways of the past for a better future.
Through our collaborative efforts, we empower Indigenous creators to reclaim their narratives and cultural heritage, enabling them to share their stories on their own terms.
We celebrate the diversity within Indigenous communities, ensuring that a wide range of voices, from traditional knowledge holders to emerging talents, have the opportunity to shine.
By amplifying these voices, we contribute to a more inclusive media landscape, where Indigenous stories are not just heard but celebrated and appreciated.
narrative sovereignty
Narrative sovereignty is at the core of our mission. We stand firmly against the colonization of storytelling and work diligently to decolonize narratives.
The campfire provides a space where creators have control over their narratives, free from external influences. Indigenous storytellers are empowered to tell their stories as they see fit, preserving their cultural and artistic integrity.
We support Indigenous creators in breaking free from harmful stereotypes and promoting authentic representation, ensuring their stories reflect their lived experiences.
Through narrative sovereignty, we promote cultural resilience and the preservation of Indigenous traditions, languages, and ways of life.
Cultural preservation
Preserving and promoting Indigenous cultures is a fundamental aspect of our work. We understand the importance of passing down cultural knowledge from one generation to the next.
What we refer to as a digital sand talk, serves as a repository of Indigenous wisdom, traditions, and oral histories, ensuring they are documented and accessible to future generations. Not as a way of extracting knowledge, but increasing what can be known, inspiring peoples of all country to investigate their own place, traditions, and stories.
We actively engage with Indigenous communities to facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer, helping to bridge the gap between elders and youth.
By preserving and celebrating Indigenous cultures, we contribute to the revitalization of languages, traditions, and customs that are at risk of being lost.
collaboration & networking
Collaboration is at the hearth of the flame in our approach. We foster connections between creators, artists, and communities to drive positive change.
Through our network, Indigenous artists and storytellers have opportunities to collaborate on projects that amplify their voices and stories.
We facilitate partnerships with organizations and institutions that share our commitment to Indigenous empowerment and cultural preservation.
Networking within The VA Network community opens doors to opportunities, resources, and support that can fuel meaningful projects and initiatives.
engagement & education
We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire critical thinking, empathy, and global awareness. Our content goes beyond entertainment; it serves as a catalyst for change.
Educational initiatives are a vital part of our mission. We partner with educators and institutions to develop resources that align with curriculum objectives, bringing Indigenous perspectives both into classrooms and homes of people all over the world.
Our content challenges conventional perspectives, encourages dialogue, and inspires individuals to take action on social and environmental issues.
Through engagement initiatives and partnerships, we empower viewers to translate inspiration into tangible change within their communities.
economic empowerment
We understand that economic empowerment is crucial for the well-being of Indigenous communities. We actively reinvest a portion of our revenue into community-driven initiatives and social enterprises.
By supporting local projects, businesses, and artisans, we contribute to sustainable development and economic growth within Indigenous communities.
Our platform serves as a marketplace where Indigenous artists and creators can showcase their work and generate income.
Economic empowerment aligns with our vision of creating opportunities that lead to positive change, both on and off the screen.
Interconnectedness & Unity
Our platform serves as a digital bridge that connects Indigenous communities from diverse regions and backgrounds. By sharing stories, experiences, and cultural traditions, we promote unity and solidarity among Indigenous peoples worldwide. This interconnectedness is essential in creating a global Indigenous community that supports one another in the face of common challenges.
Fostering Cross-Cultural Understanding
Our platform invites individuals from all backgrounds to engage with Indigenous narratives and art forms. This exposure fosters cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and respect. Through the act of sharing and listening, The VA Network promotes a deeper appreciation of the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures and their contributions to the world.
Environmental Awareness & Sustainability4
The VA Network recognizes the intimate connection between Indigenous cultures and the natural world. By highlighting Indigenous stories, traditions, and knowledge about the environment, we promote a deeper understanding of ecological sustainability. Through our platform, viewers gain insights into how Indigenous communities have lived in harmony with the Earth for centuries, inspiring greater awareness and action towards environmental conservation on a global scale
The impact of a global community
We talk about the network as more than just a digital space; it is a global community bound by shared values and a commitment to meaningful impact. Like a dynamic campfire, we gather around the essence of storytelling, with a focus on reciprocity, engagement, and addressing the issues that truly matter. Joining The VA Network means becoming an essential part of a collective dedicated to making a positive change in the world.
