I would like to share some context to the use of the word “tribe” in “Gathering of the Tribes”. I/we really appreciate the questions from some people who have asked. I/we have complete honor and respect for indigenous people and Native American tribes. There is a prophecy from many indigenous tribes from all around the world about the Rainbow Tribe – that brings all of the tribes together (more about that below in this message).
In the context of our gatherings… we honor the diversity and culture of all tribes from around the world… we see all brothers and sisters on the planet as being part of the Earth Tribe… ONE Tribe… that all share this sacred and beautiful planet… we all share the air, waters and soil beneath our feet. So in reality it could be called “Gathering of the Tribe”… the ONE Earth Tribe… yet we also want to honor the beautiful specific traditions and cultures of the diversity of tribes and clans from around the world. Inviting all the tribes to gather… the American, European, Asian, African and Australian tribes from all around the world – with the shared intention to care for and steward this beautiful planet. For this reason we have used the word “tribes” plural.
In these current times… in the United States with the upcoming election, in Russia/Ukraine, in Israel/Palestine… and many other places… there is so much division. We feel it is important to come together and focus on the common things we all need in local commUNITY worldwide… clean water, clean soil, healthy food and soil, safe shelter, equitable economic systems, equitable systems of governance, access to renewable sources of energy and healthy ways to manage waste (hopefully we start designing and implementing closed loop systems soon so there is no “waste”).
Here is a little overview of the Rainbow Tribe Prophecy…
<<< The Rainbow Tribe prophecy is a vision shared by various indigenous cultures and Native American tribes, foretelling a time when people of all colors, races, and backgrounds will come together in unity and harmony to heal the Earth. This global tribe, often referred to as the “Warriors of the Rainbow,” will honor and respect the diversity of individual cultures while recognizing humanity’s shared connection to nature and the spirit of life.
The prophecy predicts that this collective awakening will occur during a period of great environmental and social upheaval, when traditional ways of living are no longer sustainable. It is said that people from all walks of life will come together to restore balance, protect the Earth, and live in a more spiritual, peaceful, and ecologically sustainable way. The Rainbow Tribe symbolizes a reunion of humanity, united by the principles of respect, love, and stewardship for all living beings and the natural world.
Although interpretations of the prophecy vary, its core message is consistent: a call to embrace diversity, foster unity, and recognize the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. >>>
Below is a bit about the history and origins of the word “tribe”…
<<< The word “tribe” has its origins in the Latin term tribus, which was used in ancient Rome to describe the three original divisions of the Roman people, known as the Ramnes, Tities, and Luceres. These divisions were likely based on kinship or socio-political affiliations. Over time, the term expanded to refer to administrative and social divisions within the Roman state.
The concept of a tribe later came to describe groups with shared cultural, linguistic, or ancestral ties, often associated with Indigenous or non-Western societies. Throughout history, “tribe” has been used in various regions worldwide, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, to denote communities with distinct social structures, governance systems, and cultural practices.
However, the term has also been criticized for its colonial usage, where European explorers and colonial administrators employed it to label non-European societies as primitive or less developed. This usage often disregarded the complexity and diversity of Indigenous and traditional societies, leading to stereotypes and oversimplifications.
Today, while “tribe” continues to be used in some cultural and legal contexts (e.g., officially recognized Native American tribes in the U.S.), its use is increasingly scrutinized. Many prefer terms like “nation,” “community,” or “people” to describe cultural groups with shared identities, to avoid the term’s colonial connotations. >>>
I/we hope this message provides some context for how we have used the word “tribe”, and the intentions behind the gatherings. If you feel inspired and/or interested in the vision and intentions of these gatherings… we invite you to join us! If there is not a local gathering near your town or community, we invite you to start a gathering in your community (just contact us for details on how to do that – local-earth.org/gathering-tribes).
With deep gratitude and respect,
Joshua and Gathering of the Tribes collaborators