VISION
At Dream Change we know that it is essential to learn from the wisdom of Indigenous people who continue to advocate for what they call ‘Life Economies’- those driven by the goal of long-term benefits for all life.
Creating a life economy includes awakening a new paradigm of sustainability consciousness in the world based on principles of respect, reparations and reconciliation with nature and for Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous traditions stress the importance of living in harmony with nature and one another- both for the short-term and the long-term. It’s time for us in the modern world to remember how to do this.
Our Approach
AWAKEN- Opening to new perceptions of success and prosperity while adopting a mindset of respect and reconciliation
TRANSFORM -Embracing Earth-based wisdom of Indigenous people to transform our death economy to a life economy.
SUSTAIN –Embodying sustainable conscious leadership for systems change, regeneration and renewal
MISSION
Our mission is to awaken and transform the world through earth honoring traditions that guide us to sustain harmony with each other and with nature.
“The volcanoes are losing their ice caps. Mother Earth is twitching, warning us. She hasn’t shaken us off yet but she’s letting us know that we must listen to her message. We must take actions to end our destructive ways. ”
— Andean Shaman
Indigenous Wisdom
A LIFE ECONOMY IS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
We know we can create a thriving economy fueled by sustainable companies and conscious leaders committed to inclusive societies and environmental dignity.
The definition of a circular economy is one that moves away from the 'take, make waste' economy of linear product design, ie. cradle to the grave, to an entirely new way of looking at stuff, through design, use, manufacturing and reuse with an end goal of no waste and regeneration.
A circular economy is not a novel idea. It’s an ancient way of living in harmony with nature, resources and ecosystems that consider the abundance and health of future generations. Indigenous people have been living in a circular economy for thousands of years, don't you think it's time we learn from our elders?
Dream Change acknowledges Indigenous wisdom as the ultimate in circularity and takes it a step further to promote a ‘Life Economy.’ We have much to learn from Indigenous teachers about the traditional notion of a circular economy.
A Kogi Mamo (shaman from the Indigenous lineage of the Tairona People in Colombia) on our visit in 2018, said that we then had 5 years max with life as we know it if we don't change our ways and plug back in, all in, to nature. He said that in about a year and a half (now) we would experience new things that would cripple our lives as we know them and that unless we awaken consciousness, the way Mother Earth would teach us would become more and more unbearable.
Let's humble ourselves and listen to the Wisdomkeepers who are still in communion with ancient wisdom that lives in stars, water, stones, mountains, bird calls and nature. Let us not pass up this opportunity to truly hear the ancient Wisdomkeepers.”
Learn more about the Kogi Land Repatriation Project here
We all come from ancestors who believed in the importance of long-term sustainability.
We have the ability to create a ‘life economy,’ one where business draws on generative practices in alignment and harmony with nature
Dream Change is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 by New York Times bestselling author, John Perkins. For over 30 years, we have attracted thought leaders, created measurable social and environmental impact projects and hosted educational events to help raise consciousness and inspire more sustainable ways of living and doing business.
“Connect yourself to nature but remember it is not enough, you have to spread the word.” -- Juan- Kogi Mamo