MANITOU FESTIVAL

A visionary gathering that fuses a global Indigenous Youth Conference and Summit with a transformative, solutions-based festival
centered on humane education and collective stewardship.

Jane’s Message to Us

The Manitou Story

Manitou was born from a shared dream between Dr. Jane Goodall and Jeremy Gregory of Tindakan 4 to unite Indigenous youth from around the world through story, ceremony, and action.

Inspired by Jane’s decades of work with Indigenous youth through Roots & Shoots, Manitou carries forward her lifelong mission: to empower young leaders to protect the Earth and restore balance between people and planet.

In one of her final recorded messages below, Jane shared her hope that Manitou would bring this vision to life.

Now, together, we’re building her dream.

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The Manitou Model

  • Leadship Lab

    Leadship Lab

    Youth-led Training & Empowerment

  • Cultural Festival

    Cultural Festival

    Music, Ceremony, and Celebration

  • Project Incubator

    Project Incubator

    Incubating Youth-Led Solutions

  • Global Simulcast

    Global Simulcast

    Broadcasting this event around the world, maximizing impact

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Indigenous communities have long stewarded land, water, and culture through systems rooted in reciprocity, responsibility, and respect for all life.

The Experience

A 4-Day Indigenous-Led Leadership and Action Platform

October 2026 " San Francisco, CA + Global Simulcast

On-Site Event:

Around 100 Indigenous Youth Delegates will gather for a four-day immersive experience:

  • Day 1 - Learn: Ceremony, cultural grounding, and Indigenous youth leadership development

  • Day 2 - Do: Collaboration, creative labs, and youth-led project development

  • Day 3 - Share: Solutionary Showcase, impact films, and public storytelling

  • Day 4 - Commit: Public cultural festival and closing concert featuring a notable headlining artist in collaboration with Indigenous musicians and openers

The structure honors the sacred four directions, seasons, and life stages.

Global Participation:

  • 15-20 regional Manitou Circles, hosted by Roots & Shoots chapters and Indigenous partner networks, will connect live to the summit for shared ceremonies, plenaries, and Action Hours 4 engaging 500+ Indigenous youth worldwide.

  • Participating cohorts are recognized as Manitou Global Delegates, gaining access to mentorship, peer networks, and micro-grants to advance community-led projects beyond the event.

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Our Team

  • Jeremy Gregory

    Jeremy Gregory

    CEO:Tindakan

  • Merlin van Lawick

    Jane Goodall Institute

  • Cristina Mormorunni

    Cristina Mormorunni

    Co-Founder of INDIGENOUS LED Métis/Sardo

  • McClellan Hall, M.A.

    McClellan Hall, M.A.

    Founder: Project Venture
    Cherokee

  • Benishi Albert

    Benishi Albert

    Indigenous Movement Strategist
    Anishinaabe and Yuchi Nations

  • Julian Watson

    Julian Watson

    Director: Tindakan
    Muscogee Nation

  • John Lucchetti

    John Lucchetti

    President: Green Room Strategy

  • Jacob Tell

    Jacob Tell

    CEO: Oniracom

  • David Heldreth

    David Heldreth

    CEO: Panacea Plant Sciences
    Cherokee Nation

  • Jen Seely, AIA

    Jen Seely, AIA

    Senior Architect
    Owner: Root & Ground Yoga

Why Now?

  • Indigenous youth are ready to lead but lack sustained access to capital, mentorship, and decision-making power.

  • Climate and community challenges demand locally grounded leadership, not one-size-fits-all solutions.

  • Cultural knowledge critical to education, identity, and environmental stewardship requires intentional intergenerational transmission.

  • Public funding for climate and cultural education is declining, increasing the need for private investment in youth leadership.

  • Manitou invests in Indigenous youth leadership 4 equipping the next generation to protect culture, strengthen communities, and steward the planet.

The Manitou Cycle of Impact

Manitou begins as a gathering 4 a spark of connection and creativity. But the real power lives in what happens next.

2026 Event > Global Awareness > Youth Training & Digital Hub > Community Projects > Funders & Partnerships > Next Event

Each cycle strengthens Indigenous-led action 4 building momentum, capacity, and resources for lasting change.

  • Regional Labs: Youth-led hubs developing local, community-driven solutions

  • Mentorship & Microfunding: Guiding ideas into real-world impact

  • Visibility & Ownership: Amplifying Indigenous leadership and ensuring local stewardship

Manitou grows stronger with each cycle 4 evolving from a gathering into a living, self-sustaining movement.