Apply for IBE
Are you a tribal member interested in participating in the Indigenous Builders Exchange? Apply here.
 

Testimonials
Hear from former Exchange participants. More...

The Indigenous Builders Exchange (IBE) brings tribal members into one another's reservations to build homes for native families in need. IBE introduces participants to sustainable straw bale home construction in a mentorship situation and offers a cultural exchange among participating tribal members and Red Feather's volunteers.

Red Feather's ultimate goal is to empower individuals, families and communities through meaningful projects that teach skills in sustainable construction and introduce understanding of how to organize and motivate a volunteer-based organization.

Pilot Program, 2006
In its first year of existence, the Indigenous Builders Exchange brought Hopi and Northern Cheyenne tribal members into one another's communities to build the Roundstone home on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and the Shebola Family home on the Hopi Reservation. In addition to spending a month immersed in the details of straw bale home construction, IBE participants played a crucial role in bridging the cultural divide between the native communities we serve and our mostly non-native volunteer corps.

Community Impact
Each participant becomes an ambassador for principles of sustainable resource use, for community-centered work, for working outside of one's self, and for giving back. IBE participants are equipped with new skills that can lead to employment and to further homes built in reservation communities. Indigenous and non-indigenous Americans alike work together toward a common goal and while doing so, develop understanding of one another that leads to respect and communication. With specific skills in home construction, all participants - regardless of their culture - can nurture sustainability within their own communities.

Outcome
Ultimately, the Indigenous Builders Exchange - and by extension, the American Indian Sustainable Housing Initiative - will result in the creation of sustainable housing organizations that are directed and staffed by tribal members within each community. Through teaching the methods of sustainable construction and nurturing leadership among proactive tribal members, Red Feather envisions a time when our staff can assist, but not lead projects. Rather, tribal members will lead the projects themselves. IBE offers the very real potential for improving intercultural harmony, replicating much needed affordable housing projects, and nurturing sustainability at all levels.

Moving Forward
Through the pilot year of the program, Red Feather identified the strengths and weaknesses of the IBE and recognizes the need for significant development as we move into the program's second year. We are currently working towards a definitive program aimed at identifying shared goals, nurturing the right individuals, and creating measurable objectives to fulfill those goals. We would like to formalize training in the adminstrative elements required to facilitate home construction. IBE is a critical component of Red Feather's work to create reservation-based sustainable housing programs.

We welcome tribal members to apply for the IBE and urge others to support the development of this program by donating to the 2007 Indigenous Builders Exchange.