Feathered Pipe “Good Works” – Seva YogaSince its inception, the Feathered Pipe Foundation, a registered US non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has been focused on the elevation of human consciousness. Thus, we recognize both the privilege and responsibility to nurture sustainable and holistic communities and preserve cultural traditions that embrace and inspire such inclusive philosophies. All this rests at the heart of our seva.
In addition to offering yoga retreats, personal and spiritual growth events, yoga therapy training, and yoga travel programs that encourage individuals to live more mindfully and cooperatively, Feathered Pipe has supported and undertaken numerous humanitarian efforts that are at the core of our mission.
We midwifed and continue to incubate scores of service efforts as we have since our inception, including some that began their nonprofit work under our fiscal sponsorship and went on to create their own nonprofit organizations.
Early in its history, the Feathered Pipe Foundation contributed to the work of late Cree Elder, Pat Kennedy, in his efforts to reclaim and reinvigorate ceremonies of the Cree people that were in danger of being lost, providing over $70,000 for peace encampments and a Cree language project. Bringing together tribal leaders with tribal members and the general public, peace encampments were held to raise awareness of the rich ceremonial traditions that hold their community together in the midst of incredible hardship.
Our Legacy Projects
We are particularly honored in recent years to have played a pivotal role in the creation of two worthy organizations that are now independent nonprofits engaging in vital work in the world today – the Veterans Yoga Project and the Tibetan Children’s Education Foundation.
— The Veterans Yoga Project is an educational and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of military veterans. Working in partnership with veterans, active-duty military personnel, student veterans organizations, and other non-profit organizations, Veterans Yoga Project supports recovery and promotes resilience among veterans, their families, and their communities.
— Our beloved founder, India Supera, now serves as President of the Board for Tibetan Children’s Education Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the Tibetan culture through education and assistance, raising awareness of the culture, and empowering Tibetans to carry out these goals.
Ongoing Projects
Today, the Feathered Pipe Foundation fiscally sponsors:
— The Feathered Pipe Scholarship Fund: This fund assists those who have the intention and heart but may not have the financial ability to afford participating in a Feathered Pipe retreat;
— Support Retreats for HIV+/AIDS Men, Women, and Partners: Beginning more than 25 years ago and continuing to this day, in partnership with like-hearted organizations, Feathered Pipe has assisted in offering free retreats each year to support men, women, and partners facing HIV+/AIDS.
— Circle of Friends: This program was spearheaded by our founder, India Supera, to assist impoverished Indians, young and old, with transportation, admission and financial services so that they can receive the needed medical services and life-saving surgeries;
— The 5th United Nations World Conference on Women (5WWC): India Supera, the founder and visionary of the Feathered Pipe, never accepted the societal notions of gender separation when it comes to opportunity and forging one’s own path. India took part in a conference at United Nations in the spring of 2011 in which women leaders from around the world including Chilean President Dr. Michelle Blachelet, the first executive director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, planned for a potential 5th United Nations World Conference on Women to address the current state of women and children throughout the world. Along with Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen, well-known social activist and author of 13 influential books including her most recent, Artemis: The Indominatable Spirit in Everywoman, India is actively advocating for 5th World Conference on Women.
— Veteran’s Healing Retreat: In 2012, we held our first healing retreat free of charge for Montana Veterans. Lead by Dr. Daniel Libby of the Veteran’s Yoga Project and attendees were referred from a program at the Helena VA Hospital. We continued and expanded this joint mission in 2018 with a pro bono retreats for Montana veterans and their families, and Montana veteran women, as well as holding the second annual VYP Summit for yoga teachers and therapists who have a desire to assist veterans in their healing.
