Guiding Principles

Humble Oak Folk School Guiding Principles 

Mission

Empower the community to craft, move, and interact with fellow beings in ways that are in harmony with the reciprocal energy of life on Earth. 

Our Beliefs 

• We acknowledge and understand that our world is in need of action and change to allow all beings to live in good health and personal growth.

• We value sustainability and use local and regional resources first and foremost.

• We understand and feel passion and dedication to expressing ourselves through craft.

• We envision an inclusive community full of diversity, support, authenticity, understanding, listening and joy.

• We draw great inspiration from deep traditional ways of stewarding the land.

• Questioning and Understanding our Responsibility to this place in time is critical to allow for ourselves, as individuals and as a community, the full capacity to be present and engaged with our greater purpose here on Earth.

• We recognize all the work of those who have walked this path before us and are grateful for the wisdom passed to us through their intimate relationship with Land, Animal, Spirit and Elements.

Guiding principles for materials used in our workshops

• Earth at heart center of decisions

• Prioritize best local, regional material options when filling supplies

• Materials sustainably sourced and regenerative in growth practices

Land and First People Recognition

"As a step toward honoring the truth and achieving healing and reconciliation, Humble Oak acknowledges the Native lands on which we gather, work, and play and all of the people who have called this land their home.  This includes the Menominee, HoChunk, and Potowatami People.  We recognize that for thousands of years Indigenous People have lived here and as evidence have left behind their dead, buried in mounds throughout the area, as well as a network of trails, some of which still exist in their original form.  They continued to live here until the US Government’s Indian Removal Act of 1830, when they were forced to move west of the Mississippi River.  These statements become truly meaningful when coupled with authentic relationships and sustained commitment.  We, therefore, commit to move beyond words into study, programs and actions that fully embody a commitment to Indigenous rights and honor the multi-cultural traditions of the land, the history of the Native People, and those who continue to maintain and shape these traditions today.”