Reciprocity
The way of life that centers mutual exchange and sharing amongst all beings- past, present and future- seen and unseen, and the Earth.
Facing a climate crisis, the Reciprocity Project embraces Indigenous value systems that have bolstered communities since the beginning of time. To heal, we must recognize that we are in relationship with Earth, a place that was in balance since time immemorial.
This short film series and multimedia platform invites learning from time-honored and current Indigenous ways of being.
About the films
Being in Reciprocity
In many Indigenous languages, there is no word for reciprocity; rather, it's embedded in every aspect of existence, connecting all beings, seen and unseen. With this in mind, we aim to Indigenize the current conversation about the climate crisis—a man-made catastrophe often described as 'unprecedented'. Through stories that explore the value of reciprocity, made by and about communities that have survived and thrived through other man-made catastrophes, we seek hope for humanity.
Critical acclaim
“The Reciprocity Project is a beautiful example of culture’s power to remind us all that we are part of nature and that the survival of the Earth cannot be separated from the health of society."
-Yo-Yo Ma, World Renowned Cellist
Who we are
We believe diversity is a source of strength
The Reciprocity Project is a US-based production that works alongside Indigenous storytellers and communities worldwide. Our team is made up of people with diverse Indigenous and non-Indigenous identities and life experiences. We view this diversity as a source of strength as we strive to inspire global audiences.
REciprocity project by Nia Tero and Upstander Project in association with REI CO-OP Studios
Reciprocity Project seeks to embrace the value of reciprocity through Indigenous perspectives through storytelling, film, podcasts, and other creative mediums. In doing so, we aim to create a paradigm shift that reframes our relationships to the Earth, other living beings, and one another.
Nia Tero is a US-based non-profit working in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and movements worldwide with a mission of securing Indigenous guardianship of vital ecosystems. We are committed to an antiracist and inclusive culture centering Indigenous rights, wisdom, practices, worldviews, and protocols.
Upstander Project encourages decolonization and upstander behavior through compelling documentary films and learning resources. Their goals are to overcome indifference to social injustice, develop the skills of upstanders, and contribute to action-oriented campaigns in response to vital social issues.
Across films, podcasts, and editorial programs, REI Co-op Studios develops and produces stories that entertain, enrich, and explore the power of time spent outside, while complementing the co-op’s broader climate and racial equity, diversity, and inclusion commitments.
Reciprocity Project Season One is distributed through American Public Television.
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