Aztlan, earthwalk :: Communities Directory

Formed: 1998 Established: 1998

This page last updated:5/13/2012

Aztlan, earthwalk

Gardner, Colorado,

United States

Aztlan is located in southern Colorado. We live on 40 acres of beautiful land, at the foothills of Cuerno Verde. We have springs running through the property that we use for household and ceremonial use.

My wife and I, my son Itsa, Bear and ex-woofer Ben live on the land year round. Most people come during the spring and summer months, as winter is too cold to camp out. Our purpose in opening our land to others is to help those persons who need a break from the rat race, and need a quiet place to get themselves together as they prepare their next move.

We do not have the property to allow people to live here permanently.

Because of zoning laws, we are not allowed to build any other permanent structures. There is adjoining land available for purchase should the right people decide to purchase property together.

Each weekend we hold a sweat lodge ceremony and in July we hold our annual Sundance ceremony. It is important that we share in a common prayer, no matter what religion, if any, participants follow. So we ask folks to help out and participate in our ceremonies as often as they are able to.

We have some solar power from pv panels and get our water from the spring. All toilets are outhouses, and we welcome new sanitation ideas that help our land stay clean and green. We are slowly learning more about adobe, bio-diesel,and much more.

We share meals when we are able, and do not subscribe to dietary theories other than keeping the food chemically- and genetically-free as well as simply-prepared. We practice solar-oven cooking, the Right use of pure spring water, and organic gardening. We welcome people who would like to help and learn, or provide their expert hands in these areas. When we have animals we share in their care as well as their milk, meat, etc. We aim to share the harvest from our gardens and wish to participate in area farmers markets offering crafts and medicines as well as whole foods.

Our philosophy is a native-American way of life, living simply, leaving as little of a footprint on the earth as possible. You do not have to be native American to visit here, all good people are welcome.

Please call ahead before visiting: 719-746-2400.

e-mail...swarmwater@aol.com

Thanks,

tomas shash, headman

Status: 15 years in same area

Website: http://myspace.com/eaglebear

Contact:

Tomas Shash
Box 304
Gardner, Colorado 81040 United States
Phone: 719-746-2400

Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses)

Former/Other Names: earthwalkers

This page last updated:5/13/2012

Visitors Accepted

Visitor Process: Bring tent, sleeping bag, and other outdoor materials needed for camping out. Come in warmer months, April-November.

Statement of Housing Non-discrimination:

Our community does not discriminate in regards to housing based on race/color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, family status (i.e. having children, not having children, or being pregnant), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, source of income, age, creed, personal appearance, political affiliation, HIV infection, military/veteran status, unfavorable military discharge, gender identity or expression, receiving public assistance, or being the victim of domestic abuse.

Our community does not provide land or housing and is therefore not subject to fair housing laws.

Population Members(adults and children): 7 Non-member Residents: 2 Open to new members: Yes	Government Decision Making: By the community leader Identified Leader: Yes Leadership Core Group: Yes	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes Labor Contribution: Join Fee: No Regular Fees: No
Land and Buildings Rural (foothills mountain living) Area: 40 acres (16.2 hectares) Land Owned By: Other (tomas shash) Number of Residences: 2 (one guest house, one family home) Cohousing: No	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 21-50% Share Community Meals: 2-5 times/week Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Other (health food primarily) Dietary Practice: Omnivorous Alcohol Use: Seldom used (no alcoholics) Tobacco Use: Seldom used (out door use only)	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: Yes (native american) Which Spiritual Traditions(s): Native American Educational Style(s): Public schooled

Become an Editor Current editor(s): bearshash

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Comment from justmetonyc1 on 4/26/2013 (Reader Rating: 0)

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I visited Aztlan at the end of March and the first week of April. Thank you for sharing the love and respect of God's Spirit through the land as well as the hospitality offered. I look foward to a continued relationship with Tomas and all the community in and around Atzlan and Gardener. Peace to all....

justmetonyc

Comment from cathartesaura on 9/21/2011 (Reader Rating: 0)

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Any peoples of direct cultural relevance should be defined by the name of their culture, not necessary hyponated with "American". As a Welsh tribal descendant, we still refer to our selves by older pre-Roman affiliation (Yes WAY before the 'American' experience, hard to believe but still reality). Yes, we have all lost our culture in the most part to the dominant culture, but our beliefs still align with our ancestors and will be passed on. We are still here as our tribal cousins on the 'American' continent still are. Many would be surprised at this continuance, despite all odds, of the ancient ways. We say you will never kill the spirit of the true Earth peoples.

Comment from Lora on 11/29/2010 (Reader Rating: 0)

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To call the original people of this land "native Americans" is like calling Tibetans "native Chinese." Not very respectful. Invaders use that tactic as one of the methods for completely erasing a culture. Even the people themselves get co-opted into using that term, thereby unwittingly aiding their conquerors. They should be honored by using their own names: Cherokee, Pueblo, Sioux, Cheyenne, Hopi. If they have duel citizenship (I think most do) then use their tribal nationality such as "Hopi-American."

Actually, since the forming of the current nation-state anyone born here is a "native American." Though, as I understand it, the original peoples' nations still exist. It's just that they are generally ignored.

Neither can the traditions of these nation-tribes be lumped into one. Hopi traditions and relationships with the world around them are very different from Apache. Not all "walked lightly on this earth."

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