Worldwide Indigenous Science Network
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network (WISN) is a nonprofit founded in 1993 that supports a global network of Indigenous Cultural Practitioners and Elders through academic programs, ceremonial Dreamwork events, and grant-giving, bridging Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersLahaina, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Worldwide Indigenous Science Network does
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network (WISN) is a privately held nonprofit founded in 1993 and headquartered in Lahaina, Hawaii, that operates a global network supporting Indigenous knowledge systems and ethical collaboration between Indigenous and Western scientific traditions. Its core offerings include the Master's in Indigenous Science and Peace Studies (ISPS) program — the world's first advanced degree taught from an Indigenous perspective — delivered in partnership with Ubiquity University at Chartres, France, with a PhD track reportedly planned. WISN also operates the Chartres Dreamwork ceremonial program, a recurring sacred-site practice originating from Indigenous Elder traditions, and has expanded into virtual Dreamwork sessions, peer-reviewed research via the Credo Mutwa Research Library, and field programs such as the Kalahari Bushmen Mobile Addictions Treatment Program in partnership with the Nechi Institute and PROMETRA.
The organization is not a technology company and does not disclose a technology platform or stack; its "products" are educational, ceremonial, and community-support services rather than software. Its business model is a hybrid of donations/individual support, course fees for credit-bearing academic programs ($1,200 BA, $1,600 MA, $2,000 PhD, $1,400 audit), small merchandise sales (dream journals, books by founder Dr. Apela Colorado), and grant-funded community programs. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, relying on an international advisory council of Elders, an Indigenous Cultural Practitioners network serving approximately 30,000 people, academic partnerships, and channels such as YouTube, Facebook, the WISN website, and the library.wisn.org digital archive.
WISN is founder-led (Dr. Apela Colorado) and operates without disclosed external funding, institutional investors, or cap table. Customer segments are dispersed across Indigenous practitioners, Elders, students, and conservation collaborators, with no enterprise anchor dependencies. Strategic momentum has been incremental and mission-driven rather than growth-driven, with geographic expansion (France, Italy, South Africa) and continued academic program buildout. There is no disclosed revenue, headcount, or financial reporting, and the organization is best characterized as a mission-oriented nonprofit network rather than a commercial enterprise.
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Worldwide Indigenous Science Network
- Legal name
- Worldwide Indigenous Science Network
- Website
- https://wisn.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Worldwide Indigenous Science Network (WISN) is a nonprofit founded in 1993 that supports a global network of Indigenous Cultural Practitioners and Elders through academic programs, ceremonial Dreamwork events, and grant-giving, bridging Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Indigenous Knowledge Education and Cultural Programs
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Libraries and Archives (51921), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Indigenous & Community Cultural Institutions (THAJADAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Tribal Four-Year Colleges & Universities (Bachelor’s–Granting) (EDAHANAB), Tribal Teacher Education & Indigenous Language Colleges (Educator Prep/Language Revitalization) (EDAHANAG)
Keywords
Where Worldwide Indigenous Science Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lahaina
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Support: WISN relies on donations from individuals and supporters to fund operations, grant-giving programs, and support for Indigenous communities.
- Educational Course Fees: WISN partners with Ubiquity University to offer credit-bearing courses at Chartres. Fees range from $1,200 (BA level) to $2,000 (PhD level), with audit options at $1,400.
- Merchandise Sales: WISN operates an online shop selling items such as dream journals and books including 'Woman Between the Worlds' by Dr. Apela Colorado.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | BA Level Course Fee |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | MA Level Course Fee |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | PhD Level Course Fee |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Audit No Credit Fee |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
WISN operates academic degree programs in Indigenous Science and Peace Studies in partnership with Ubiquity University, ceremonial dreamwork programs conducted at sacred sites such as Chartres Cathedral in France and Pari, Italy, the Credo Mutwa Research Library, and grant-giving and Elder networking programs supporting Indigenous Cultural Practitioners worldwide. Revenue is generated through tuition, donations, and merchandise (dream journals, books). The organization serves a global community of approximately 30,000 Indigenous Cultural Practitioners and Elders.
Product overview
WISN offers a portfolio of educational, research, and cultural programs centered on bridging Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. The core offerings include the Master's in Indigenous Science and Peace Studies (ISPS) degree program—the world's first advanced degree from an Indigenous perspective—and the Dreamwork Program, a ceremonial practice for collective dream analysis. Supporting these are the Credo Mutwa Research Library, the Dream Journal product, the 'Woman Between the Worlds' book by Dr. Apela Colorado, and support programs for Indigenous Cultural Practitioners and Elder Networking initiatives. WISN also maintains a YouTube channel and Shop for related products.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Master's in Indigenous Science and Peace Studies (ISPS) Program World's first advanced degree program taught from an Indigenous perspective, linking Indigenous knowledge systems to Western scientific theory and practice; graduates have pursued careers in diplomacy, conservation, law, and politics.
- Ph.D. in Indigenous Science and Peace Studies Doctoral-level extension of the ISPS program, delivered in partnership with Ubiquity University at Chartres, France. Course fee is $2,000.
- Chartres Dreamwork Program Annual ceremonial dreamwork process and practice inspired by Indigenous Elders, involving dream sharing, glyphing (drawing), and collective analysis to identify emergent patterns and narratives from sacred sites such as Chartres Cathedral and Pari, Italy.
- Credo Mutwa Research Library Digital research library providing access to scholarly resources on Indigenous science and peace studies for the global Indigenous knowledge community.
- Indigenous Cultural Practitioners (ICP) Support Programs Grant-giving and support programs providing culturally appropriate assistance to Indigenous Cultural Practitioners at risk, including flexible funding processes curated according to community strengths.
- Elder Networking Programs Global networking initiatives re-establishing knowledge and network corridors for Indigenous communities, providing opportunities for Indigenous Cultural Practitioners and Elders to share ideas and take action for self-determination.
- Dream Journal Physical journal product by Dr. Apela Colorado for recording dreams and reflections, available through the WISN shop.
- Woman Between the Worlds Book Book by Dr. Apela Colorado sharing knowledge and experiences of Indigenous wisdom and promoting understanding between Indigenous and modern world perspectives, sold through the WISN shop.
Quantifiable outcome
- First Master's and Ph.D. program in Indigenous Science and Peace Studies established in 1993
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Worldwide Indigenous Science Network
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Nechi Institute (Canada)corePartnered with Canada's Nechi Institute's addictions program to design and deliver a culture-based Mobile Addictions Treatment Program for the Kalahari Bushmen in South Africa - the first such program on the African continent.
- PROMETRA (Promotion of Traditional Medicine)corePartnered with PROMETRA to design and deliver the Mobile Addictions Treatment Program for Kalahari Bushmen, bringing together traditional medicine practitioners from different regions.
- South African BushmencorePartnered with South African Bushmen communities to deliver Phase I of the Community Addictions Treatment program, training sober Bushmen to support their community during Phase II implementation.
- Ubiquity UniversitycorePartnership with Ubiquity University's Wisdom School for delivery of Chartres Academy programs, offering BA/MA/PhD level courses and dreamwork sessions at Chartres, France.
- Humanity RisingminorCollaboration with Humanity Rising for virtual dreamwork sessions during the pandemic, reaching global audiences through their streaming platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and AwakeTV.
- United NationsminorWISN graduates have gone on to positions at the United Nations. Indigenous Elders developed a statement presented at the UN Forum for Big Cat Conservation - the first time Indigenous Elders were given a seat at the table on conservation issues.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Christensen Fund: The Christensen Fund is a private foundation that makes grants to support Indigenous rights, cultural diversity, and biocultural diversity. It is directly comparable to WISN's grantmaking function supporting ICPs and Indigenous communities, with overlapping funder networks and similar beneficiary populations.
- Bioneers: Bioneers is a nonprofit that produces conferences, media, and educational programming at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, ecology, and social transformation. It is directly comparable to WISN's event-driven educational model and its focus on bridging Indigenous and Western knowledge systems for planetary sustainability.
- Cultural Survival: Cultural Survival is an Indigenous-led nonprofit that supports Indigenous peoples' rights, self-determination, and cultural preservation globally. It is directly comparable to WISN as a fellow nonprofit working at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, advocacy, and community empowerment, with similar donor-supported funding and global program footprint.
- Center for World Indigenous Studies: CWIS is a nonprofit research and education organization dedicated to Indigenous knowledge systems, world peace, and self-determination. It is a direct peer given its parallel mission to WISN: producing scholarly research, educational programming, and convenings centered on Indigenous worldviews and cross-cultural collaboration.
- PROMETRA (Promotion of Traditional Medicine): PROMETRA is an international nonprofit promoting African traditional medicine and Indigenous knowledge systems. WISN is already a formal partner with PROMETRA on the Kalahari Bushmen addictions program; they share overlapping missions, partnership ecosystems, and program delivery models grounded in traditional knowledge.
- First Nations Native-led Nonprofit: First Nations is a Native-led nonprofit that supports tribal economic, educational, and cultural self-determination through grantmaking and capacity building. It is comparable to WISN in its grantmaking for Indigenous communities and its programmatic focus on education and community empowerment.
- Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums: ATALM is a nonprofit membership organization supporting Indigenous cultural memory institutions. It is comparable to WISN's Credo Mutwa Research Library and its mission to preserve and transmit Indigenous knowledge, operating in the same Indigenous cultural-institution space.
- Indigenous Environmental Network: IEN is an Indigenous-led nonprofit organizing on environmental and climate issues with deep ties to Indigenous community networks. It overlaps WISN's work on ethical collaboration between Indigenous communities and conservation organizations, and on protecting Indigenous environmental defenders, sharing similar advocacy and grantmaking functions.
- American Indian College Fund: The American Indian College Fund supports Indigenous higher education access through scholarships and tribal college funding. It is a direct peer to WISN's academic mission: both organizations operate at the intersection of Indigenous communities and postsecondary credentialing, though WISN delivers degrees directly while the Fund funds student access.
Emerging players
- Ubiquity University: Ubiquity University is an alternative-accreditation higher education institution that delivers WISN's credit-bearing ISPS degrees. It is a partner rather than competitor, but is included because it shares the niche of spiritually and culturally grounded graduate education, an emerging segment adjacent to WISN's core offering.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network social profiles
Digital presenceWorldwide Indigenous Science Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Worldwide Indigenous Science Network
What does Worldwide Indigenous Science Network do?
WISN operates academic degree programs in Indigenous Science and Peace Studies in partnership with Ubiquity University, ceremonial dreamwork programs conducted at sacred sites such as Chartres Cathedral in France and Pari, Italy, the Credo Mutwa Research Library, and grant-giving and Elder networking programs supporting Indigenous Cultural Practitioners worldwide. Revenue is generated through tuition, donations, and merchandise (dream journals, books). The organization serves a global community of approximately 30,000 Indigenous Cultural Practitioners and Elders.
Is Worldwide Indigenous Science Network a public or private company?
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Worldwide Indigenous Science Network founded?
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network was founded in 1993. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Worldwide Indigenous Science Network based?
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network is headquartered in Lahaina, United States, in the North America region.
How does Worldwide Indigenous Science Network make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Support is the primary driver. The others are educational Course Fees and merchandise Sales.
Who are Worldwide Indigenous Science Network's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Christensen Fund, Bioneers, Cultural Survival, Center for World Indigenous Studies, PROMETRA (Promotion of Traditional Medicine), First Nations Native-led Nonprofit, Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums, Indigenous Environmental Network and American Indian College Fund. Ubiquity University is listed as an emerging player.
Does Worldwide Indigenous Science Network have an API?
No public API is recorded for Worldwide Indigenous Science Network.
What industry is Worldwide Indigenous Science Network in?
Worldwide Indigenous Science Network's product category is Indigenous Knowledge Education and Cultural Programs. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAJADAK, Indigenous & Community Cultural Institutions, with a secondary code of EDAHANAB, Tribal Four-Year Colleges & Universities (Bachelor’s–Granting). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.