International School for Earth Studies - Developing vision through courage and inspiration

"The Elders often say that when something is sacred it has spiritual value. You'll hear, on the Earth there are sacred spots. You'll hear, our ceremonies are sacred, our children are sacred, marriage is sacred. When something is sacred it means it's so holy you can't attach a value to it. Therefore, it's not for sale. It's an insult to suggest buying something sacred. On the other hand, if we look at it differently, as there is no sacred land, ceremonies are not sacred, our children are not sacred, etc., then everything is for sale.

Sacredness creates spiritual space.

Sacredness makes things holy.

Sacredness shows respect for God. Great Spirit, let me honor things that are sacred."

"In the absence of the sacred, nothing is sacred -- everything is for sale."

Oren Lyons, ONONDAGA

Welcome to the International School for Earth Studies (ISES)

The International School for Earth Studies (ISES) is a private, interdisciplinary institution specializing in Earth-based studies. We seek students who wish to pursue interests related to responsible and sustainable environmental stewardship - young women and men who ask themselves:

Who speaks out in support of nature, the land, our Earth Mother?
Where are the voices within our academic institutions, governments, and corporate board rooms - that should be speaking up and making decisions on behalf of the Environment and the natural world?
Who are the spokespeople for our children and grandchildren as humanity plunders and desecrates their natural inheritance?
Who speaks out for the other life forms, great and small, who also inhabit this planet and depend on it for survival?

"Speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee."

Job 12:8

Discovery Education, Quebec Our programs encourage students to explore, develop and nurture the seeds of greatness which exist within every individual, with a view to developing tomorrow's environmentally sensitive spokespersons and leaders. Our principle goal is to help students develop vision and responsibility inspired through appreciation and love for natural places and the greater environment.

"Only after the Last Tree has been cut down,

Only after the Last River has been poisoned,

Only after the Last Fish has been caught,

Only then will you find that Money cannot be eaten."

Cree Nation prophecy