S.A.V.E. Initiative

I was born and raised on the White Earth Reservation in northern Minnesota. Like so many of us, I grew up hearing people talk about how we need to take better care of our elders, preserve our culture, and improve our health — but I got tired of just talking about change. I want to do something about it.

That’s why I launched the S.A.V.E. Initiative — Sauna Anishinaabe Vitality Enhancement.

This project is focused on building and delivering cedar saunas to tribal elders, starting with my home community in White Earth. Sweating has been part of our way of life for generations. It reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and connects us back to tradition. It’s time we bring that healing back into our homes.

Every dollar donated will help:

• Build high-quality cedar saunas designed for elders

• Deliver and install saunas directly at elders’ homes

• Train community health workers to monitor wellness and track outcomes

• Provide cultural education around sweat practices and long-term self-care

• Expand the initiative to other reservations across the country based on interest

We’re starting small, but dreaming big. This is about health. This is about culture. This is about giving back to the ones who gave us everything.

If you're Native, this is for you. If you're not, but you believe in restoring wellness and dignity in Indigenous communities — this is for you too.

Miigwech for reading and supporting. Let’s extend Native life… one sweat at a time.

— Michael Vail Founder, Cedar Sense White Earth Direct Descendant