Honoring Land, Seeds, and Culture: Reflections on Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice

During our recent North American Meaningful Travel Summit in Eugene, Oregon, I had the honor of meeting Randy and Edith Woodley, co-founders of the Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice. This incredible organization, a valued partner featured on Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Map, is dedicated to preserving Indigenous knowledge and sustainable ways of living.

Eloheh (pronounced Ay-luh-hay), meaning “harmony” or “balance” in Cherokee, reflects the heart of their work. Based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Eloheh focuses on education, ecological restoration, and food sovereignty. Randy and Edith have created a space that promotes environmental care while preserving the seeds—both literally and figuratively—of Indigenous culture.

    A hand holding native seeds. Photo credit: https://elohehseeds.com.

The Power of Native Seeds

A key part of Eloheh’s work is preserving native seeds, a vital act for protecting biodiversity and cultural heritage. Native seeds, adapted over generations to their specific environments, are at risk due to industrial farming and colonization. Saving these seeds helps maintain ecological balance, ensures food security, and keeps cultural traditions alive.

At Eloheh, seed saving isn’t just practical; it’s meaningful. It honors the deep relationship between people and the land, reflecting Indigenous agricultural practices rooted in community care and reciprocity. For visitors and locals alike, Eloheh offers an opportunity to learn about these interconnected systems and reflect on how our own consumption patterns affect the world around us.

Meeting Randy and Edith Where They Are

Randy and Edith Woodley.

Randy and Edith bring incredible knowledge and humility to their work. As educators, authors, and leaders, they share their insights while recognizing the challenges of tourism’s growth in a way that aligns with their mission. Their book, Indigenous Theology and the Western Worldview: A Decolonized Approach to Christian Doctrine explores Indigenous perspectives, offering readers a chance to decolonize their own understanding of faith, land, and community.

During their talk at the Summit, Randy and Edith emphasized the importance of partnerships rooted in respect and equity. As tourism professionals, we must meet organizations like Eloheh where they are—recognizing their primary focus on preservation and restoration while supporting their journey into tourism as an additional avenue for impact.

Decolonization Through Travel

Eloheh exemplifies the kind of organization we need to champion in the tourism industry. By centering Indigenous wisdom and decolonization, they challenge us to rethink how we travel and consume. Their work reminds us that tourism can be more than a transaction; it can be a catalyst for understanding, preservation, and restoration.

Visiting a place like Eloheh isn’t just about learning new facts; it’s about engaging in a way of life that values harmony over dominance and stewardship over ownership. Whether through farm tours, personal conversations with Randy and Edith, or hands-on workshops, Eloheh offers visitors a chance to reflect on their place in larger ecological and social systems.

Moving Forward

As we continue to build partnerships and work with impactful organizations, Eloheh reminds us how transformative tourism can be when rooted in equity, respect, and sustainability.

If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to explore Eloheh through the Meaningful Travel Map and consider how you, too, can support their work. By weaving together the threads of preservation, education, and decolonization, Eloheh is creating a brighter, more balanced future for all.

Working with Indigenous Communities Module Resource

For additional resources and to dive deeper into working with Indigenous Communities, check out Tourism Cares’ Working With Indigenous Communities Course.