New People Foundation

Bridging Indigenous Knowledge with Modern Science

We are The New People—a movement committed to solving modern challenges in bold, unconventional ways. We blend the two most profound knowledge traditions in human evolutionary history: Ancient, Indigenous ways of knowing with cutting-edge science. Our mission is to build a world where all beings can thrive—where science illuminates the path, and spirituality gives it meaning.

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Our Story

The New People was born out of a deep sense that something vital has been forgotten in our recent past—and must be remembered if we are to survive, unlike the 99.99% of species that came before us.. In a world increasingly disconnected from Nature, from spirit, and from one another, we are guided by the conviction that the solutions we seek lie not only in science or technology, but in reconnecting with ancient wisdom and a renewed relationship with the living Earth.

 

As environmentalist Gus Speth once aptly remarked, “I used to think the top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and climate change. But I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed, and apathy. And to deal with those issues, we need a spiritual and cultural transformation—and we scientists do not know how to do that.” 

 

The New People Foundation exists precisely to fill this gap between science and spirituality. Our mission is to help humanity reconnect with the deepest layers of the Self—our individual, corporeal self; our communal, relational self; our ecological, Earth-connected self; and our universal, cosmic self. Only by restoring wholeness at every level of the Self can we begin to address the root causes of humanity’s greatest challenges.

Founded by evolutionary biologist, philosopher, and emerging ecopsychologist Mitchell Ryan Distin, PhD, The New People weaves together evolutionary science, neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, and Indigenous teachings to support the emergence of a more conscious, compassionate, and ecologically attuned society.

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Ongoing Initiatives & Future Directions

What We Do

Research

Our research explores the evolutionary edge of what it means to be human. We investigate how consciousness, culture, and ecological systems interact—both historically and in the present moment. By integrating insights from psychology, anthropology, Indigenous knowledge systems, and complexity science, we seek to develop a deeper understanding of how societies change, how healing occurs, and how new worldviews emerge. Our goal is not just to publish papers, but to generate living knowledge that can serve communities, movements, and future generations.

Education

Education is how we seed transformation. We design learning experiences that blend intellectual depth with emotional intelligence and spiritual presence. From online masterclasses to in-person gatherings, our programs engage participants in self-inquiry, storytelling, systems thinking, and sacred ecology. These offerings are not about “teaching” in the traditional sense, but about co-creating spaces where learning flows in all directions—between people, places, and ancestral lineages. Everyone is both student and teacher.

Lectures & Public Speaking

Founder Mitchell Ryan Distin, PhD, along with guest speakers, offers keynote presentations, academic lectures, and community talks on themes central to our mission. Topics include the psychology of transformation, ecological spirituality, Indigenous prophecy, myth and metaphor in cultural evolution, and the role of crisis in awakening collective intelligence. These public engagements are designed to provoke reflection, open hearts, and inspire action across sectors and generations.

Community Projects

We believe real change is rooted in place and relationship. That’s why we partner with local groups, Indigenous communities, schools, and grassroots organizers to support on-the-ground initiatives. These projects might include ecological restoration efforts, cultural healing workshops, interfaith dialogues, or youth mentorship circles. By honoring each community’s unique context and knowledge, we help foster regenerative systems that arise from within—not imposed from above.

The Meaning Behind “The New People”

The name “The New People” is inspired by the Anishinaabe “Seven Fires” prophecy, which speaks of a time when humanity will face a crossroads. One path leads to destruction through a retreat to materialism; the other, to cultural renewal through a return to a spiritual pathway lived in harmony with the Earth and each other (i.e., ecospirituality). Those who choose the latter path of life are called The New People—a diverse, globally-recognized, Earth-conscious movement carrying the sacred responsibility of rebalancing the world.

We honor this prophecy with humility and gratitude, recognizing the leadership of Indigenous nations in holding Earth-centered wisdom through generations of adversity.

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Support our work in research, education, and community healing. Every gift—big or small—helps us grow and serve.

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Have skills in writing, design, organizing, or outreach? Join us behind the scenes or on the front lines.
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Partner with Us

We welcome collaboration with aligned groups, schools, and spiritual communities to co-create meaningful change.
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