New People Foundation

Bridging Evolutionary Science and Indigenous Wisdom

We are The New People—a movement devoted to cultural renewal, ecological healing, and spiritual reawakening. Rooted in ancient prophecy and modern insight, we’re building a world where science, spirit, and community work together for the future of life on Earth.

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Our Story

The New People was born out of a deep sense that something vital has been forgotten—and must be remembered. 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.
Founded by Mitchell Ryan Distin, PhD, The New People weaves together evolutionary science, psychology, 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; the other, to renewal through a return to harmony with the Earth and each other. Those who choose the path of life are called the New People—a diverse, 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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Volunteer

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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Our Success Stories

Our Latest News

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n 1859, Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species forever changed how we understand the natural world—and our place within it. Over the last several decades, the evolutionary sciences have quietly extended…
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Why Natural Selection Is The Most Important Idea...

When Charles Darwin first put pen to paper on On the Origin of Species, he had no way of knowing that his theory of natural selection would go on to become the backbone of modern biology, if not the most significant idea in all of…
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