The vision of AntFarm came through a community known as RedWind which follows an earth-based way of life focused on the health of individuals, communities, and the earth. Founded in 1997 from the teachings of Frank Fools Crow, the RedWind community listened to his words, “Survival of the world depends on our sharing what we have and working together.”

Frank Fools Crow

Although the RedWind community humbly practiced a Native American Lakota spiritual tradition, they chose to become involved in the many issues facing the people of the earth.

In 1999, the community took a nonprofit organization status to build stronger alliances with others and develop greater ways of helping. This decision continued to focus the RedWind community in providing traditional teachings to encourage helping the next generation to become good people.

In 2001, RedWind began partnering with other non-profit organizations serving high-risk youth to ask about programming for their clients. The Council of RedWind began to develop teachings, ceremonies, and programs for youth. RedWind was entirely volunteer based with thousands of hours of volunteer service provided each year to youth.

In 2008, the RedWind community and Board of Directors chose to adopt the name Woape. Woape means hope in the Lakota language. This change supported the RedWind community to remain as a community of service living in the teachings of Frank Fools Crow while developing programs in Sandy, Oregon to provide youth and family supports, skills training, and activities.

In 2010, the de-construction of the Gardner Plumbing building in Sandy occurred with a team of 8 youth. Throughout the remainder of the year, re-construction of the space occurred to create AntFarm Indoors, consisting of the Café and Bakery, Axis Learning Center, and the Cultural Arts Center. In 2011, we initiated outdoor programs, as we began YouthCore with trail building and the AntFarm Garden. Quickly the indoor and outdoor programs grew, as the community was strong.

Nunpa and Tanner during the building deconstruction

AntFarm quickly addressed service needs locally and from others interested in our model. Chemawa Indian School and Dutch educators sought our services, so we supported program development with these communities. Locally, we began offering community service, opened the farmers market, implemented outdoor hiking programs, and continued in community and public land projects. In 2016, our evolution established 9 programs with strong outcomes and a focused leadership team. During Covid, AntFarm was able to thrive through the pandemic providing wrap around support, rental assistance, and basic needs support. Since 2020, AntFarm expanded our Youth Services and Workforce Development programs into Estacada and Molalla. We have also grown to include Housing Services, Nuevo Futuro, Community Wildfire Defense, Construction, and Community Workforce Partnership programs. AntFarm services have thrived in building a community spirit of support for basic needs, life skills, work skills, and educational support.