Based in part upon our experience with Meta Tantay, we expect Nanish Shontie to become self-sustaining within the first five years of operation, if not before. However, we cannot base this upon a conventional business model, because the Traditional Native value system imposes significant constraints.

Principally, we cannot impose charges or accept payment for what we consider to be "medicine" or for spiritual activities. Because of the breadth of what we consider sacred, this extends to any activity which involves the healing of Mother Earth.

In effect, we cannot charge people for visiting and participating in Nanish Shontie. We do ask if people visiting are able to cover their own food cost.

Our experience with Meta Tantay in the 1970's and 1980's was that most who stayed with us contributed freely to cover the expense of their having been there. Meta Tantay's experience with its newsletter was that voluntary contributions were made by one half to two-thirds of its subscribers, which easily covered its expenses.

We also expect to receive revenue from the sale of certain non-ceremonial goods and services for which we shall be able to charge. While we are thankful for grant moneys we receive from foundations and organizations, and while we are confident that in accomplishing our goals, we are providing services which help in the healing of the Mother Earth, we do not want to plan on such funding over the long term. Our plan to become self-sustaining is based on the following elements:

• Reduced Expenses: We are planning to live frugally and to produce most of what we need, through our own labor and the caring assistance of the Mother Earth. Our agricultural activity will produce most of our root vegetables, our herbs, our fruit, our dairy products, our fruit, our meat, our fish, and three seasons of our green and fresh vegetables.
• Labor: Volunteers will perform construction labor and maintenance. Volunteers will perform most of our office, telephone, teaching, promotional, writing, publication, and website work. To the extent possible, we shall forage for wood fuel in the area without cutting live trees. The internet will enable us to reduce print expenses and postage substantially. We expect that over the next three years, most of the friends and supporters of Nanish Shontie shall receive promotional material and monthly newsletters via the internet.