The Journey

SEEDS for Change is deeply rooted in the dignity and teachings of Mother Earth, rejecting the constraints of modern state frameworks and colonial theories. At its core, it honors sacred spaces like Lake Ilopango, where ancestral knowledge often goes unrecognized or misinterpreted in academic settings. SEEDS challenges colonized ways of thinking and the superficial commodification of sacred seeds like Cacao and Corn for prestige and profit. Guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings—Honesty, Truth, Wisdom, Humility, Love, Respect, and Bravery—SEEDS fosters borderless learning spaces centered on listening, unlearning, and transformation. Founded in 2020, this initiative moves beyond academic expectations, welcoming global learners committed to political listening and the dignity of all beings. As its founder, my responsibility is to cultivate education as a transformative force by bringing together Elders, scholars, artists, and learners from all walks of life. This is not about safe spaces or performative inclusion but about radical love and collective RESPONSE-ability. Together, we heal, grow, and honor ancestral wisdom, creating meaningful change.

Clelia O. Rodriguez, PhD | clelia.rodriguez@utoronto.ca