In creating the Tya Totem section we were inspired by the Australian aboriginals. We wanted a section devoted to the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Anthropologist W.E.H. Stanner notes there are no English words to express the connection between an Aboriginal group and its homeland. Our word home does not match the Aboriginal word that may mean “camp,” “heart,” “country,” “life source,” or “spirit center.” Our word land is too spare—too meager. To put our words together into “homeland” is a little better, but not much.

Our different tradition leaves us tongueless and earless towards a world of meaning and significance—
a world that we are as much a part of as soil, water, and air.

Tribe’s Tya Totem forums look at environmental issues facing our planet while exploring our personal relationships with travel and place. Explore your own personal relationship with travel and the places we all live and work:

Earth Guardians

[Featured Guardian] [Forums]

Earth Guardians reports on conservation issues from around the country, illuminating the tireless work of individuals and organizations determined to make a difference for Earth. Learn how and where to participate in campaigns important to you, or simply improve your own space! Suggest topics or make submissions to Earth Guardians on the Tya Totem forum on our Community page.

Personal Journey

[Featured Journey] [Forums]

Share your experience with an adventure in Personal Journey–a journal that includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tell us about the lessons you learned, the beauty you found, the laughs you shared or kindness that touched you. Submit your Personal Journey to the Tya Totem forum on our Community page.

National Treasure

[Featured Treasure] [Forums]

National Treasure celebrates the nearly 400 US National Parks. Each issue spotlights an area of outstanding beauty or scientific interest. We share the highlights, the myths, the magic, where to stay–all accompanied by stunning photography of the region. Submit your ideas to the Tya Totem forum on our Community page.

Our complete submission guidelines can be found on How to Submit to Tribe.