The Indian Nations Environmental University is located on the Ozena Valley Rancheria, which is nestled in the Los Padres National Forest and near the Chumash Wilderness in Southern California.  Indian Nations University is the only University in the United States that is dedicated to supporting our Environment with Strong Native American input.

Directions: 45 minutes north of Ojai on Maricopa hwy 33 Or 1 hour North of the San Fernando Valley on the I-5 get off on Frazier Park exit and head down to Lockwood Valley Rd to the 33 you can also come in South of Santa Maria on Rt 166 to Hwy 33 each direction is approximately 1 hour.

Mission Statement

The mission of Indian Nations Environmental University is to provide a resource for the general public for training and research in environmentally sustainable practice in the areas of permaculture, archaeology, anthropology,  Indian law, and sustainable agriculture. Indian Nations Environmental University will provide trained and knowledgeable practitioners in these fields who will in turn train students in supporting communities of people dedicated to environmentally sustainable lifestyles.

Indian Nations Environmental University will design all of its courses to meet the guidelines of the Western Association of Colleges (WASC) so that any degree earned at this institution will be honored and respected by professionals in the field. The design and structure of Indian Nations Environmental University honors the recommendations set forth in the Environmental Education Standards from the State of California.
 

June 2006 WorkShop

On June 30th through July 1st 2006, Friends of the Chumash will host a 2 day work shop "Indigenous Building" using Cobble, Adobe, and Cobb. This event will start Friday night with a campfire program and getting aquainted. After sunrise, participants will prepare materials and the work site. Saturday evening will be a Council regarding Indigenous Conciousness relating to Community development from social interaction, to lodging and self governing. Sunday is the conclusion. Cost for this program is $250. each and includes Organic and vegetarian Meals. If you register by June 10th the course fee is $180. You will need to bring your own camping gear. No drugs or alcohol please. To register please send advance payment to Indian Nations Environmental University, PO Box 5623, Ventura California 93005. Directions will be given upon receipt of your registration. Contact the Event Coordinator: Rain

Summer and Fall Classes

Permaculture and Poultry classes will be offered in the Summer and Fall. Click here for more information.


Co-Operative Plan

INEU is part of a co-operative effort to establish the Community of Ozena in which Indian Nations Environmental University, along with Ozena Montessori Elementary School and Lemuria Healing Center Retreat are to be the Hub.

We are establishing an Intentional Community near the Indian Nations Environmental University site on 160 acres. The theme for this project is an Artist Community Co-op and will follow a Green building guideline. This project is intended to raise funds for Indian Nations Environmental University. With the approval of the Co-op an individual will be able to lease 2 acres of land for for 1 year at $300. per month. On this land the individual will be able to place a yurt or dome or build a cob, adobe or other type of dwelling that fits with the aesthetics of the land and will be responsible for his or her own necessities. 50 sites are available now! Individuals interested can contact Maiwo, INEU Project Director Maiwo.
 

     
Examples of living space in 120' sq. adobe structure

At this time we have a proposal from Habitat for Humanity's Ventura County Chapter to build 180 homes following their 60 page Green Building Guidelines. Fifty percent (50%) of these homes will go to qualified Native Americans and the other 50% to qualified low income families who will pay approximately $500 a month for their mortgage. Please see the link to Habitat for Humanity's Green Building Guide Lines and Home Owner Qualifications applications. This is all pending acquisition of the 1300 acres offered to the Chumash Tribe as a whole.

INEU has made a one year commitment with the Cal Trans Adopt a Highway Program to care for the sixteen mile stretch of the Maricopa Highway 33.  For any interested in helping keep this scenic byway clear of litter please contact us.