The Lost Frontiers Foundation, Inc.
EIN-30-0347 127
919 Skillman Lane, Petaluma, CA. 94952
Tel: 707-775-4344, Fax: 707-775-4344, email: info@lostfrontiers.com

The Lost Frontiers Foundation arose out of work and travel experiences to traditional tribal cultures in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, where it was noted that many of these cultures are in danger of being overwhelmed by modern socio-economic changes or absorbed by more dominant conflicting groups. It was perceived that one way to slow down this process, and possibly reverse it, is to support the planning and implementation of small-scale development projects that help sustain and improve traditional ways of life of selected tribal groups. The foundation currently performs this function as a non-profit 501 (C) 3 organization funded by individual and corporate donors.

The first such projects supported by the foundation are with the Kalasha tribal group in the Hindu Kush Mountains of northern Pakistan and with Tuareg jewelers in the Sahara in Niger.

PAKISTAN – The Kalasha are the last animistic tribal people of northern Pakistan and their population is only about 3,000. Because of their religion and strong ties to their traditions, they have had to migrate to 3 isolated valleys of the Hindu Kush Mountains. According to DNA tests reported in Science Magazine, the Kalasha have sufficient differentiation to be classified as a possible separate race. Their lands and way of life is very threatened by surrounding communities and by economic factors.

To date, the foundation has worked with the Kalasha to improve health conditions by funding the construction of private latrines/baths for individual families and by planning and funding and a spring capturing program that could provide water to up to 5,000 persons living in the Rumbur Valley. Initial goals are to provide communal water points followed by an expansion to individual taps in household compounds. Local participation and fees for water will ensure long-term local support. The foundation has also sponsored a scholarship grant to send a Kalasha student to Islamabad for legal training that will allow the Kalasha to respond to issues that arise in the courts.

NIGER – The Tuareg people of the Sahara live in several countries and are traditionally pastoralists. They were also once the gatekeepers to the caravan routes used for trade and earned a reputation as fierce warriors. With the passing of traditional power centers into modern states whose lines were drawn by colonials, the Tuareg have been savaged by drought and harsh politics. What was once a self-sufficient tribal culture has now been reduced to levels of poverty that threaten their culture and very existence.
One area of hope is the traditional Tuareg jewelry forged from silver coins that were traditionally sold among the Tuareg and to tourists. The foundation, through the work of Ann Elston at Tuaregjewelry.com, has supported the design, production and marketing of fine silver Tuareg jewelry to buyers in the United States and Europe. This work has helped to support a large number of Tuareg silversmiths and their families in Niamey and Agadez. In addition, Ms. Elston has provided food support to remote villages in desperate need of assistance. Although this latter effort is not sustainable, it helps the villagers bridge very difficult times.

The Lost Frontiers Foundation continues to seek support for these and other projects and will expand them as resources become available.

President – Philip Hassrick
Vice President – Barbara Wagner
Secretary – Ann Elston