United We S.T.E.M. - Portfolio | United We S.T.E.M.

Osceola River Horse, Ph.d

Dr. River Horse been empowering students in Aboriginal Indigenous Studies since 2007 and an educator for over 40 years. At the age of 13 she began answering her calling to become an educator when she volunteered to become a teaching assistant at 13 years old. Dr. River Horse holds a M.A. degree in African Studies, Ph.d in Philosophy and is the first Vice Chancellor of the first Aboriginal University in Mbale, Uganda; Founder of the Women's Resource Center for Training and Development and the founder of Umayat Spiritual Education Circle for Self-Realization.

In a momentous chapter of my life, when my son was a mere 10 months old, I embarked on a transformative journey that would forever shape my perspective on the world. Like a curious explorer of yore, I ventured into the enchanting realms of beekeeping and organic farming on the timeless aboriginal lands of Jamaica. Nestled amongst the majestic heights of St. Thomas, in a sanctuary steeped in indigenous customs and traditions, the blazing fire of ancestral wisdom rekindled my spirit and inspired me to forge a path as a steward of the Earth.

For more than two decades, I diligently immersed myself in the captivating embrace of aboriginal culture, seeking to reeducate myself and unfurl the sacred tapestry of Aboriginal science. As if guided by the whispers of my forefathers, I set forth on a sacred pilgrimage to fulfill the prophecies bestowed upon my ancestors. These ancient prophecies foretold of a time when humanity would be compelled to return to the indigenous ways of knowing, to safeguard the sanctity of life and usher in a bountiful era of rejuvenation upon our precious planet.

Armed with a profound understanding of aboriginal wisdom and an unwavering determination to forge new paths, I embarked on a noble mission to create Aboriginal curriculum that would empower future generations. Through the prism of education, I aimed to impart the teachings of our ancestors and facilitate the blooming of young minds as guardians of our fragile environment. The seeds of my vision took root as I developed aboriginal curriculum for three distinct indigenous nations, fueling the aspirations of countless children and stretching the horizons of possibility.

Yet, the time has now come, resolute like the crescendo of a symphony, to elevate this mission to uncharted heights with the dawn of the Little Beekeepers Academy. With an indomitable spirit and resounding conviction, we set forth on a bold endeavor to empower schools in their quest to revitalise and reforest our precious lands. Our guiding principle lies in the sacred Queendom of bees, for it is within their realm that we discover the secrets to restoring balance and nurturing the flourishing of both trees and herbal crops.

With honeyed words and fervent passion, we embark on this educational odyssey, offering children a gateway to the mesmerizing world of bees. Through tireless teaching and experiential learning, we instill within them an intimate understanding of the intricate workings of the bee colonies, foraging patterns, and the perpetuation of imperative ecological processes. By cultivating a deep reverence for these tiny, miraculous creatures, we aspire to instigate a profound shift in the collective consciousness, unlocking a new era of stewardship and sustainability.

From the moment young students cross our threshold, they are enveloped by a sense of awe and enchantment. In the heart of our academy lies an apiary, where wooden hives reside as bustling centers of activity. Under the watchful gaze of our experienced beekeepers, the children, armed with natural curiosity and a perpetually growing knowledge base, engage in the intricate dance of apiarian stewardship. With perfect balance, they channel their empathetic spirits, gently tending to the needs of the bees, fostering harmony within these bustling colonies.

Through a meticulously crafted curriculum, we bestow upon our young scholars the heritage, wisdom, and Aboriginal practices that have flourished for countless generations. Together, we explore the ancient ways of the Aboriginal peoples, immersing ourselves in their deep reverence for the natural world, their profound understanding of interconnectedness, and their time-honored traditions of sustainable practices. Through storytelling, dance, music, and art, we mold the vibrant tapestry of Aboriginal culture, weaving it seamlessly into the fabric of their education. from the indigenous cultures and infuse their wisdom into our educational systems and scientific pursuits, as this inclusive approach will invariably lead us towards a brighter and more enlightened world.

Founder's Background

Our Team Members

Daniel Williams

Daniela Williams: Healing through Beekeeping and Herbal Wisdom

Daniela Williams has had a remarkable journey in the world of healing. From the tender age of 10, she embarked on a beekeeping adventure that would shape her life and lead her down a path of herbal wisdom. Learning the craft from both of her parents, Daniela developed a deep connection with bees and their extraordinary ability to create something truly special.

At age 16, Daniela made a bold decision to shift her focus towards healing through herbs. She recognized the immense potential that nature held in providing solutions for various ailments and wanted to explore this untapped treasure trove of medicinal plants.

However, it wasn't until Daniela started connecting the dots between medicinal plants and bees that she truly grasped the full potential of her discoveries. She observed a profound link between the two, realizing that bees played a vital role in the pollination process of these plants. The significance of bees using the blossoms of these plants for nectar became apparent to her. She saw it as the perfect symbiotic relationship between nature and healing.

This realization propelled Daniela towards advocating for a holistic approach to healing, one that beautifully intertwined the benefits of medicinal plants and beekeeping. She understood the interconnectedness of the natural world and recognized the essential role that bees played in creating healing honey, a true gift for those seeking holistic remedies.

In her quest for sustainable living, Daniela committed herself to practicing sustainable habits in both herbalism and beekeeping. She aimed to create a synergy between nature's healing properties and the thriving bee community. By nurturing the bees and ensuring that they had a safe and healthy environment, Daniela knew that she was not only benefiting the natural world but also preserving ancient knowledge that needed to be passed on to future generations.

In a world that often seeks quick fixes and artificial remedies, Daniela Williams reminds us of the importance of tapping into the wisdom of nature. Her journey serves as a reminder that the answers to our most pressing health issues often lie just outside our doorstep. By fostering a deep connection with the natural world and embracing the symbiotic relationship between medicinal plants and bees, we can unlock a world of healing possibilities that will benefit both ourselves and the planet we call home.

The connection between bees and medicinal plants is a marvel of nature. Bees, in their quest for nectar, unknowingly carry pollen from one flower to another, ensuring that plants continue to bloom and thrive. They absorb the healing properties of these plants while collecting nectar, ultimately transforming it into honey – a powerful substance with numerous health benefits.

Daniela's passion for herbal wisdom and beekeeping is a beacon of hope in a world that often seems disconnected from the natural world. Her commitment to sustainable practices and the preservation of ancient knowledge inspires us to reassess our own relationship with nature. Through her book, she invites us to embark on our own journey towards healing and environmental stewardship.

Daniela Williams is a pioneer, a visionary, and a healer. Her journey serves as a reminder that we are not disconnected from nature but are an integral part of it. By fostering a deep connection with the natural world, we can experience the transformative power of healing through beekeeping and herbal wisdom. Daniela's story is a call to action, urging us to embrace sustainable practices, connect with nature's wisdom, and inspire a new generation of healers and environmental stewards.

Oronde McNish

Oronde McNish: Pioneering the Path to Sustainable Beekeeping

For over four decades, spanning from 1976 to 2024, Oronde McNish has been a driving force in the world of beekeeping. His journey began as a humble bee enthusiast, and has since evolved into a lifelong commitment to promoting sustainable practices and holistic beekeeping principles. As a formal beekeeping trainer since 2010, Oronde has shared his extensive knowledge and experience with countless individuals, empowering them to become stewards of the beekeeping industry.

One of Oronde's areas of expertise lies in maximizing the potential of bee-related products. Through his training programs, he imparts valuable insights on the extraction, processing, and transformation of products such as wax, honey, bee pollen, and propolis. Oronde emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to utilizing all aspects of beekeeping, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. This not only promotes economic efficiency but also aligns with his sustainable values.

But Oronde's impact extends far beyond the realm of beekeeping. He is also a passionate advocate for organic farming practices, recognizing the interconnectedness between bees and the environment in which they thrive. In his efforts to nurture nectar-bearing trees, Oronde operates nurseries where he meticulously cultivates these vital plants. By distributing these trees to farmers, he promotes environmental sustainability on a broader scale, creating a greener and more harmonious world for both bees and humans.

Central to Oronde's philosophy is his holistic approach to agriculture. He firmly believes in the delicate balance between bees and the environment, seeing them as cohabiting partners rather than isolated entities. With this understanding, Oronde encourages responsible beekeeping practices that prioritize the well-being of the bees and the sustainability of farming methods. Through his teachings, he aims to empower others to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future, one hive at a time.

In his captivating book, Oronde chronicles his own journey as a source of inspiration for aspiring beekeepers and environmentalists alike. The book serves as a testament to the evolution of a man who dedicated his life to the harmonious coexistence of trees and bees. Through heartfelt anecdotes, Oronde illustrates not only the challenges he faced along the way but also the profound impact his advocacy, training, and farming initiatives have had on sustainable agriculture and community well-being.

Oronde's journey begins in the small town of Honeywood, where as a young boy, he often found himself captivated by the sight of bees buzzing from flower to flower. Intrigued by their intricate dance, he developed an insatiable curiosity about the role of bees in our ecosystem. This curiosity propelled him to study beekeeping, and he soon found himself immersed in a world that would shape his life's purpose.

As Oronde delved deeper into his studies, he quickly realized that traditional beekeeping practices did not align with his long-term vision of sustainability. Many beekeepers harvested honey and neglected the other valuable resources that bees provide, such as wax and propolis. Determined to make a difference, Oronde embarked on a mission to transform the industry by emphasizing the importance of utilizing every aspect of beekeeping. This approach, he believed, would not only maximize economic returns but also minimize waste and promote a healthier ecosystem.

In 2010, Oronde became a formal beekeeping trainer, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with aspiring beekeepers. His workshops and seminars quickly gained popularity, attracting individuals from all walks of life who were eager to learn from his expertise. Through his engaging teaching style and real-life anecdotes, Oronde made complex concepts accessible, ensuring that his students understood not only the "what" but also the "why" behind sustainable beekeeping practices.

One of Oronde's key areas of focus is value addition, where he trains individuals in maximizing the potential of bee-related products. From conducting workshops on honey extraction to demonstrating the process of creating beeswax candles, Oronde imparts a wealth of practical skills to his students. Through hands-on learning, he ensures that they not only grasp the technical aspects of processing and transforming bee products but also appreciate the tremendous value that lies within each hive.

Advocacy plays a significant role in Oronde's work, and he is a staunch supporter of organic farming practices. Recognizing the detrimental impact of conventional agriculture on both bees and the environment, Oronde has made it his mission to nurture nectar-bearing trees in his nurseries. These trees provide essential forage for bees, ensuring that they have a diverse and abundant food source throughout the year. By distributing these trees to farmers, Oronde has effectively expanded the reach of his environmental initiatives, promoting sustainability on a broader scale.

Through his comprehensive approach to beekeeping and agriculture, Oronde aims to empower individuals to become agents of change in their own communities. By instilling a deep understanding of the delicate balance that exists between bees, trees, and the environment, he encourages responsible beekeeping practices that prioritize the well-being of the bees and the sustainability of farming methods. Oronde firmly believes that through collective action, we can create a greener, more sustainable future for the generations to come.