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Zaagi'idiwin was founded by Taylor Miller, whose passion for transforming how we understand human systems is rooted in relationship, reciprocity, and respect for the natural world.
Taylor is a direct descendant of the Anishinaabe people from the Great Lakes region, and their Indigenous background shapes the foundation and perspective of Zaagi'idiwin.
Taylor spent much of their life living with chronic health challenges that left them feeling disconnected from both themselves and the world around them. They experienced a condition where overwhelming anxiety could become so severe that it caused them to lose consciousness. For years, life was centered on simply getting through each day instead of truly living.
Everything changed when Taylor began reconnecting with their Indigenous culture and learning about traditional plant medicine. Through these teachings, they found healing, a renewed sense of identity, and a deeper understanding of their purpose. This journey transformed not only their health but also the direction of their life. Inspired by this transformation, Taylor chose to leave behind the comfortable career and life they had built in Minneapolis and return home to the White Earth Reservation. There, they dedicated themselves to learning directly from the land by growing their own food, foraging, hunting, and developing traditional skills that led them toward food sovereignty. What started as a personal journey of healing grew into a lifelong commitment to helping others reconnect with the land and strengthen their relationship with the place they call home.
Taylor graduated from the University of Minnesota Morris with a degree in environmental education and a specialization in business management. After graduation, they intentionally pursued seasonal and hands-on work that would provide the experience needed to build a strong foundation for Zaagi'idwin.
Throughout those years, Taylor worked for an Indigenous nonprofit, helping strengthen community initiatives. They also helped families understand the benefits of solar energy and assisted with installing renewable energy systems in homes across Minnesota. As a certified scuba diver, they led teams removing invasive species from Minnesota lakes to help restore native ecosystems. They also worked alongside a holistic medical practitioner, gaining a deeper appreciation for the connection between human health and the natural world.
Outside of their professional work, Taylor spent countless hours learning from Elders, studying in libraries, and immersing themselves in Indigenous teachings. These experiences shaped a philosophy rooted in the understanding that healing begins by reconnecting with the land. Taylor believes every person can build a meaningful relationship with the place where they live, regardless of where they come from.
Through Zaagi'idwin, Taylor helps people reconnect with the natural world, revive traditional ecological knowledge, and cultivate food sovereignty through education and hands on experiences. Their work encourages people to reindigenize their relationship with place by recognizing that the land is not simply something we live on but something we belong to and care for.
For Taylor, this work is more than a career. It is a lifelong commitment to living with love, reciprocity, and respect. They believe that when people restore their relationship with the land, they also restore their relationship with themselves, their communities, and future generations.
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