Four Arrows (Wahinkpe Topa)-Donald Trent Jacobs, Ph.D, Ed.D
Four Arrows, whose birth name is Don Trent Jacobs (born 1946), is a contemporary author and professor known for his work on Indigenous worldviews, education, and wellness. He is a made-relative of the Oglala Medicine Horse Tiospaye, a title he received after fulfilling four Sundance vows, which led to his Lakota name, Wahinkpe Topa. He is a professor at Fielding Graduate University and was formerly the Director of Education at Oglala Lakota College.
Early life and name
Born Donald Trent Jacobs in St. Louis, Missouri.
He adopted the spiritual name Four Arrows (Wahinkpe Topa) after a spiritual journey involving the Oglala Lakota Nation.
This name was given after becoming a made-relative and completing four Sundance vows.
Academic career and contributions
Currently focused on promoting CAT-FAWN a transformative doorway to the Indigenous World View. Four Arrows frequently publishes essays, poetry and thoughts on his Substack page as well as acting as a consultant in the development of Indigenous AI.
Previously a professor in the School of Leadership Studies at Fielding Graduate University. Four Arrows served as the Director of Education at Oglala Lakota College on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Named one of 27 "visionaries in education" by the Alternative Education Resource Organization.
Has authored or edited over 20 books on Indigenous worldviews, education, and wellness.
His work often focuses on integrating Indigenous wisdom with modern challenges, advocating for a worldview that emphasizes kinship with nature.
What Thought Leaders Say About Four Arrows Offerings
"Four Arrows provides a path to the future—a path of peace—with signposts from the Indigenous worldview that recognizes our interconnectedness as members of one Earth family."
— Vandana Shiva, scholar, physicist, activist, and recipient of the Alternative Nobel Peace Prize
"Four Arrows provides a quintessential critique of how modern society’s collective departure from Indigenous consciousness has led to the wholesale exploitation of nature. He offers a compelling call to return to the Indigenous mind as a vital path for our survival."
— Greg Cajete, author of Native Science and Look to the Mountain
"With his characteristic insight, Four Arrows reminds us that our interconnectedness with all of creation is the source of the courage we need to act on behalf of Mother Earth—Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike."
— Waziyatawin, Dakota author and activist
"Four Arrows continues to open our eyes to the possibility of a new society, one rooted in the empirical wisdom of thousands of years."
— Rebecca Adamson, Founder and President of First Peoples Worldwide
"With grace and honesty, Four Arrows teaches us about our human capacities, reconnects us with ancestral wisdom, and shares traditional ways to heal ourselves. He inspires us to be fearless and rejoin the Earth community."
— Darcia Narvaez, author of Neurobiology and the Development of Human Morality and co-author of Restoring the Kinship Worldview
"Four Arrows brings us life-sustaining ways of knowing—essential for nourishment and survival."
— Bruce H. Lipton, author of The Biology of Belief
"Penetrating, fearless, and practical—Four Arrows offers a way to create a better world before it's too late."
— Thom Hartmann, syndicated talk show host and author of The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight
"Four Arrows reminds us that today’s grim prognosis for life on Earth stems from forgetting what traditional societies knew—and what surviving ones still recognize."
— Noam Chomsky, author of more than 120 books
"Four Arrows is a visionary, a dreamer, and a truth-teller. He addresses real-world problems while radiating a peaceful truth. For those willing to listen and think in new ways, he is a gentle-hearted and wise guide."
— Heidi Maston, Editor of International Journal of Science and global education consultant
"Four Arrows offers a fundamental and welcome shift in how education builds character."
— Vine Deloria Jr., author of Spirit and Reason and other seminal works/
Four Arrows links-
Four Arrows email: fourarrows73@gmail.com