About Tsixi Ventures

“Tsixi” [ts’ìxi (dog); IPA: /tsʼɪ̀.xi/; Phonetic Approximation: ts-IH-khee (or ts-EE-khee)] comes from the Kalapuyan language–the Native tongue of the Indigenous Peoples of Southern Oregon; more specifically, from the language of the Takelma peoples who populated the Rogue Valley for an estimated 15,000 years prior to significant White settlement and eventual displacement in the 1840s. 

Dogs were deeply rooted in traditional Takelma culture for thousands of years long before European contact. They served as hunting companions, guard animals around river encampments, and functional working animals. The dog held such a foundational place in Takelma daily vocabulary that its name, ts’ìxi, served as the root reference point when new animals were later introduced. When horses were introduced to the region during the late 18th century, the Takelma called them  Ts’ìxi-tyee, Big Dogs. 

I chose the name Tsixi for my company because it reflects several things about me. I was born and raised in the Rogue Valley; Indigenous blood runs through my veins, and Indigenous spirituality guides my heart. 

But perhaps most importantly, I believe that life without a Dog is empty, almost meaningless. I have never met a dog I did not like, and I believe there is no such thing as a “bad dog.” I like dogs better than I like most people. I say “Hi” and talk to them like a new friend when I meet a new dog. I treat my dog like a member of the family and am leery of people who don’t.

I started tis entrepreneurial journey mostly because I have a very low tolerance for bullshit. I have done the corporate agency thing; toxic managers, policies that contradict other policies, procedures designed to be inefficient. And worst of all–relying on the whims of HR and “fitting in” for a paycheck and one’s livelihood. Point out a problem and you become the problem. A system based in control and fear. Lots of bullshit and not really fitting in with my Spiritual path.

Plus I couldn’t have my dog at work with me! 

So they can all kiss my ass!