TribeFinder: Locating Indigenous Communities
🌍 TribeFinder
TribeFinder is a mapping tool that helps users locate the nearest tribal offices using real-time geolocation and tribal leadership data. The project began as a JavaScript class assignment and evolved into a fully redesigned React app with a clean UI and modern deployment workflow.
⚛️ TribeFinder – React Version
This React-based version of TribeFinder reimagines the original vanilla JS app with modern state management, modular components, and a more maintainable architecture.
It’s built with React, JSX, and CSS modules, and continues to use the Google Maps API along with GeoJSON data for tribal office locations. This version provides smoother user experience and a scalable foundation for future growth.
🧩 Features Added in React
- Component-based design using React hooks
- Modular service layers for API calls and geolocation
- Improved error handling and user feedback
- Live map updates via state-driven rendering
- Responsive UI with reusable components
🌍 Purpose & Next Steps
TribeFinder aims to help people locate tribal governments and offices for outreach, education, or respectful connection. The React version sets the groundwork for potential mobile adaptation with React Native or progressive enhancements.
Future goals include search history, personalized views, tribal data enrichment, and improved mobile experience.
📜 TribeFinder – Original Vanilla JS Version
TribeFinder started as a final project for an intermediate JavaScript course. It became a fully functional geolocation tool that helps users connect with nearby tribal communities using publicly available tribal office data and the Google Maps API.
This version is built with vanilla JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Webpack for module bundling. It emphasizes usability, cultural respect, and clean UI.
🎯 Key Features
- Google Maps integration with live marker placement
- ZIP code geolocation via Google Geocoding API
- Haversine formula to calculate distance
- Responsive layout with Bootstrap
- Dynamically rendered results list with tribal info
- Thoughtful color design based on the Medicine Wheel
🎨 Visual & Cultural Design
The UI draws on Indigenous symbolism, including:
- Bright yellow panels for clarity and warmth
- Medicine Wheel palette: red, black, white, yellow
- Subtle Ghost Dance art as background texture
- Logo with compass/marker + cultural symbolism
🛡️ Privacy & Purpose
This version of TribeFinder was created with a deep respect for tribal sovereignty and privacy. It only uses public-facing information and is intended to support outreach, education, and connection.
Please use it respectfully and only for its intended purpose.