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Chicanx & re-Indigenizing, Asesora Cultural de Bear Root Resource Center

I am the daughter of a farm worker-turned-registered nurse and a carpenter. My family is from Michoacán, México and I grew up mestiza in an immigrant, farm worker community in the Salinas  Valley. My vocation is that of a family physician and I proudly serve  the community of Vallejo, my husband’s hometown and where we moved to  in early 2023. In pursuing my career, I have had the privilege of  traveling extensively nationally and internationally, including living  in Turkey, and living in both rural and urban settings. 

My husband and I were part of the community of Yakima, Washington for three years  while I  completed my medical residency there.  It is during that time  that we immersed ourselves in a  longitudinal ethnobotany course that  was instrumental in solidifying our commitment to a life together of  re-Indigenization. I had been feeling unwell spiritually and emotionally for several years before this and had started to become aware that reconnecting to my indigenous heritage was needed to heal. Because my family has been disconnected for several generations from our Indigenous heritage, 

I find myself exploring Indigenous ways of living and healing by reconnecting with P'urhépecha culture, curanderismo, danza Mexica, and diving into Mesoamerican history anytime I  can. Incorporating lenses of respect, relationality and reciprocity  into my relationships  is important to me. Issues of social justice and  ecological stewardship  also influence me greatly. I consider myself a person of action and am  passionate about deepening my self-awareness and sense of harmony. I  practice plant-based eating and ride my bicycle  to work. In my free  time I landscape my home and explore how to grow  nutritious and  culturally relevant food. 

I am eager and honored to be asked to serve as a cultural advisor to the Bear Root Resource Center because its mission and values closely align  with mine. There are many intersectional issues in modern society affecting the health of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color and it is imperative that we collaborate and ground ourselves in  ancestral ways in order to heal. I believe this center has the potential to provide a safe space for healing, respite, and hope.  I look forward to serving as a cultural advisor.