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Mishewal Wappo & Navajo (Diné) Cultural Advisor, Bear Root Resource Center

(Disclaimer:  Although I am an enrolled member and was appointed to be the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Mishewal Wappo Tribe of Alexander Valley, which is a California-based sovereign tribal nation, and my cultural advisory role with Bear Root Resource Center is independent of the tribe and I am acting as an individual.  My personal involvement does not reflect the views of the Mishewal Wappo Tribe of Alexander Valley, and this is my own independent involvement which does not represent the official stance or policy of the Tribe.)

I currently live in Santa Rosa, California, and our ancestral land encompasses what is known as present day Sonoma and Napa Counties, which includes the areas known as Asti, Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Napa Valley, and also expands from the headwaters of the Russian River to the basin of the San Pablo Bay.  I am a mom to an amazing young and talented woman,  who I am very proud of!  I consider raising her to be one of my greatest gifts our Creator granted me to experience.  

When I was a young woman, I decided to pursue a career that would help protect our local Indigenous community, by combining our traditional educational knowledge (TEK), and decided to learn more about the responsibilities of the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), as well as other Federal, State and Local laws, regulations and policies.  I attended Santa Rosa Junior College, where I majored in Science and Anthropology, and graduated with my AS Degree. This degree has helped me to incorporate my Traditional cultural values and protect both historic and cultural artifacts, which ultimately protects the integrity our past way of living and also promotes our future existence within our community.  Our North Bay community recognizes me as having the responsibility of being a culture bearer, who is a naturalist, for being active in tribal ceremonial affairs and I enjoy collaborating with other community leaders.

I am honored to serve as a cultural advisor to the Bear Root Resource Center to uplift and support our community..  I look forward to opportunities to connect with youth and inspire our future generations.