Vivien Vilela, Cofounder & President
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Vivien Vilela, Cofounder & President

Vivien has 10 years of experience pioneering ethical relations with Indigenous peoples across the Americas. She has played a crucial role in supporting the preservation of Indigenous cultures and global grassroots efforts to protect and restore wild spaces. Born and raised in Brazil, Vivien has dedicated her life to her spiritual studies under the mentorship of some of the most respected Indigenous elders from South, Central, and North America.

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Matzuwa Oscar, Yoreme, Cofounder & Treasurer
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Matzuwa Oscar, Yoreme, Cofounder & Treasurer

Matzuwa Oscar comes from the Yoreme people of Sinaloa, Mexico, and has been a dedicated pilgrim of the Wirikuta desert for over 20 years, learning deeply within the Wixarika tradition. Inspired by years of traditional study and collaboration with Indigenous Mexican collectives, Oscar earned his degree from the National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico City, specializing in traditional medicine. His thesis explored Peyote's medicinal and ceremonial uses, intending to provide anthropological expertise to support historically marginalized Indigenous communities in preserving their sacred relationships with this cactus, and helping those disconnected from their cultural roots reconnect with these traditions.

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Mona Polacca, Havasupai, Hopi and Tewa, Director
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Mona Polacca, Havasupai, Hopi and Tewa, Director

Mona Polacca is of Havasupai, Hopi and Tewa lineage. She has worked to further social justice for Indigenous peoples from an early age and is an educator/facilitator on Indigenous water issues and culturally appropriate health treatments for Native Americans. She is a participant in the United Nations Permanent Forum of Indigenous Peoples Issues and has gained international recognition for her work as a founding member of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers.

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Austin G. Nunez, San Xavier District Chairman Tohono O’Odham Nation, Director
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Austin G. Nunez, San Xavier District Chairman Tohono O’Odham Nation, Director

Austin G. Nunez is the elected chairman of the San Xavier District, of the Tohono O’odham Nation, serving his eighth four-year term, having served continually since 1987, alongside his commitment as the current chairman for the Indian Land Working Group, an organization dedicated to the restoration and recovery of the native land base; and the control, use, and management of this land base by indigenous communities.

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Clara Soaring Hawk, Ramapough Lenape, Director
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Clara Soaring Hawk, Ramapough Lenape, Director

Clara Soaring Hawk is an elder of the Ramapough Lenape Nation, where she formerly served as Chief and now continues her service as an Ambassador. She is a respected spiritual advisor, public speaker, artist, activist, and teacher, sharing the traditional ways of her people. Grandmother Clara facilitates ceremonies across the United States and internationally, offering guidance at spiritual gatherings and community events.

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Angela Katragadda, Trustee
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Angela Katragadda, Trustee

Angela Katragadda is a designer, herbalist, philanthropist, and mother. She spent 10 years as a pediatric intensive care nurse at UCLA and UCSF, where she developed a deep understanding of how environmental factors affect health, particularly for children and vulnerable populations. Facing her own chronic health challenges, she began exploring the intersections of wellness, sustainable design, and traditional medicine. In 2020, Angela founded Heritage Modern Design, an eco-conscious interior design firm that prioritizes material choices supporting both human well-being and the environment.

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Laura Patterson, Trustee
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Laura Patterson, Trustee

Laura is a healer, farmer, chef, yoga instructor, and runs a healing arts studio in Truckee, CA. She runs two separate organic and biodynamic orchards and vegetable, herb, and plant medicine gardens. She teaches classes about cooking and using food as medicine. She teaches the importance of using fresh and thoughtfully grown produce, and supporting farms that use regenerative agriculture. Laura is a trustee of the Aniwa Foundation and hosts annual fundraisers to support their beautiful mission.

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