Apache, United States

Twila Cassadore (San Carlos Apache Tribe) has been working with San Carlos Apache, White Mountain Apache, and Yavapi peoples for the past 25 years, addressing health and social issues. She works on a number of community and cultural preservation projects- reconnecting the local youths with their ancestors way of life and diet, she is also a professional caterer. Twila is the founder and face of the grassroots organization “Native Mothers Against Meth.

Apache - United States

Chiffon Lark was raised in the Central Valley in California. Her father is an enrolled member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe (b.1965 Texas) and her mother (b. 1968 Arizona) is Mescalero Apache and Mexican descent.

Chiffon's Great Grandfather (b.1919 Mexico) was a peyotero and a member of the NAC (Native American Church). Her mother, and maternal Grandmother (b. 1946 Texas), raised Chiffon and taught her the ways of Sacred Earth. Being especially close with her Grandmother, Chiffon was raised to know how to grow food from the land. She learned how to use plants and other species to cultivate physical healing through indigenous food preparation and how to rely on her dreams and prayer for guidance.

Chiffon is a full time Artist/illustrator who specializes in Alcohol Ink Illustrations of Wildlife. Her volunteer work involves helping recovering addicts in her community through sponsorship and emotional support.

Apache - United States

Sam Bearpaw is Membrano Apache of New Mexico and White Mountain Apache of Arizona. He was born in New Mexico and moved to Southern California at age 5.Sam is an Actor, Public Speaker and Champion Northern Traditional and Chicken Style Powwow Dancer. He is also a lifetime ordained minister with First Nations Ministry of South Dakota. When called upon Sam performs marriages and funeral ceremonies. Sam has been on location in many areas around the USA, Europe and South America. He has been a featured dancer in music videos of Leona Lewis and the Eurythmics. Sam has been in documentaries and commercial films. Sam is also the Drum Keeper for the Kalifornia Ramblers Singers, singing at many powwows and performing at many venues.When not at work doing the many things that he is called to do you can see him Riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle around Southern California and enjoying the SoCal weather . Sam is a Vietnam Era US ARMY VETERAN; LIGHT WEAPONS SPECIALIST, supporting all the veterans.

Ashaninka - Brazil and Peru

Benki has been recognized as a leading spiritual leader from the Amazon. He comes from an Antaviari lineage in the Ashaninka culture, which means "a direct Messenger of God". Since his teenage years, Benki has embraced the struggle for the rights of his community by replanting over 2.5 million trees. In 2007, as Secretary of Environment in Acre, Brazil, he inaugurated the Yorenka Ãtame agroforestry center, where he began to rehabilitate drug and alcohol-addicted youth by teaching them to work with nature, thus bringing people and endangered animal/plant species together again. He also established the world's first eco-market, which exchanges plastic for food in Amazonia. Benki has helped many indigenous groups recover their culture, and he is a recipient of the UN Equator Prize alongside his community, Apiwtxa. More recently, he has created the Yorenka Tasorentsi Educational and Spiritual Institute to pursue his environmental and spiritual work.

Ashaninka - Brazil and Peru

Young Ashaninka leader Raine Piyãko has been accompanying his father, world-renowned spiritual and environmental leader Benki Piyãko, in his works since early childhood.

Raine began his pajé (master shaman) apprenticeship a decade ago under his father’s and grandfather’s auspices. His maternal grandfather Aricemi is also one of Benki’s teachers and one of the highest regarded Sheripiari (tobacco shaman) in the Western Amazon.

Raine is a composer of traditional Ashaninka songs and a talented musician. He is the Vice President of the healing and reforestation center, Institute Yorenka Tasorentsi, in the Brazilian Amazon.

Coming from a lineage of ‘Antaviari’ (direct messenger of God in Ashaninka culture), Raine is steeped in the most profound shamanic traditions of the Amazon.

Arhuaco - Sierra Nevada, Colombia

Mamo Atilio is an Arhuaco Mamo and comes from a family of Mamos and Zagas. He is a teacher with a deep knowledge of Sacred Materials. Sacred Materials are the natural materials they used to offer Pagamentos for Nature and the Earth. This requires an extensive knowledge of plants, animals and minerals, as well as experience in order to choose the specific material that matches the type of Pagamento or Ceremony they are performing.

Mamo Atilio is a Símuna Mamo, which means that he has the proper authorizations from the Spiritual Fathers of the Mineral kingdom to carry rocks, Tumas (Pre-Columbian, Ancestral pieces of Quartz) and all sorts of crystals in large quantities to perform Ceremonies/Pagamentos. He also has a special gift as a Counselor for couples who are having difficulties in their relationships.

Mamo Atilio is also a Spiritual lawyer and a musician who plays Ancestral Songs of the Arhuaco nation.

Coast Salish - United States

Chenoa Egawa is Coast Salish of the Lummi and S’Klallam Nations of Washington State. She is a ceremonial leader and healer; singer and composer of traditional medicine songs; storyteller and published children’s book author and illustrator; teacher of Qigong; environmental activist and speaker, and nature photographer, who enjoys witnessing sacred moments in time through her lens. Through her work, she is dedicated to bringing healing to our Mother Earth, and to people of all cultures, backgrounds and origins through the recognition of our shared experiences as human beings. One of her principal teachings today is the importance of preserving, protecting and sharing the wisdom and ways of life she has learned from her ancestors, elders and teachers that benefit the health, well-being and protection of all life on our Mother Earth. Being multicultural and multilingual, Chenoa has the ability to bridge understanding across cultures guiding us back into harmony with Nature, the Seasons and the Elements that give us life. She serves as a voice to bring Indigenous wisdom and perspectives to the world at a time when these teachings are particularly poignant reminders of our shared responsibility to live with respect and care for ourselves, one another, our planet and future generations.

Cheyenne - United States

Arrow priest and holder of the blue sky bundle of the Cheyenne.

Born in western Oklahoma, Joe David is full blood Tsitsistsas (Cheyenne). He was raised in the community known as Red Moon, Hammon, Oklahoma. Joe David has lived the traditional Cheyenne life from birth, hearing the stories of many aspects of his peoples travels through time and across the continent. He has participated in the sacrificial rites that give him great responsibility to his people. He was seated as ceremonial chief as well as earning the position of one out of sixteen sacred arrow priests and more recently, was appointed as the holder of the blue sky bundle, the second highest position in the Cheyene tribe, making him the keeper of blue skies - the one in charge of the weather and rain prayers.

Hopi/Havasupai/Tewa - United States

Mona is a Hopi Native American spiritual elder and water protector from Arizona. She has worked to further social justice for indigenous people from an early age. She is an author in the field of social sciences, has held posts of responsibility as Treasurer for her tribe, served on several committees for Indigenous Peoples within the United Nations and is widely known for her leadership in the Native American revitalization movement.

Mona has gained international recognition for her work as a founding member of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers - a group of spiritual elders, medicine women and wisdom keepers founded in 2004.

Huni Kuin - Brazil

Ninawa comes from an unbroken lineage of powerful pajés (master shamans) and musicians, he has been on the shamanic path since he was born and has undertaken the highest initiations (dietas) of the Huni Kuin, some of which lasted up to a whole year in isolation and fasting in the forest. Considered one of the greatest musicians from the forest, he captivates people with his charisma and humility and upholds the power and traditions of his ancestors through his work with the sacred medicines of the Amazon.

Huni Kuin - Brazil

Biruany Huni Kuin is a prominent spiritual leader who combines leadership, spirituality, and empowerment within her cultural context. As a representative of the Mawa Isa Keneya group, a collective of female spiritual leaders from Pinuya Village, she holds a pivotal role within her community, where she leads and oversees spiritual practices. Biruany is widely recognized for her groundbreaking achievements. She is notably the first Huni Kuin woman to lead spiritual works and engage in pioneering studies, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations. Beyond her village, Biruany's influence transcends borders. Her international travels have enabled her to mesmerize audiences with her powerful voice, which echoes the beauty, charm, and feminine force of the forest.

Huni Kuin - Brazil

Bixku Huni Kuin is a respected leader in Pinuya Village, known for his strong commitment to his community and indigenous heritage.He currently serves as the vice president of their local NGO, where he leads projects to improve the lives of local families. He also plays a key role in organizing retreats and festivals, which are important events for preserving their traditions.

With the trust and respect of both his community and elders, Bixku embodies a deep connection to the wisdom and traditions passed down through generations, rooted in his years of experience. Together with his wife Biruany, he advocates for the recognition and preservation of indigenous traditions, sharing the Huni Kuin culture and spirituality not only within Brazil but also on a global scale.

Huni Kuin - Brazil

Nawá Siã Huni Kuin is a promising young leader from Pinuya Village and a recognized indigenous musician known for composing original melodies and songs featured on digital platforms like Spotify and Bandcamp. Siã dedicates his life to the study of sacred chants and traditions of the Huni Kuin people. Over the past decade, he has journeyed through various states in Brazil and many countries across the world to share the profound wisdom of his indigenous heritage. He brings the strength, vitality and hope of the rising new generation of indigenous leaders, an inspiration to those who want to honor their ancestors and follow the path of Huni Kuin spirituality and the teachings of the elder Pajé Kupi Huni Kuin.

Japan

Zen Takai, born in Fukuoka, Japan, is the final heir to an illustrious 16-generation samurai lineage. Over decades, he has masterfully blended a vast array of ancient samurai and ninja teachings with the profound tenets of mindfulness. In embodying this harmonious fusion, zen established the zen samurai academy. At its heart lies his unique moving meditation methodology, serving as a bridge between his timeless legacy and our contemporary global culture.

Japan

Born in Toyota, Japan. Grew up in a geisha house, immerse in a traditional disciplined Japanese culture environment. From early days she learned about the way of tea, a journey into a unique blend of art, spirituality, and discipline. The ritual, known as Chado, transcends the mere act of drinking tea, embodying a meditative practice that honors harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Master Junko Takai style is more flexible and contemporary, focused on the needs of today's world, creating peaceful and joyful spaces for informal tea meditation sessions.

Japan

Rev. Hiroko Matsuda was born in Tokyo, Japan. Her father was a priest in the Shinto Buddhist tradition and influenced her early spiritual training. She came into Lakota culture in 1999 when she began her Sundance way of life, which she has been practicing ever since. Rev. Matsuda facilitates ceremonies in the Native American Church as well as the Sundance community in Japan, among many other sacred prayer services around the world along with her husband Chief Marvin Swallow. She has dedicated her life to being a peacebuilding bridge between the East and West, weaving Japanese and Lakota wisdom in service to the world. During her time living on the Rosebud reservation in South Dakota, Rev. Matsuda learned how to survive on the land without electricity or water, as well as witnessing the beauty of the Lakota teachings and traditions amongst the profound struggles of reservation life. This experience formed the initial vision for co-founding Lakota Small Farms, which she is also co-creating with her family’s food sovereignty land project in Karatsu Saga, Japan. Rev. Matsuda has a blended family of 6 children, 19 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren with her husband.

Kayapó – Brazil

Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Chief Raoni Metuktire is a leader and environmentalist. The name Raoni is associated with mystery and the power of the Kayapo people. He is internationally famous as a living symbol of the fight for the preservation of the Amazon Rainforest and indigenous culture, declared by French President Jacques Chirac. In 1989, accompanied by singer Sting, the Kayapo leader started his travels to many places around the world.

When Raoni was 15, he started wearing a labret, an ornamental disk that warriors wear on their lower lip when they want to show they are ready to die for their land. The size of the disk is gradually extended to reach its final size after 4 months.

Isolated from the rest of the world until the twentieth century, the indigenous peoples of the Xingu region have fought to orally preserve their traditions for countless generations. Raoni found ways to connect these cultures with the world while keeping appropriate stoicism, distance, and dignity. Although he meets with prominent people in many countries, he lives in a simple hut and owns nothing. The gifts he receives are always redistributed.

In September 2011, Chief Raoni was made an honorary citizen of Paris by Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoë, and received the medal of the French National Assembly from Nicolas Perruchot of France's National Assembly.

Kayapó – Brazil

Beptuk Metuktire is a young Kayapó leader, grandson of the great Chief Raoni Metuktire.

He has been appointed by Chief Raoni to lead a movement among indigenous youth. Beptuk is aware of the need to change the course of his own youth culture in order to preserve his grandfather's wisdom. Member of the Mebengokre Nyre Movement, Movement of Indigenous Youths and EngajaXingu. Beptuk holds the role of political articulator of the Mebengokre-metuktire people and makes up the Raoni Institute team, participated in the ATL - Acampamento Terra Livre (Brazilian national indigenous mobilization) in 2017, 2018 and 2019 supporting indigenous leaders in meetings with decision makers. Acted as a mobilizer at the leadership meeting in early 2020 called by Cacique Raoni Metuktire in Piaraçu village, as part of the Engaja na Amazônia program, of the Engajamundo youth network, in the region of Xingu, which strengthened the protagonism of youth in the region in activism and mobilization actions.

Kogi - Colombia

Mamo Cencio is a Kogi Mamo who is a botanist with an extensive knowledge of the native species of the Sierra. He is also a teacher of Medicinal plants for the Kogis. As a doctor of Ancestral Medicine he is constantly traveling to distant villages in Kogi territory to take care of his people. He offers his services as a doctor, priest, counselor and Spiritual leader for a large group of people who are living in a wide area of the Kogi territory in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta. He is also a musician who plays different Tayrona musical instruments and teaches his people the Ancestral songs of the Kogi Nation.

He is authorized to use the Jatuquá which is a sacred method of Divination by water.

Lakota - United States

Born and raised on the Rosebud reservation, Chief Marvin Swallow has served as ceremonial and Sundance Chief in the Lakota tradition for the past 25+ years. Chief Swallow has been an active Roadman in the Native American Church for the past 20+ years, and regularly travels worldwide to Peru, Colombia, Mexico, and Japan along with his wife Hiroko Matsuda to share their prayers and healing ways. As a gifted artist, Chief Swallow is a lifelong visionary painter. The body of his artwork explores timeless themes of the Lakota ceremonial way of life, symbolism, cosmology, and mythology, offering profound picto-poetic narratives from the deep spiritual heart of the indigenous Native American culture in its modern expression. He is the President and co-founder of Lakota Small Farms working towards food sovereignty and bison rematriation for the Lakota communities.

Māori - New Zealand

Matua is a Maori Elder (kaumatua) He is a natural counselor and mentor. He works with various levels of spiritual and emotional guidance and healing.

Matua is also a musician and teaches his own form of open eyes prayer meditation, called "Te Rakau Rangimarie” or way of the peace stick. Moving through the 7 elements/guardians of Nature, honoring the Creator and Mother Earth.

Matua’s forehead markings represent his spiritual connection with Sky Father, the nose markings represent the Breath of Life, the lips, mouth, and chin represent Sacred Jaw of Truth, both sides of his face represent his work of service to God, Ancestors, and Family.

He received these markings from the elders of his tribe, a blessing attained or his service of Love as a Master Carver and a Matua Puna... Living Spring.

Mapuche - Chile

Machi Juana was selected as a Machi (or shaman) at 12 years old, when the spirit of Machi manifested within her, although she was unable to embody this cultural role as she was suffering from a complex illness. Becoming a Machi isn’t a choice, it’s the spirits who decide in the Mapuche culture, and the spirits didn’t allow Machi Juana to rest until she fulfilled their call. It was at 36 that she started preparing for the role, leading to the years of initiation involved in becoming a Machi Maestra. This began when Chinkol Foye was planted, and her Rewe — her tutelary spirits, Lulul Wenu Machi and Txalkan Wenu Machi — were given to her. The spirits then taught her about the medicinal plants of her territory Wall-Mapu, which today is called Araucanía.

Mapuche - Chile

Machi Margarita is a Machi, a Mapuche healer. She leads healing ceremonies with her extensive knowledge of the medicinal plants from Mapuche territory that cure complex illnesses. Her Machi spirit manifested when she was a child. Her Mother, also a Machi, held ceremonies to appease her daughter’s spirit from calling her. She suffered many illnesses as a result of not beginning her initiation, so she went to Machi Juana Queupucura, who looked at her and saw the spirit that wanted to embody within her. This is when Machi Margarita began the necessary preparation, over the next four years, which culminated when her Rewe — the main symbol of all Mapuche shamans — was planted in front of her house and the name of her spirit, Txayenko Machi, was voiced.

Maya Kaqchiquel - Guatemala

Amalia is a gifted healer, naturopath and renowned spiritual leader and teacher, member of the commission of the sacred sites in Guatemala – COLUSAG, founder of the elder council Iq’B’alm, member of council of elders and political association of maya women MOLOJ, spiritual assessor of association of women KAKLA.

Nana Amalia works alongside her husband Tata Mario on healing, purification and spiritual balancing ceremonies, Maya astrology readings amongst other traditional practices and ceremonies.

Maya K’iche - Guatemala

Tata Mario is a renowned spiritual leader, naturopath, painter and talented traditional musician, he plays the marimba, drums, caracol and flute.

Founder of the council of Ajq’ijab’(spiritual guide) Iq’ B’alam and Accessor of Indigenous Townhall of Santa Lucia, Utatlan, Solola. He gives conferences about medicinal plants, Maya cosmolog y and history, identity and rights of indigenous people, he’s also a primary school teacher.

Tata Mario works alongside his wife Nana Amalia on healing, purification and spiritual balancing ceremonies, Maya astrology readings amongst other traditional rituals.

Maya K’iche - Guatamala

Spiritual guide and midwife, she works with the sacred fire and tobacco readings. She’s been elected as part of the ancestral authorities and is responsible for maintaining the order community in Solola.

Maya K’iche - Guatamala

Ixquik is a traditional Maya holistic midwife and a Timekeeper (Aj Q'ij or spiritual guide) she works with the natural medicines of her people.

Ixquik is a member of the National Council of Ajq'ijab' Mayan Spiritual Guides of Guatemala.

Hawaiian - United States

Mentored and trained by respected kūpuna (elders),

Ramsay is a practitioner and instructor of several Native Hawaiian practices: Hoʻoponopono (stress release and mediation), lomi haha (body alignment), and Kaihewalu Lua (Hawaiian combat/battle art).

Kumu Taum in 2009 was recognized and honored by the University of Hawaii as a Star of Oceania, an honor presented every three years to extraordinary individuals of Oceania for their work and service-related contributions to raising greater awareness of Oceania and its people to the nation, region, and world.

Kumu Ramsay is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for transformational leadership in sustainability, cultural, and place-based values integration into contemporary business models, Ramsay Taum advocates team building, strategic partnerships, community brilliance, and creative thinking. He is a recognized cultural resource, sought after keynote speaker, lecturer, trainer, and facilitator. He is especially effective working with Hawai‘i’s industries where he integrates Native Hawaiian cultural values and principles into contemporary business.

Diné (Navajo) - United States

Jerry Nelson is from the Diné Nation (Navajo), from Whitecone, Arizona. He has been a Native American Church Roadman for the past thirty-eight years with his wife, four children, and twelve grandkids. He is a medicine man and a counselor, helping people in his own traditional ways of prayer. He runs traditional tepee and sweat lodge ceremonies as well as spiritual doctoring work.

Diné (Navajo) - United States

Patrick Scott is a gifted spiritual leader, hat'aalii and provides Hozhooji ceremonies, Protection Way ceremonies, and Blackening ceremonies.

He was born and raised in White Mesa, Arizona. Patrick grew up primarily in the government boarding school system and mainly spoke Diné up to his senior year in high school. He began making fans while he was still in high school. Upon graduating from NAU in 1995, he decided to pursue his art full-time. Prior to that, his amazing talent and beautiful creations were well-known only to family and close friends. It didn’t take long for his art to become world renowned. Today, his creations can be found in permanent collections of major museums such as: the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, OK, the “Smithsonian Museum:” - Museum of the American Indian in New York City and Washington, D. C., as well as galleries and private collections that span the globe. He also makes ceremonial prayer fans used in many Native American ceremonies and rituals, and fans used in Pow-wows. His gourd rattles, staff sets and drumsticks are valued by the Native American community for use in their own tribal ceremonies, healing rituals and other religious purposes. He followed three different medicine people and learned their ways to become a spiritual leader, hat'aalii and provide Hozhooji ceremonies, Protection Way ceremonies, and Blackening ceremonies. Now, as a husband, father and grandfather he is helping his people of White Mesa with all of his heart by building his non-profit corporation a new endeavor for the community of White Mesa.

Quechu / Aymara - Peru

Kucho was born in Cusco and grew up in and around Machu Picchu. He has been an official tour guide for Machu Picchu for 20 years, although a better way to describe him is a “magic guide”. He’s nurtured a connection with the Sacred Master Plant Wachuma for more than 30 years, guiding people through the mystery and profound healing offered by this plant with integrity, clarity, strength, and joy. He has lived in Machu Picchu for the majority of his life and built a strong relationship with the Apus (Mountain Spirits) of the land there and other places in the Tawantinsuyo that he has visited on different spiritual pilgrimages. He practices and guides those wanting to learn through the cosmovision of the Andean people and will soon open his center Inti Wasi as a school and center for learning and exchange with other leaders and spiritual teachers from the Andes and beyond.

Ramapough Lenape - United States

Grandmother Clara Soaring Hawk is a former chief and presently Ramapough Lenape Nation ambassador.

An elder, spiritual advisor, public speaker, artist, activist and teacher of all truths as they are received from the Creator and the ancestors. Grandmother Clara has been facilitating ceremonies both nationally and internationally since 2013; at a multitude of events and spiritual gatherings. She has supported and takes an active role working with the youth.

Grandmother Clara defines herself as a spiritual ecologist. "In this time of global turmoil, we must be open to a new level of consciousness."

"I stand for the Water. I stand for the Land. I stand for the People. I RISE for the next SEVEN GENERATIONS!"

KIiloona Lunaapeewak - We are all one People

Tohono O'Odham - United States

Rupert sat with and learned from traditional medicine men from a young age through all night ceremonies. He was then educated at Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas, where he started to learn from other tribes. In 1979, Rupert met a Lakota Spiritual Man in Oregon who introduced him to the sweat lodge and to his first Sundance in Green Grass, South Dakota. From there on he continued to be connected to sweats, pow wows, sun dances, Native American Church and his tribe’s traditional ceremonies. In 1999, Rupert went with five tribes to Estonia to share his spiritual ways through the sweat lodge and tepee. Then he started to go solo to present on native spiritual teachings. Rupert has been to Estonia, Finland, Norway, Copenhagen, Poland, Germany, Switzerland and India. He continues to make his pilgrimage every year and enjoys the way of life he lives to this day.

Waurá - Brazil

Recognized as one of the greatest pajés (master shamans) of Upper Xingu alongside his wife Kapi.

As a young man, Elewoka Waurá was the greatest huka huka wrestler of his generation. But one day, as he was practicing his physical art, he fainted in the village plaza. As he was carried home, he began to see many spirits all around him. He was treated, however he did not recover. He had to immerse himself in his shamanic vocation in order to master the forces which came to him. He became an apprentice, first from his own father, then from other pajés from whom he learned how to work with the sacred tobacco in order to keep the guardian spirits with him. Then, finally, he went through a long, several month’s diet in order to master the relationship with spirits which work through him for healings. Elewoka was first guided by the Great Monkey Spirit, and more recently he has been equally guided by the Capuchin Monkey, the Anaconda and the Tapir Spirits, who all help him in his cures. Elewoka is also the chief of Ulupuene Village, which he created with his brothers and children over 15 years ago in the Upper Xingu region of Mato Grosso, in the southernmost part of the Amazon Forest in Brazil.

Waurá - Brazil

Recognized as one of the greatest pajés (master shamans) of Upper Xingu alongside her husband Eleowoká.

Kapi Waurá was a young woman when she began to suffer from a spiritual illness. She was collecting fruits in her village’s pequi orchard and a hummingbird fluttered right in front of her eyes for a long time. It was a sign she would begin to experience the spiritual illness for the first time. Her body began to ache to the point she would faint. And then, she would see many spirits all telling her what was going on with her: she was asked to follow her path as a pajé and there was no way back. She went through several diets and initiations, but then became ill again, this time even more than before. She thus learned how to smoke the sacred tobacco and sought guidance from other pajés as well as her husband, Elewoka. She then went through long diets, staying home for several months to learn from her main spirit guardians: the Jaguar and the Whirlwind Mask.

Waurá - Brazil

Yaukumã is the son of two of the greatest pajés (master shamans) of the Upper Xingu region and is their apprentice and translator. Learning from his father and mother since an early age, the deep wisdom of “double shamans” which means having the power to dream and a deep alliance with spirits of nature, as well as intimately knowing all of their sacred healing plants. Yaukumã accompanies his parents as they serve many Xingu communities, and works to preserve their culture for the next generations.

Yoeme - United States

LánéSaán Moonwalker has been an oracle, healer, spiritual teacher, and environmental guardian for more than 45 years.

Láné began her training in the healing arts at the age of 12 from members of her family who were highly skilled curanderas (traditional healers who combine Native and Catholic spiritual beliefs and practices). From her mother, she learned to work with creative expression as a doorway to spirit.

Láné is an accomplished artist, a weaver and painter, as well as a dancer and singer, and holds a degree in humanities and the visual arts from the University of Colorado. She has been a licensed minister for more than 32 years, and is a Canon in the Brigade of Light.

Láné has studied with many spiritual teachers, including artist, writer, and visionary Joseph Rael (Beautiful Painted Arrow), Eric Tao and Marian Starnes.

In 1987, she met her main teacher Tu Moonwalker, an Apache, the great great granddaughter of Cochise. Tu was the holder of this unbroken Moonwalker lineage and Láné is an acknowledged part of that it, in addition to being from an unbroken lineage herself through her Yaqui grandmother. Together Tu and Láné founded the Philosophy of Universal Beingness within the Whole. The foundation of this system is about working with nature in a sacred way.

Mayo Yoreme - Mexico

Matzuwa Oscar comes from the Yoreme people of Sinaloa, Mexico. He has been a pilgrim of Wirikuta desert for over 18 years, learning within the Wixarika tradition, he has taken the sacred oath as a Mara’akame, or spiritual leader.

Matzuwa has undergone various initiations and vision quests which also granted him the fire to run Inipis - sweat lodges.

Matzuwa is an anthropologist specialized in traditional medicine, and a traditional singer and musician.

Matzuwa's passion for culture exchange took him around the world, where he shared and learned from different indigenous communities. Inspired by his experiences, he established the Huya Aniwa Institute, dedicated to implementing sustainable land stewardship practices. Through the institute, Matzuwa continues his mission to honor and protect the Earth's natural heritage while nurturing cultural diversity and traditional knowledge.

Mayo Yoreme - Mexico

J. Salvador Valdez Armenta traditional musician, deer singer and deer dancer of the Yoreme tribe of North Sinaloa in Mexico. “Walk the red road.”

Mongolian - Mongolia

Khurelbaatar is a legend in Mongolia, known as the shaman of the shamans. He incorporates an ancestral spirit called Spark, he has 11 kinds of ethnic spirit guardians from the Xiongnu empire. A master of meditation energy and bone setting.

He is the head of council of Mongolian Shamanism as well as the group ‘The Destiny of Shaman” . Khurelbaatar is also the president of NGO ‘Undes Ugsaa” and president of Tengerleg Mongol association of shamanists of inner and outter Mongolia.

Thunghutti / Bundjalung - Australia

Warren Roberts is a proud Thunghutti and Bundjalung man focused on creating connection and unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians. He has been fortunate enough to work alongside esteemed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, who have encouraged him to reflect on the importance of respecting cultural protocols. His focus is to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build their own capacity to be self-determining by organizing within the community itself, while also creating spaces in the broader Australian society through relationships with non-Indigenous communities and organizations (including government). Warren’s community organizing is facilitated through ancient cultural practices of storytelling and yarning, which he learned from his Elders. He continues this tradition through his day to day life and YARN Australia, the organization he founded in 2007.

Wiwa - Sierra Nevada, Colombia

Zagas are the female equivalents of Mamos. They are much more than just leaders; they represent the Light in the darkness. They hold the Ancestral Wisdom for future generations.

As it is the case for most Zagas, Zaga Josefina was chosen by divination when her mother was pregnant and began her training from birth. Zaga Josefina plays an important role in her community, she is responsible to guide and educate the girls during their various rites of passage, such as a girl’s first menstruation, giving birth, etc. She is a teacher and a counselor for her community.

Zaga Josefina is a Priestess, a medicine woman, a botanist, a midwife, a massage therapist, a weaver, a storyteller, an adviser, a seer, a diviner, a musician, and an Elder. Besides her normal functions as a Priestess which includes: to officiate weddings and Baptisms as well as administer Funeral Rites, Zaga Josefina specializes in clearing the energy field of people by different means: aguarrinchi and Frailejon and preparing talismans or “seguranzas” which are power objects that will protect the person who wears them.al functions as a Priestess which includes: to officiate weddings and Baptisms as well as administer Funeral Rites, Zaga Josefina specializes in clearing the energy field of people by different means: aguarrinchi and Frailejon and preparing talismans or “seguranzas” which are power objects that will protect the person who wears them.

Wiwa - Sierra Nevada, Colombia

Mamo Sewigu Kakamukwa (Mamo Rodrigo) comes from a lineage of Mamos that goes beyond his great-great-grandfather, his family comes from the Kakamukwa lineage and there has been Mamos in his family in every single generation.

Mamo Sewigu (Mamo Rodrigo) was an educator and leader of his community before receiving his Segwa at the head of the Jerez River when being ordained as a Mamo.

Mamo Sewigu is not only a Mamo, but he was a Maestro first.

For the Tayrona, a Maestro is a weaver, a storyteller, a musician, a teacher, and is also in charge of making Sacred Objects for the community.

A Maestro is the weaver who makes the walls of the Temple and the hats the Wiwa people wear, a Maestro also makes the Carrumbo (Sacred Object: a spindle) that the young females use to spin the cotton.

Mamo Sewigu/Rodrigo was the teacher who opened the first bilingual School in 2007 inside the Reservation to teach basic Spanish and Math, as well as their Traditional Knowledge, to prevent the youngsters to leave the Reservation while preserving their Cultural Identity. He has also worked for the Colombian Public Health Department during Public Health campaigns as a nurse. His knowledge of the Tayrona languages as well as his knowledge of the Wiwa and Kogi territory in the state of Guajira enables him to act in the capacity of an intercultural bridge.

Yawanawa - Brazil

Chief Isku Kua (Biraci Jr.) is the son of Chief Nixiwaka and the chief of Aldeia Nova Esperança.

Isku Kua took the highest form initiation of the Yawanawa tribe, spending an entire year in isolation studying the natural forces in the forest.

A gifted speaker, musician and ceremonial leader, he travels around the world sharing the message, sacred songs and teachings of the forest and fighting for the preservation of indigenous cultures and the Amazon.