From my beginnings born to a Mescalero Apache father and Mexican mother, who began as farm laborers in the 40-50's, and resettled in San Francisco where together they developed a circle of extended famiies with people from throughout Mexico, Central & South America and the world. As a close family unit, our parent's lived in service to the community and being our brothers keeper. As a youth and then young mother, attended SF State, became involved with Alcatraz and the founding of a native-Chicano university, DQU (D-Quetzalcoatl University) which today is 40 years. I have served for the duration in service to its ideals as inspired by Richard Oakes, Mohawk leader of the Alcatraz Occupation/Indians of All Tribes/As Long As the Grass Shall Grow. Also, instituted La Raza, Native, Women studies and curriculum, publications, theatre, and numerous project for social change, youth leadership development, indigenous history and rights, global friendship circles, anti-war, in respect for our Mother Earth and All Our Relations. Also, this year we celebrated our 40th Year Commemoration of Ethnic Studies, the first year l968-2008, was the noted SFSU Strike which made the demand for a department of Ethnic Studies, and the next year 1969-2009, the Victory, the institutionalization of the Department of Ethnic Studies, a first in the nation which is strong and vital, and a model for universities across the nation.
New Mexico is the Land of Enchantment of my father and mother who joined two families, villages, honoring living in harmony. Though at times, the land is harsh, its lessons teach one to be strong in survival. Grandfather helped tame the land for the green chile, and red for tamales and chile con carne.
Where big skies, fluffy clouds, and wonderful sunsets, compliment the summer rains bringing the most clean of aroma's from the rich red soil that offers the pottery and colors for dying wool, and the paints for the artifacts made by one's hand. The gift of a wonderful double rainbow, after a good rain.
Here the paisano, known to most as the road runner, is the New Mexico official bird-- which makes its way onto our souls for holding sacred the legends of the ancestors.
The peace, harmony and respect that comes from work that happens when humanity receives the dally lessons presented from adversity, and who struggle together toward resolve: our gifts are received from the elders who have passed down the crafts of those before them, and that technology has slowly threatened by diminishing, and which we must protect from being withered away.
These, must be preserved by those who work in maintaining the respect for the knowledge and imperativeness of traditions, ethics, and the values of being one with nature, the land, and the seasons.
We use all modern technologies in restoring the gifts of the past from the traditions and gifts of wisdom of the wise ones for passing to the new generations. By all artistic and academic means necessary. Aho!
I am a teacher, communicator, theatrist, poet, writer, novelist, cultural worker, grassroots internet'worker', convenor of elders, intergenerational mentor & guide, sister, mother, great grandmother, and friend. Have several publications that have been turned into performing arts themes and integrated into theatre sketches, and yet plan developing a play on the too brief life of leader and brave warrior of the Alcatraz Occupation, Richard Oakes, with his daughter Fawn Oakes, son, Richard Jr., and widow, Annie Oakes.
Am mentor to the beloved elder, Norma Knight, Pomo, (Elders Caravan to Chiapas; respected God-mother of DQ University & 30-year member of Board of Directors.) Also, I aspire in developing a Cultural Commission that is recognized globally as the connect of Indigenous Artists, Educators, Activists, everywhere in the Four Directions, for uniting the Global family of humankind, to walk together in dignity in respect of the wise ones who have left us their gifts of knowledge. This spring, we have elected developing a Grandmothers Peace Caravan of Native Elders, for the Southwest and hopefully across the nation.
