Briana is CHamoru, of the Tugong clan. She is a community organizer, an environmental conservation advocate, educator, and the cofounder of the Indigenous Field Guide- a centralized online resource for individuals and organizations in the outdoor industry, which provides public education to prevent the damage of nonrenewable cultural resources, address access concerns on public and private land, and amplifies Indigenous concerns regarding cultural land resources.

Through her work with the Indigenous Field Guide, Briana has worked in partnership with national environmental conservation agencies, Indigenous led organizations, hundreds of Indigenous athletes, and Tribal nations across Turtle Island, to advocate and educate on the importance and necessity of cultural land protection.

Briana is a mother, an artist, a sponsored athlete, and the first rock climber to be inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame.

Dawn Knickerbocker (she/her/Kwe) is Anishinaabe and walks the path of service to Tribal Nations with a commitment to equity, sovereignty, and shared responsibility. An enrolled member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe from the Ottertail Pillager Band of Indians and a citizen of the White Earth Nation, Dawn centers her work on the enduring strength of her People and the belief that every community holds the power to shape its future.

As Vice President for the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Foundation, Dawn works to create transformative systems that move funding in ways that lower barriers to entry while ensuring transparency and sustainability. From designing a grant program for public arts and culture that served over a million people to building a stable funding source for Native populations and grassroots movements, her grantmaking strategies are designed to meet communities where they are and support their self-determined goals.

Dawn’s work reflects her dedication to justice and solidarity. She embraces the tradition of freedom dreaming in service to racial justice and collective liberation. A Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Award recipient, Dawn is also a published nonfiction writer, poet, columnist, and national speaker on earth and people related justice. Her words and actions bridge communities, fostering solidarity across movements to ensure no voice is left unheard.

Her career spans over two decades of experience leading national philanthropic campaigns, guiding nonprofits, and mentoring emerging leaders. Whether advocating for sovereignty in international spaces, collaborating with grassroots collectives, or addressing systemic inequities, Dawn works to ensure Tribal Nations can carry forward the teachings of their ancestors while building toward futures of resilience and opportunity.

She is currently focused on:

1) Expanding the NCAI Foundation’s role in bridging philanthropy with Tribal Nations through initiatives that prioritize trust and reciprocity.
2) Designing funding mechanisms, such as the NCAI Communities Fund, that support education, economic empowerment, and cultural protection.
3) Developing programs to illuminate leadership journeys and strengthen Tribal governance for generations to come.

Dawn’s leadership is both a responsibility and a privilege. In her role at NCAI, Board President at Urban Native Collective, and a C3 board member of Friends of the Earth. In every effort, she invites partners to join her in advancing sovereignty, mutual respect, solidarity, and the shared work of creating a future where communities flourish on their own terms.

Cate Donahue is of Anishinaabe heritage and an enrolled member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, who grew up in Cincinnati. With a background in management and entrepreneurship, Cate's journey has been defined by her commitment to making a positive impact and empowering her community. Her connection to Cincinnati runs deep, fueled by a profound reverence for its natural beauty and a genuine love for its people. Her hobbies include hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, and any opportunity to deepen her connection with the natural world.

Homer Shadowheart is of Anishinaabe/Susquehanna heritage a stand up comic with a bachelors degree in music. Homer has been a long-time board member of the Urban Native Collective since its inception and now works in the office five days a week as the Office Manager. He was the keynote speaker at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of August Osage County, where he spoke to the play’s relevance to current conditions in the Indigenous community. He has been involved in activism for years, speaking against racist mascots and petitioning for the removal of racist signage in Cincinnati. Homer lives in Cincinnati with his wife and coon hound. In addition to having the coolest last name on Earth, Homer is currently writing a sitcom.

Viktor Maco is a Quechua Mestizo filmmaker, photographer and activist. His work centers Indigenous voices and celebrates the heritage of the original inhabitants of Turtle Island and Abya Yala, offering a transformative take on what it means to be American. His background has contributed greatly to his work as a social media consultant, and his work with Indigenous collectives has deepened his belief that centering Indigenous Storytelling is an emerging frontline.

Erica Bluford is a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation, a two time graduate of Northern Kentucky University, and most recently graduated with a Masters of Business Administration with a Finance and Global Supply Chain focus. She has made a career in purchasing, has been a board member since 2020, and started acting as the board treasurer in late 2022. In her free time she likes to camp, hike, and kayak with her dog Boomer, watch Oklahoma Sooner sports, and practice her yoga and Pilates.

Sylvia Pinto is a social justice advocate with Pipil and Lenca heritage roots from El Salvador. Born and raised on unceded Tongva lands, also known as Los Angeles, CA. She holds a Master’s degree in social work and has 16 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has dedicated her career to mental health and community empowerment. Sylvia was trained as a mental health clinician at Instituto Familiar de la Raza in San Francisco, CA., with a focus on integrating traditional Indigenous healing practices with western interventions. She has extensive experience in community-based mental health settings. Her work has included supporting individuals recovering from substance abuse, advocating for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, assisting children with mental health challenges in educational environments, and working for the ACLU to help pass same sex marriage legislation in California. Previously, she worked at ShaMynds Healing Center in Sacramento, CA. as a psychedelic assisted therapy guide. Additionally, she holds certifications in nutrition for mental health, yoga, and infant massage education. Inspired by her family’s resilience during the Salvadoran civil war, Sylvia is dedicated to peace activism and Indigenous sovereignty. She aims to support other urban Natives to reconnect to and reclaim their Indigenous heritage and ancestral knowledge. Sylvia’s commitment to social change is also fueled by the teachings and wisdom imparted by her former mentor, Dr. Concha Saucedo Martinez and the work of the Chicano Psychologist, Maestro Jerry Tello.

Skye Kolealani Razon-Olds is Kanaka ‘Ōiwi (Native Hawaiian), a mom of 3, wife, community organizer, film producer, and cultural practitioner. Skye works for the Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement as the Community Engagement Coordinator. She is the Co-Founder and Director of Kanaka Climbers, a nonprofit focused on reconnecting Kānaka to culture and land through climbing while educating the outdoor community on ways to respect Hawai’i’s outdoor spaces. Skye is the Native Hawaiian Cultural Advisor to the Nā Ala Hele Trail Council, operating under the Department of Natural Resources, and is also the Co-Founder of the Indigenous Field Guide

Shane Creepingbear belongs to the Cáuigù people and is a citizen of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, where he is a federally enrolled tribal member. As the Dean of Admission at Antioch College, Shane is distinguished as the first Native American to hold this prestigious position, a testament to his leadership.

His path as a first-generation college student at Antioch has been a significant influence on his identity and societal views. Committed to fostering community growth, Shane champions equity, access, and diversity in higher education. His professional life is a reflection of his strong commitment to social justice, understanding the far-reaching impact of his contributions in the educational sphere. His own academic accomplishments at Antioch is enhanced by his master's level studies in Organizational Leadership, focusing on Higher Education.

Shane's personal life is as varied and enriching as his professional one. He has traveled to Japan, including participating in a study abroad program, which broadened his global perspective. A prominent voice in discussions about Native American experiences in higher education, Shane has led workshops on a national scale.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Shane nurtures his creative side as a DJ, artist, writer, and published essayist. He finds joy and balance in tending to his land in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he lives with his partner and five children. Shane Creepingbear's diverse career and personal pursuits highlight his deep commitment to his heritage and his unwavering dedication to contributing social justice and community.

Irene Bedard is of Inupiat and Metis heritage and is enrolled in the Native Village of Koyuk. She is renowned for her portrayal of Native American characters and her dynamic emotional depth in a diverse array of film roles. Irene's educational journey in the arts led her to The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, where she honed her skills in Musical Theatre. Her most iconic role is the voice of Pocahontas in the Disney animated feature, for which she also served as the physical model. This role, coupled with her selection as one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in 1995, underscores her significant impact on and off the screen.

Irene's acting career commenced with her role in "Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee," laying the groundwork for a series of influential parts in films such as "Smoke Signals," directed by Chris Eyre, and the Steven Spielberg executive-produced TV series "Into the West." These roles have solidified her status as a pivotal figure in portraying Indigenous narratives with authenticity and depth.

Beyond her illustrious career in the entertainment industry, Irene is the president of Sleeping Lady Films, based in Anchorage and Santa Fe, New Mexico, and co-founder of Waking Giants Productions with Thomas Denomme. Waking Giants Productions is committed to developing television and new media projects that bring positive and inspirational stories from Indian Country to a global audience.

As a fervent advocate for Indigenous rights, Irene has extended her influence to the international stage as a delegate of the American Indian Enterprise and Business Council to the United Nations. Her advocacy work spans critical issues, including the crisis of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) and the protection of sacred lands.

As a founding board member of the Urban Native Collective (UNC), Irene Bedard has been paramount in the formation of the organization's vision and work. Her dedication to leveraging her platform for the upliftment of Native communities has been crucial in advancing UNC's initiatives. Irene's leadership within the Collective and her broader advocacy efforts exemplify her commitment to promoting Indigenous voices, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation.

Irene Bedard's contributions to both the arts and the advocacy for Indigenous peoples' rights showcase her as a beacon of resilience, empowerment, and hope. Her work continues to inspire and drive meaningful change within Indigenous communities and beyond.