A knowledge keeper of historical traditional textile practices of Southeastern Woodlands people of color. Academically trained studio artist and art historian. A multi-generational natural dye practitioner, garment maker, and quilter. As a founding member of the international Seed To Runway Project, she teaches people to grow and harvest local plants and flowers for color and medicine as a way of self-healing by reconnecting with ancestral land and developing entrepreneurial skills. She is a studio artist, Pow Wow dancer, working traveler, writer, bundle binder, and storyteller who lives on the Coastal Plains of Eastern North Carolina. Carola’s blood ties represent many historical townships of the first contact Tuscarora Confederacy, and her ancestors are connected with historical events on the Outer Banks, Pamlico Sound, Fort Neyuher:uke, and Indian Woods.

Kalaya'an Mendoza [He or They/Them] is a Queer, Filipino and Hard of Hearing human rights defender, street medic and community safety & mutual protection trainer. He resides on Occupied Lenape lands, colonially known as New York City. His work is grounded in solidarity, Healing Justice and fighting for the liberation of all marginalized people. He currently serves as the Director of US Programs at Nonviolent Peaceforce. Nonviolent Peaceforce protects civilians in violent conflicts using unarmed protection strategies.

Dr. Auger is a management consultant, executive coach, researcher, social entrepreneur, and writer. She has dedicated her career to creating safe spaces that promote connection, lifelong learning, and multiple dimensions of health and resilience. Dr. Auger specializes in cultivating collaborative leadership skills vital to drawing out the full potential of individuals, organizations, and communities.  Dr. Auger’s research on the Teach-with-Stories (TWS) Method™ has received national and international recognition as a best practice for addressing health literacy and empowerment needs, and reducing health disparities among pregnant Latinas. The TWS Method incorporates popular education and behavior change principles, and is rooted in an indigenous worldview. Dr. Auger obtained a MA and PhD in Human and Organization Systems from Fielding Graduate University, and MSW from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Dr. Auger was recently appointed as the public member to BAPPI.

Darren Parry is the former Chairman of the Shoshone Nation. He is an author and storyteller. He serves on the Board of Directors for the American W. Heritage Center, PBS Utah and the Utah humanities board. He teaches and lectures all over the country to make sure that students and others hear Native American history from the perspective of the American Indian. Darren wants to make sure that the story of the Bear River Massacre and other tragic events is never forgotten. True healing takes place when you give people a voice.

Dr. Morse is a Professor and the Director of the Community Counseling Program at Russell Sage College. For over 20 years, she has conducted research with American Indian communities and examined the effects of environmental toxins on human health as well as ethics and mental health treatment. More recently, she has begun work with both American Indian and Gulf War Veteran communities for treatment of exposure to toxic chemicals. She is an enrolled member of the Akwesasne Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) people, and draws from the tribe the principles of respect, trust, and empowerment that guide her both professionally and personally.