CHIEF ARVOL LOOKING HORSE
Arvol Looking Horse was born on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. At the age of 12, he was given the responsibility of becoming the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, the youngest ever. He is widely recognized as a chief and the spiritual leader of all three branches of the Sioux tribe. 

He is the author of White Buffalo Teachings and a guest columnist for Indian Country Today. A tireless advocate of maintaining traditional spiritual practices, Chief Looking Horse is the spiritual leader of the Big Foot Riders which memorializes the massacre of Big Foot's band at Wounded Knee. 

Chief Looking Horse's prayers have opened numerous sessions of the United Nations and his many awards include the Juliet Hollister Award from the Temple of Understanding, a Non-Governmental Organization with Consultation Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. He lives on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. He is the father of 3 children, Farin, Makas’a & Cody as well as many youth he has adopted.

Film interviews with Arol Looking Horse on spirituality, tribal history, and advice for American Indian youth are a featured part of the documentary film and DVD on the Crow Shoshone Sun Dance entitled Native Spirit: The Sun Dance Way. An illustrated book, Native Spirit: The Sun Dance Way, by Thomas Yellowtail (recorded and edited by Michael Fitzgerald), also features his counsel.

World Wisdom has prepared special video clips of Arvol Looking Horse speaking on a variety of different subjects. They can be viewed in our American Indian Resources section.

PAULA LOOKING HORSE

Paula Looking Horse in an accomplished traditional Dakota singer and artist. Her musical credits include opening for the Indigo Girls, touring Europe with Keith Secola and other notable native artists, and composing and producing her own cd, Songs of a Black Hills Woman. She has been involved in Native rights for over 40 years, organizing Wopida (Great Thank You) Ceremony in 1984 for the Sacred Pipestone Quarries in Minnesota.  The following 7 years she helped organize the Sacred Pipestone Run through all SD Reservations  to bring attention to the mass exploitation of the selling of the sacred stone aka “the blood of the people”. 
She is one of the four graduates of Red Schoolhouse (RSH) in Minnesota and a subsequent board member. RSH was the first alternative school to teach Traditional Native education curriculum - bringing forth historical truth vs. inaccurate history books in Public Schools. She brought her organizational skills to World Peace and Prayer/ Honor Sacred Sites Day in 1996 and has been a moving force in creating the events ever since. She is also the mother of eight children and many more adopted throughout her life.

MAESTRO DOMINGO DIAS PORTA & MARIA GUADALUPE ABUNDIS DE DIAS (LUPITA)

Venerable Sat. Arhat Domingo Dias Porta was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1930. Under his guidance, the Initiatic Sovereign Solar Order of Chichaan Itzaab (S.O.S.X.I.) has developed in different places in Venezuela, Mexico, the United States, Europe and Peru. He has founded and organized cultural and spiritual activities in almost all countries in the Americas, in 10 European countries, in Israel and in Morocco. He is the founder of the Association of the Solar American Indian (M.A.I.S.) Movement of Cultural Approach to the Autonomous Traditions and Peoples of the Continent. He is also the founder of “Acción por la Unidad Mundial” (A.U.M. - Action for Global Unity), a movement of International Cultural Integration to promote a culture of peace through dialogue of personal transformation, through exchange of knowledge, and joint participation in activities and programs (both on the individual and group level).

Maria Guadalupe Abundis de Dias (Lupita) has dedicated her life to the Sacred Initiatic Tradition for her own spiritual and human evolution and for the benefit of those who surround her. She graduated with a Masters Degree in primary education in 1982, and she entered the Initiatic path and became a student in the lineage of Dr. Serge Raynaud De La Ferriere In 1998. She currently works with many women’s groups and has helped organize many women’s gatherings at both the national and international levels, having lived in the United States, Mexico, and Venezuela. Lupita is a member of Insignias Aztecas, a nonprofit organization promoting and preserving the tradition and teachings of the Aztec dance. She has participated at the Shoshone-Kumiai Ghost Dance in Escondido, California and has participated in the “Magos de La Tierra” seminar with Jose Arguelles in Chile and Portland, Oregon. Lupita is currently a member of S.O.S.C.H.I. (Sovereign Solar Order of Chichen Itza), an organization promoting peace and the spiritual development of individuals for the benefit of all humanity, and L.H.A.S.S.A. (the Academy of Ancestral Wisdom).

She is the director of the Superior Course in Theurgy, an online course taught by Maestro Domingo Días Porta, and is an essential member of the organizations M.A.I.S.C. (The Movement of American Indian Solar Culture) and Accion por la Unidad Mundial (A.U.M.) / Action for Global Unity as a personal support to Maestro Domingo Dias Porta. Additionally, she is currently studying to receive a license in Gurukul Ayurveda under the direction of Dr. Ramon Gonzalez at UPTM University in Mérida, Venezuela. Lupita is happily married to Maestro Domingo Dias Porta, is the mother of 4 children, and grandmother of 2.

MAESTRO MANUEL RUFINO

Maestro Manuel Rufino is a recognized elder in the Taino tradition and World Director of M.A.I.S.C. He is a spiritual guide, gifted ceremonial leader and teacher of sacred initiatic traditions of the world. Maestro Manuel is also an artist, certified iridologist, naturo-therapist, vegetarian chef & the visionary guiding the Golden Drum community and many vegetarian restaurants including Jungle Café in Brooklyn. Guided by his teacher, Maestro Domingo Dias Porta, Maestro Manuel has been following the trails of indigenous healing arts for over 40 years. Maestro Manuel travels around the world sharing initiatic traditions, leading workshops, lectures, sweat lodges and healing rituals.
In 2010 Maestro Manuel and a number of his students opened Golden Drum as a space for sacred traditions in New York City. Founded to give voice to the worldview of Native Americans, indigenous peoples and the esoteric schools, Golden Drum features living representatives and students of these great traditions.

JOANNE SHENANDOAH

Joanne Shenandoah, Ph.D., is one of “America’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed Native American musicians of her time”, Associated Press. She is a Grammy Award winner with 3 Nominations), over 40 music awards (including 14 Native American Music awards – Hall of Fame Inductee) with music ranging from solo to full symphony and 23 recordings. She is a humanitarian, working as a peace advocate, earth justice and has captured the hearts of audiences all over the world, from North and South America, South Africa, Europe, Australia and Asia. She has received multiple awards and praise for her work to promote universal peace and understanding. She is a direct descendent of the famed “Chief Shenandoah” who is noted to have been given a “Peace Medal” by George Washington and established Hamilton College, Clinton, NY (The Oneida Academy).

TATA PEDRO CRUZ

Tata Pedro Cruz is one of the few surviving members of the Mayan Council of the Elders of Tz’utujil, which is a branch of the Maya Qui-che. “Tata Pedro,” as he is most affectionately known, is a traditional Mayan Ajq’ij and Day Keeper, and one of the principal authorities of the Council of Mayan Elders of Lake Atitlan in Guatamala. He received the title “Heart of the Lake Atitlan” K’U’XYA by his fellow Mayan Council of Elders and Tz’utujil people. Tata Pedro recognizes the interconnectedness of all people, the expanding consciousness of the planet, and the urgent need to unify our spiritual, cultural, and ethnic wisdom for the benefit of the planet and humanity. Tata Pedro is a globally recognized elder in the Mayan tradition and has traveled far and wide sharing knowledge, ceremonies, and practices. He is the interpreter of dreams for his community and a leader of the preservation and education of Mayan day keeping and fire ceremonies.

ALEX GREY AND ALLYSON GREY

The mystic paintings of Alex Grey articulate realms of psychedelic visionary consciousness, revealing interwoven energies of body and soul, love and spirit, illuminating the anatomical core of each being. Alex's visual meditations on the nature of life and consciousness, the subject of his art, have reached millions through his five books including three monographs, the exhibition and extensive reproduction of his artwork, speaking appearances including a popular TED talk, stage sets for major rock bands, video animation, and Grammy award winning album art. (( alexgrey.com ))

Allyson Grey is a painter and social sculptor. She has been Alex's creative collaborator, life partner and studio mate since 1975 after meeting in art school. Allyson's paintings represent chaos, order and secret writing, an essentialized world view symbolizing the material world, the interconnected realm of energy and light and the sacred language of creative expression. With an MFA from Tufts University, Allyson has long been an art educator, art events organizer and a muse to artists worldwide. (( allysongrey.com ))

Together the Grey's co-founded the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, (CoSM; cosm.org), a spiritual creative retreat center outside of New York City. On the forefront of a movement in which painters join musicians on stage, the Grey's have painted together live before tens of thousands of dancing young people at New York Broadway theaters, at sold-out festivals and arenas in dozens of international cities across five continents. As long-time advocates of "cognitive liberty," a growing international "sacramental culture" has embraced the Grey's as important mapmakers and spokespersons for the visionary realm. The Grey's, with their team, are currently building Entheon, a Visionary Art sanctuary in the Hudson Valley of New York.

NANA MARINA CRUZ

Nana Marina Cruz is a healer from the Tz ́utujil Tribe, and is a spiritual guide of the old traditions. She is the daughter of Tata Pedro & works not just as a healer and therapist with natural folk methods, but as a ceremonial leader of fire, tobacco, cacao and sweat lodge, and also teaches native Mayan languages.

MELAINE STONEMAN & MARYANN BEARHEELS

Melaine Stoneman (Wakinyan Ska Wi—White Lightning Women) and MaryAnn Bearheels (Ta Oyate Waste Wi—Her Good Nation Women) are Sicangu Lakotas from Rosebud, South Dakota.

“Our Lakota way of life starts with our creation stories and oral traditions that have been handed down over 500 years. We are creating awareness about our Indigenous environmental issues through our teachings of the water, buffalo, and bear teachings. Re-vitalizing our spiritual and physical being as Lakota women is vitally important to our future generations. Lakota community genetics is an overall look at how we are able to re-birth our nation utilizing our sovereignty and inherent rights to protect our ceremonies and women. We are the backbone to our nation and the umbilical cord to our earth.”

PUALANI CASE

Pualani Case, born and raised on the Island of Hawai’i surrounded by the high mountains of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai and Kohala, the fresh waters of Kohakohau and Waikoloa and the plains of Waimea. Pua’s life path and purpose has led her to become a Kumu Hula, a teacher of traditional dance and chant, and a teacher of the ways, culture and traditions of the kanaka maoli or native peoples of Hawai’i. With a degree in Hawaiian Language and culture, and a teaching degree in Social Studies, interwoven with the traditional teachings, philosophies and expectations from her kupuna or elders, Pua has integrated ‘Ike Hawai’i or Hawaiian knowledge and lessons into the public school system for over 30 years.

Pua and her ‘ohana, her family are active as spiritual and cultural leaders in and beyond their community. They are an integral part of the protocol and ceremonies for Nā Kalaiwa’a, Moku o Keawe Makali’i Voyaging Canoe, as well as for Hōkūle’a and other Pacific Island Voyages. Pua sits on various educational and cultural boards including the Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club, Waimea Community Education Hui, and MKEA, Mauna Kea Education and Awareness. Pua and her family are petitioners in the Contested Case hearing filed on behalf of Mauna Kea Mountain. As a representative of the Mauna Kea ‘Ohana Nā Kia’I Mauna, Idle No More Hawai’i Warriors Rising and Idle No More Mauna, Kea she and her family have traveled throughout the continent, to Europe and various places across the Pacific to network, support and address the issues and challenges facing sacred places and life ways of the people of HawaiʻI and beyond Hawaii. In the past two years, Pua has represented the Mauna Kea Movement in Aotearoa and in California, she is in support of the Winnemem Wintuʻs efforts to bring back the salmon to the McCloud River. She has stood on the frontlines in North Dakota at Standing Rock and Sacred Stone Camps with fellow Mauna Kea Protectors. In October, Pua has been featured at Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations in New York City for five years. This work is a one of commitment, dedication, passion and a mission to weave the relationships and strengthen the alliances with peoples everywhere for the highest good for the earth.

KUMU HULA ALI’I KAHUNA NUI EHULANI

My name is Ehulani Stephany, I am Kumu Hula (teacher of hula), Ali'i Kahuna Nui(high priestess). The name of my Halau(school) is; Halau Hula Ka Makani Hali 'Ala O Puna, which means; "The Returning Fragrant Wind of Puna" I have been teaching hula since 1991, and was blessed to studied under 14 different kumu hula, and numerous Hawaiian practioners, and na kahuna nui(high priest's). I developed my own style of hula by combining the styles, mana'o(thoughts), information, traditions, and protocol of all my na kumu(teachers). Sharing the rich and deep learning of the Hawaiian culture, along with the feeling of the true ALOHA SPIRIT.

THERESA BEAR FOX

Shekon Sewakwekon, (Greetings everyone) My name is Theresa “Bear” Fox, my Mohawk name is Kenkiohkoktha, and I am of the Wolf Clan. My Mohawk name means I am at the back of a crowd of people or I am the end of a long line of people. I have five children and I am married to Sky Fox.   My oldest is a girl and I have four boys.

I was born into a big family. There are eight boys, six girls and I am the youngest. My Mother and Father were hard working. They made sure we were always provided for. They always made sure we had a table full of food and clean clothes to wear. We didn't have a lot of money, but I didn't feel that we had to go without anything. I always felt like we were rich, because I was so happy and I always felt loved. We always looked out for one another, and at times my sisters were like my Mothers too. I try and raise my children with the same family values. I taught them to take care of each other. I taught them to respect their elders and to take pride in who they are.  I encourage them to learn our language and culture so they can teach their young ones someday. My goal is to raise good mothers and fathers.

I  live in Akwesasne, and I love our community. I especially love how our people care for one another. If someone is going through hard times, the community comes together for a fundraiser and a lot of support. I always try to do my best to help out when I can. I am part of a woman's singing group called "Kontiwennenhawi" which means Carriers of the Words. We get together once a week and we talk, laugh and learn songs. Our duties as a Singing Society are to help out in our community. We are often asked to sing for visitors or for the children in our community. We help out at fundraisers and donate money to people who are in need. We have a community fund account and we raise money by selling our CD's or by singing outside of our community. Niawen kowa, (Big thanks)

YAWA BANE HUNI KUIN

Yawa Bane is the son of a traditional chief from the Huni Kuin and advocate for the ecological heritage of his people’s native lands both domestically and internationally. Born on the Jordan River Kaxinawá Reserve, in the state of Acre, Brazil, Bane and his brother Fabiano were sent from their villages to sao paulo and rio de janeiro, in Brazil at a young age by their father to learn new knowledge of the world from the outside of the forest and represent their people in tradition, heritage and politics. Since then he completed his University studies, learned to speak portuguese fluently. And has been a representant from Huni Kuin people all over the globe.

YUBI HUNI KUIN

Yubi Huni Kuin from the Hunikuin people of Acre, Brazil. He is an Indigenous Agroflorestal Agent and Indigenous filmmaker. José has participated in indigenous film festivals in the United States, Germany, Mexico and Bolivia and his films have won the the following awards: ForumDoc Documentary Festival of Belo Horizonte -Brazil (2006); Tatu de Oro -Bahia Film Festival (2008); Tatu Plata -Bahia Film Festival (2009). He was Secretary of AMAAIAC (Association Movement of Indigenous Agroforestry Agentsof Acre) from 2002 to 2008 and Advisor for Indigenous Affairs with the Government of the State of Acre from 2011 until 2019.

TITO LA ROSA

Tito La Rosa is a descendant of Quechua Indians of the Peruvian Andes. For many years, he has been recovering and preserving, studying, and intuiting the ancestral music of Peru. He is also a Curandero de Sonido, a sound healer, who enters into an altered state to bring forth sound that elevates, allowing for healing and balance to occur. Ancient Andean wisdom teaches us that the earth was made while the creator sang, thus all beings are made of sound, rhythm, and harmony. Through his concerts, flower ceremonies, and music classes La Rosa helps reawaken our memories (memoria antigua), weaving sounds into frequencies that open the heart and encourage the spirit to soar. La Rosa has recorded with Mary Youngblood on the Silver Wave record label. His 2002 CD, “The Prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor,” was nominated for a Native American Music Award, for Best World Music Recording.

RABBI YOM TOV GLASER

Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser, born on the coast of California,  spent 12 years in the oceans and the mountains surfing  and mountainbiking while delving deep into the realms of the human/divine experience. 

In 1991, Rabbi Yom Tov moved to Jerusalem,  where he resides today with his wife and family, to pursue the Ancient paths of Jewish mysticism.  Rabbi Glaser‘s wife, Leah (mother of 8 children), is a great light for thousands of people in the world.

In year 1998, Rabbi Yom Tov was trained in the arts of hypnotherapy, in 1999 he received rabbinic ordination and in the year 2001, he founded The Possible You seminar, engaging 8000 participants in an intensive four day journey to the soul. 

KEVIN NATHANIEL

A visionary musician who, with voice and ancient Afrikan instruments, channels sound as a universal healing force. Together, breathing rhythms to the beat of our synchronized hearts, Kevin Nathaniel resonates songs of the "big picture" of love in ways that propel the soul to dance! A long-time devotee of mbira, kalimba, circle song, drum, dance, meditation, and yoga; a world-traveled music healer sharing the musical medicine of the ancient, the now, and the beyond, Kevin Nathaniel brings a fresh, deep experience of the beauty of sound.

She has taught Mindfulness at The Harvard Business School Women’s Association-New York, Fordham University-New York, Marist College-New York, Chapel Of Scared Mirrors -New York, United Nations-New York, Tibet House-New York, Rubin Museum-New York, IRIS Wellness Festival -Hong Kong and Sevayu – Ayurveda Center –Canada and University of Oxford, UK.

LEWIS BURNS

Lewis Burns is a Tubba-Gah Wiradjuri man born and living in Dubbo, NSW Australia. He has been learning about his Aboriginal culture for as long as he can remember. He continues to practice and respect these life skills each day and still learns and grows from this ancient knowledge. Lewis’ love of his heritage is evident when you speak with him, and depicted even more in his Aboriginal crafts, traditional dancing, didgeridoo performances, mural paintings and teaching. He is very dedicated to sharing what he knows with others to help keep these customs alive. Lewis paints in traditional Aboriginal and contemporary styles. He has exhibited globally and performed globally with his handcrafted didgeridoos. Each piece of Lewis’ artwork tells a story…..a story that will live on forever through the generations, as the artwork is handed down from one family to another.