In the early '80's, I volunteered at an alcohol recovery program, enriching my understanding of the deadly diseases of alcoholism and drug abuse. During this period, I was appointed as Council Chief of the then Salinan Nation (subsequently the name evolved into Salinan - Chumash Nation at the advice of our attorney) and have since, also been instrumental in many spiritual circles - often providing spiritual guidance and actively participating or officiating in Purification Ceremonies throughout California as well as in South Dakota.
In 1992, I was fortunate enough to orchestrate the first and subsequent gatherings of our people in our tribal territory which included the return of the Bear Healing Ceremony, the first in over 250 years in that location.
In June 1999 my then Chief, Joseph Ballesteros, performed a Naming Ceremony, introducing me into the Circle of Elders with an ancestral name: "Xielolixii," which cancelled out all other names I was formerly known by.
Currently I'm a member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Historic San Antonio Mission. I am also experiencing the excitement of completing my first novel and starting another, plus experimenting with poetry and prose, along with my official duties as current Chief.
I am a mother of five, a grandmother of 11, and a - great-grandmother of 3. |
