Indigenous Wisdom & Leadership

Following the ones who know the way…

Howdy folks,

I am excited to share that this Monday, Feb 17, 2025 we will welcome Miki’ala Catalfano and Jonathon Freeman of Native Roots Network to Redneck Gone Green.

A reminder that we broadcast live every Monday at 6pm Eastern, 3pm Pacific on the Democracy at Work YouTube channel. You can join the conversation and make live comments on YouTube by clicking here. You can also find recordings from past shows.

Native Roots Network (NRN) is an Indigenous-led organization based in Shasta County California, operating within the ancestral territories of the Wintu, Yana, and Pit River peoples. NRN advances Indigenous-centered pathways for recreating the just and ecologically balanced systems that thrived before the horrors of colonization. NRN serves as a nexus of traditional wisdom, cultural innovation, and cross-cultural education. They bring together culture bearers, community leaders, students, and educators to inspire and learn from one another.

Mission and Values: Advancing Indigenous-led Pathways for Just and Vibrant Communities

NRN's mission focuses on the revitalization of Native communities through the promotion of traditional knowledge and contemporary cultural practices. The organization emphasizes the importance of Indigenous-led initiatives in fostering community resilience and well-being. By centering Indigenous perspectives, NRN aims to create pathways that are both just and vibrant, ensuring that cultural practices are preserved and adapted for future generations.

Cultural Revitalization and Education

A core component of NRN's work involves cultural revitalization efforts that support both individual and community well-being. This includes programs and initiatives that encourage the practice and transmission of traditional arts, languages, and ceremonies. By facilitating cross-cultural education, NRN provides platforms for Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals to engage in meaningful exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Land Back

A significant part of Native Roots Network’s work is focused on the Land Back movement, which seeks to return Indigenous lands to their rightful stewards. NRN is actively engaged in efforts to reclaim, protect, and steward ancestral lands in Northern California. Through advocacy, partnerships, and legal strategies, the organization works to secure land for cultural preservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable community use. Their planned resilience center in Bella Vista is one step in this broader effort, ensuring Indigenous communities have access to land for ceremonies, education, and emergency response. By reclaiming land, NRN strengthens Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.

To see their latest Land Back initiative click here:

Acornomics

Native Roots Network embraces Acornomics, an Indigenous economic model inspired by traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable resource management. Rooted in the cultural and economic practices of California Native peoples, Acornomics prioritizes land stewardship, reciprocal economies, and community resilience over extractive capitalism. It draws from traditional acorn harvesting practices, which emphasize sustainable gathering, communal sharing, and ecological balance. NRN integrates these principles into their initiatives by promoting Indigenous food sovereignty, regenerative land practices, and cooperative economic structures that support long-term sustainability. Through Acornomics, NRN envisions an economic system that honors Indigenous traditions while building a just and resilient future.

Community Resilience Initiatives

In line with its commitment to community resilience, NRN is creating a resilience center to serve as a hub for the local community during emergencies such as wildfires and other natural disasters. Additionally, it will provide a dedicated space for Native American-focused cultural events, further strengthening community ties and cultural continuity.

Collaborations and Partnerships

NRN actively collaborates with various stakeholders, including other Indigenous organizations, educational institutions, and community groups. These partnerships are designed to amplify the impact of their programs and to create a broader network of support for Indigenous-led initiatives. By working together with diverse partners, NRN enhances its capacity to effect positive change within Native communities and beyond.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, NRN is focused on expanding its programs and outreach efforts to further support Indigenous cultural revitalization and community resilience. This includes developing new educational resources, increasing community engagement activities, and securing additional funding to support their initiatives. Through these efforts, NRN aims to continue serving as a vital resource for Indigenous communities in California and to inspire similar initiatives elsewhere.

Jonathon Freeman

(Afro-Indigenous Northern European descendant):

Jonathon Freeman (he, him), with over 20 years dedicated to community-based arts and culture work, is the Co-Director at Native Roots Network, an Indigenous community development organization he co-founded. His experience includes leading initiatives such as Our Story: Native Art Exhibitions, advocating for Indigenous cultural revitalization, and promoting the protection of sacred lDeganawidah-Quetzalcoatlground features roles such as Program Director of the Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples and Vice-Chair of the Board for Local Indians for Education, Inc. Before assuming his current role, Jonathon worked as the Program Officer for the Center for Cultural Innovations' AmbitioUS initiative and focused on community well-being and equity as the Community Development Coordinator within the Health Human Services Agency's Public Health Branch. Holding an M.A. in Social Justice and Community Organizing from Prescott College, a B.S. in Parks and Natural Resource Management from California State University, Chico, and an A.A. in Indigenous Studies from Deganawidah-Quetzalcoatl University, he consistently applies his knowledge and dedication to the advancement of Indigenous economies and social structures.

Miki'ala Catalfano

Miki'ala Catalfano, a Hāwai’i expat, is the Co-Director at Native Roots Network (NRN). She has more than 23 years experience across multiple disciplines (creative, branding, advertising, packaging and illustration, revenue and sales support) in both agency and in-house environments. She has worked in telecommunications, healthcare, museum, and visitor industries in many different leadership capacities, as a team leader or one-woman show, from startups to national organizations.