WHO
WE ARE
DELEGATES
Jacob Johns
Jacob Johns, originating from the Akimel O'Otham and Hopi nations, serves as a community-supported organizer, working autonomously to foster significant change. His primary objective is to strategically introduce fresh paradigms to dismantle antiquated systems of oppression. Johns employs a diverse range of creative strategies to propel political transformation including participating in frontline demonstrations and orchestrating comprehensive campaigns, including the production of digital content. Johns endeavours to reawaken forgotten truths within the collective consciousness of humankind, forging a path towards a sustainable and flourishing future that we can collectively embrace.
WHAIA
Born of Ngati Kahugnunu, tribal descent, Whaia is a transcendent vocalist, alchemical performer, First Nations Multi-instrumentalist, Designer, Creative Cultural Producer and visionary Facilitator, making this woman one powerhouse mama. Blending intuitive melodies made of wood, bone, clay and stone she weaves the sonic bridge between worlds. She is an elemental voice of water and an official board member of Oceanic Global, singing for World Oceans day at the UN Headquarters in New York 2023. Moving across the country serving communities through arts, music festivals, venues and events. As a mother of 3 her sights are on the future change makers and leaving something bigger than oneself.
Mindahi Bastida
Mindahi Bastida (Otomí-Toltec) is Director of the Original Nations Program of the Fountain and until July 2020 was the Director of the Original Caretakers Program, Center for Earth Ethics, Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York (2017- ) and General Coordinator of the Otomi-Toltec Regional Council in Mexico, a caretaker of the philosophy and traditions of the Otomi-Toltec peoples, and has been an Otomi-Toltec Ritual Ceremony Officer since 1988.
He is consultant with UNESCO around Sacred Sites and Biocultural issues and for other UN programs.
Mindahi has served as a delegate to various commissions and summits on indigenous rights and sustainability, including the 1992 Earth Summit and the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD, 2002).
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SHEELAH BEARFOOT
Sheelah Bearfoot (Chiricahua Apache) is an environmental justice advocate who has had the privilege of working with and learning from dozens of grassroots organizations. After earning a degree in Genetics and Plant Biology from UC Berkeley, she worked at the Native American Health Center in San Francisco for two years as a diabetes-focused health educator before earning a Masters of Environmental Health at Hopkins, where she continued her focus on Indigenous health disparities.
She is currently an Environmental Justice program manager at Poetry for Planet and an organizer for A Wisdom Keepers Delegation.
Aya Khourshid
Aya Khourshid, from Egypt and Palestine, is an independent climate and social researcher focused on creating pathways for a just, alternative economy. As the Coordinator of the Global South Working Group within the International Degrowth Network, she advocates for economic justice, emphasizing the need for systemic economic change. She also works closely with local communities in Sinai through the RiseTogether initiative, promoting water conservation and sustainable practices. Formerly working in finance, Aya now dedicates her expertise to ensuring that financial systems serve people and the planet. She is a strong advocate for debt cancellation and the transformation of the international financial architecture.
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Rutendo Lerato Ngara
Rutendo Ngara is an African Indigenous Knowledge Systems practitioner and transdisciplinary researcher
She traverses clinical engineering, healthcare technology management, socio-economic development, mathematics, leadership and fashion design; to the interface between science, culture, cosmology and paradigms of healing. She has a passion for weaving art, science and spirituality towards healing of the Collective and restoration of the Whole.
Wanka Inti
Wanka Inti (Gerson Paredes) is the son of ancestral healers from the Wanka nation, department of Junín-Peru. He is a Member of the Great Council of the Eagle and the Condor, led by the Otomí Tolteka leader Mindahi Bastida. He is Member of the Inka Council of the Musuq Tawantinsuyu,led by the Inka Tito Q'osñipa. Is Leader of the original peoples of Tawantinsuyu-Peru and Member of the sacred Circle of wise grandmothers and Grandfathers of Mother Earth. He is Organizer of the Inti Raymi, ceremonies of Father Sun and of solar and lunar ceremonies.
He is an ancestral dream healer. He is hypnotherapist, member of the Peruvian Association of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis APHCE.
Appolinaire
OUSSOU LIO Appolinaire (OLA) is a Prince DJAKA Atawévi, High Dignitary of the Royal Court of the TÉ”linu. Writer Geographer-Naturalist, he is an expert in Community development and Jurisprudence of the land.
It works for the enhancement of endogenous knowledge, the culture of peoples and the protection of forests and sacred sites. Founder of the Nature and culture clubs, he is currently the president of the Research and Action Group for Well-being (GRABE-BENIN) and is a member of the African collective for Earth Jurisprudence.​​
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Helene Lindmark
Helene Lindmark is a respected guardian of Sámi ancestral wisdom and a diverse spiritual leader from Scandinavia's northern regions. Born in Liikavaara, Sweden, above the Arctic Circle, her heritage encompasses Sámi, Swedish, Finnish, and other northern cultures. Guided by early spiritual visions and a profound connection to nature, Helene dedicates her life to helping others reconnect with their roots, embracing the principle: "Your life belongs to you. Take it back."
As a trauma specialist and educator, Helene integrates traditional knowledge with modern healing practices, transforming trauma into strength. With expertise in healthcare, particularly psychiatry and holistic well-being, she bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary practices. A passionate advocate for environmental conservation and Indigenous rights, Helene has shared her insights at major global platforms such as COP26, COP27, COP28, and Stockholm +50.
BODHI PATIL
Bodhi Patil is a UN-recognized, award-winning GenZ ocean-climate “Solutionist” dedicated to improving the interconnectedness between Ocean Health and Human Health. He is co-creator/cofounder of Ocean Uprise and SeaDragon Studios and advises several love-based, climate smart, eco-organizations on a mission to protect our planet. He is a student leader in the BA + Masters of Management program at the University of British Columbia studying oceans, climate action, and business.​
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Jeff Ferguson
Full-time freelance photo/videographer Jeff Ferguson is a Spokane Tribal member who is a father. He has lived, worked and traveled extensively throughout the U.S and abroad.
Much of his inspiration is derived from the beauty of the Northwest, his Native heritage and from great photographers. Current issues, true-life events and the unique individuals he has met along his journey inspire his editorial and documentary work.
Although most of his work is commercial, editorial, portraiture and sports photography his true passions lie in fine art photography, documentary video, cultural preservation and raising awareness to current and ongoing issues facing Indigenous people.
Jhajayra Idalia Machoa Mendúa
Jhajayra Idalia Machoa Mendúa, from the A’I Kofan First Nation of Ecuador, is a leader in the A’I Kofan Millennium Community of Dureno, located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. As Director of Youth, Culture, and Sports on the governing council of CONFENIAE, she represents 11 nationalities and over 2,000 indigenous communities. Niece of Eduardo Mendúa, a leader assassinated in 2023, Jhajayra is committed to defending indigenous territories, cultures, and Nature. She strives to preserve her A’ingae language and heritage, continuing the fight for the survival of Amazonian peoples and their way of life for future generations.
TEAM
Sophie Shnapp
Sophie Shnapp is a transformative leader bridging policy, culture, and community to drive systemic change for a sustainable future. With over a decade of experience, including roles as an EU Commission and UNEP policy advisor, she brings deep expertise in energy and climate to various stakeholders. Throughout her career, Sophie has elevated the voice of nature and advocated for global policy change. As part of the Wisdom Keeper's Delegation, she champions impactful policies at UN Climate Conferences, emphasising the intersection of culture and community in environmental action.
Her work spans collaborations with policymakers, culture creators, indigenous peoples, and activists worldwide. She has pioneered grant-giving mechanisms with Brian Eno’s EarthPercent charity, where she serves on the Executive Committee, and founded CultureCOP 2023 alongside COP27 in Egypt.
Projects like the OVERHEATED event with Billie Eilish and consultancy for COP28 UAE, where she curated high-profile programming, reflect her commitment to cultural advocacy in climate action. As a radio and podcast host, she demystifies climate issues through accessible discussions with experts.
From policy development to cultural programming, Sophie’s work is driven by people. Her approach ensures innovative and impactful solutions, leading to a future where the planet and its inhabitants thrive together
FANNY LINDSTRÖM
Fanny is an award-winning documentery filmmaker and photographer. With unwavering determination, an imaginative way of telling stories, she elevates the voices of the people she encounters, guided by her warm compassion, creative eye and exceptional ability to connect. This talent is particularly crucial when bridging cultures, continents, and working with vulnerable or minority populations, a focus of Fanny’s work with WTYSL since 2014. Her three years of study at the experimental enterprising leadership school, Kaos Pilots, have finely honed her production, facilitation, and process skills. Currently, she is directing her own short film centered on a female indigenous reindeer herder in the north of Sweden. She is fluent in Swedish and English.
Summer is an influencer, an activist for the LatinX community. As a new member of A Wisdom Keepers Delegation Summer focuses her time as a translator for Climate Activists in the UN Conference of the Parties space. An annual gathering where international law makers discuss solutions for climate change.
In the short 8 years while belonging to LULAC she worked countless hours on emergency response projects. From 2016-2020. Gonzalez planned and organized ICE raid responses in Paris, TX, Allen, TX, & Canton, MS. She also organized humanitarian crisis relief for refugee families who were being separated at the border. Gonzalez developed relationships and implemented strategies with multiple non-profits to triage the man-made humanitarian crisis. Summer demonstrated great dedication to LULAC over the past decade; she recruited many new members in Pacific NorthWest to grow that region. In States like Washington, Oregon, and Idaho Summer has been pivotal for LULACs growth. She was appointed by President Garcia in 2021 to National Secretary. She was appointed National Treasurer in 2022 and grew to gain the respect of all LULAC members to become the twice elected LULAC National Treasurer.