our planning committee

We are an Indigenous-led group of volunteers who reside in Newton, MA and surrounding areas.

Indigenous Community Liaison

Hiawatha J. Brown

He/Him/His

Hiawatha Jon Brown, an enrolled member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island and a resident of Newton. He is one of the tribe’s longest-serving Tribal Councilman who served for more than 35 years. Born to the late Mr. John Brown and the late Dr. Ella Sekatuau, Medicine Woman, Linguistic Specialist of Algic and Late Algonquin Woodland Narragansett Language, Hiawatha was raised with a deep respect for Narragansett culture.

Founder, Indigenous Community Liaison

Dr. Darlene Flores

She/Her/Hers

Dr. Darlene Flores is a traditional Medicine Keeper for her Taino Higuayagua Caribbean Tribe and facilitates groups in such ceremonial practices. She is also a highly decorated U.S. Veteran for her participation in the War in Iraq where she was a Human Intelligence Collector for Military Intel. Dr. Flores is a Newton resident and mother, and runs and owns Karaya Wellness Clinic in Brookline.

Public Relations, Social Media, & Communications Manager

Christa Rose

She/Her/Hers

Christa is a neuroscience researcher at Boston University & is interested in researching innovative, accessible, & decolonial solutions that improve mental health. Christa is passionate about creating identity-affirming counterspaces that uplift individuals who experience marginalization & oppression, especially those who are LGBTQ+, BIPOC, disabled, first-generation students, & low-income. Christa is reconnecting with her Taíno roots.

Graphic Designer

Andromeda Lisle

She/Her/Hers

Andromeda Lisle is a multi-medium artist living in Cambridge, MA with her two cats and two ferrets. She received a BS in Fine Arts from Skidmore College and focuses her creative energies on works related to indigenous animal mythos and her own multi-ethnic background consisting of Cherokee, Black, and Irish heritages. Recently she has begun painting public art murals, hoping to further preserve and educate about the cultural importance of animals.

Development Manager

Idony Lisle

She/Her/Hers

Bio coming soon

Community Organization Liaison

Position Open

Apply here!

IPDN Ceremonial Celebration Event Manager

Position Open

Apply here!

Volunteer Coordinator

Position Open

Apply here!

Treasurer

Position Open

Apply here!

join our committee

We’re looking for a Secretary, Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator, Community Organization Liaison, & IPDN Ceremonial Celebration Event Manager to join our volunteer-run Committee!

By joining our Committee, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Connect with hundreds of Indigenous & allied community members
Be a part of a decentralized decision-making organization
Learn about Indigenous cultures and issues locally & globally
Build relationships with community organizers, activists, artists, community organizations, & more
Develop valuable skills including community engagement, social justice advocacy, event planning, creative problem-solving, communication, & more!

Visit tinyurl.com/JoinIPDN to learn more about these positions and to apply!

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Former members:

Chali'Naru Dones - Co-founder

Larry L. Fisher Jr., PhD - Member-at-Large

Council Chief Sachem - Mattakeeset Tribal Government Indigenous Cultural Advisor

Emily McMains - Treasurer

jacklyn janeksela - Public Relations and Marketing Director

Mayela "Yaoxochitl" Quesada - Graphics and Marketing

Robert "Coyokiztli" Quesada - Event Coordinator

Elisa Rodriguez - Stage Manager and Guest Liaison

Krysia L. Villón - Stage Manager and Guest Liaison

Kerry Prasad - Clerk

Vera Muñiz-Saurré - Community Organization Liaison