Mindahi Bastida
Founder & Convenor , Otomi-Toltec Guardian
Elder
Mindahi was born in Tultepec, Mexico, Mindahi. He is a Ritual Ceremony Officer of the Otomi-Toltec people. He also holds a doctorate in Rural Development and was President of the Mexican Council of Sustainable Development.
He is a tireless advocate of indigenous peoples on the world stage and was a key figure in the Earth Summit 1992 and the World Summit on Sustainable Development. As Director of the Original Nations Program at The Fountain, he called for greater harmony with nature and the protection of sacred sites- causes he continues to work hard for. Mindahi is also the author of the book Ancestors.
Rutendo Ngara
Guardian of Ancestral African Knowledge
Elder
Rutendo is South African with a Biomedical Engineering background. She synthesizes Western and Indigenous understandings of healing and consciousness. As Chair of the Credo Mutwa Foundation, she bridges science and spirituality. A sangoma master, her mission is to advance consciousness.
Rutendo's focus centers on integrating Western and Indigenous medical knowledge systems. Rutendo's work involves the harmonious convergence of scientific and indigenous perspectives, illuminating a path to a better future for all.
Masaaki Nagai
Kannagara Guardian
Elder
Masaaki is a wisdom keeper of the Kannagara tradition, with over 25 years experience as a ceremonial leader. Since the start of the century, Masaaki has engaged leaders from across the UN, multilateral institutions and faith groups, to come together to heal Mother Earth.A healer and practitioner of ancient Shintu, Masaaki’s greatest prayer is for a world of peace, harmony and healing. He has been collaborating with Mindahi Bastida on the Five Earth Mandates for the best part of a decade. Masaaki's life exemplifies the enduring power of ancestral wisdom in a shifting world, where he is a beacon of light for others.
COUNCIL OF THE EARTH ELDERS
Meet the carriers of original knowledge guiding our path
These are the Elders—respected spiritual leaders, knowledge holders, and guardians of ancestral ways—who carry the original instructions for how to live in balance with Nature. They come from diverse Nations across the planet, yet are united by a shared purpose.
Their presence is not symbolic—it is foundational. Every initiative of The Earth Elders is rooted in their guidance and lived experience.
Meet the carriers of original knowledge guiding our path.
These are the Elders—respected spiritual leaders, knowledge holders, and guardians of ancestral ways—who carry the original instructions for how to live in balance with Nature. They come from diverse Nations across the planet, yet are united by a shared purpose: to protect life, restore harmony, and pass on their teachings to future generations.
Their presence is not symbolic—it is foundational. Every initiative of The Earth Elders is rooted in their guidance and lived experience.
Cindy Dickson
Guardian of the Gwitchin
Elder
Cindy is of Gwitchin and Tlingit descent, and is committed to addressing climate change and food security in the Arctic Circle. She aided the Yukon First Nations in crafting traditional knowledge guidelines for the Northern Contaminants Program, and advocated for a global ban on pollutants like DDT and PCBs. As part of the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, she established the Elders’ Panel on Climate Change.
Cindy helped to form the Indigenous Issues Committee at the University of the Arctic. She has also sat on a National Round Table on Nature and the Economy, focusing on Arctic peoples' resilience and caribou. She is ED of the Arctic Athabaskan Council.
Ninawa Inu
Guardian of the Huni Kuin Tradition
Elder
Ninawa is a medicine man who merges traditional wisdom with modern science. As President of the Huni Kuin People's Federation of Acre since 2016, he advocates for indigenous rights and Amazon conservation. Ninawa is also General Coordinator of the Project, "Mãtsisipatã nukun yunu xarabú banakin," safeguarding his cultural heritage and promoting organic agriculture.
Despite facing challenges like illegal logging and incursions on his territories, Ninawa remains a Guardian of Huni Kui wisdom, inspiring environmentalists and indigenous activists for a better future. He is also the founder of the University of the Forest.
Emma Edelmira Aleman
Guardian of Qulla Wisdom
Elder
Grandmother Emma has dedicated her life as a social worker committed to improving the lives of women and children, and eradicating poverty and homelessness. She embodies the Qulla ethics of compassion and harmony. Beyond fighting for a fairer world, Emma is also a grassroots changemaker, and a champion of indigenous causes.
In the salt flats of Salar, she spearheads a grassroots campaign against extractavist entities, defending her ancestral territories. Grandmother Emma is a lifelong crusader who inspires everyone around her to stand up for Mother Earth and treat all others with love and compassion.
Tutu Manulele
Guardian of Kauai Wisdom
Elder
Tutu received her spiritual name and vocation later in life and has since committed her life to serving the highest good for all. Inspired by the Hawaiian principle of ‘Pono’ (righteousness), she serves her community with humility and devotion. She embodies the essence of ‘Aloha’—love for one another, the planet, and all living beings. Tutu envisions a world of peace, joy, and unity, emphasizing the shared spirit of humanity.
With a heart full of Aloha, Tutu believes in creating a world where love guides every action. She holds a space for healing, unity, and compassion. Her life story is a testament to the resilience of original peoples worldwide.
Wanka Inti
Guardian of Quechua Wisdom
Elder
Wanka is a spiritual authority in the Inca Council and a Kuraka of the Wanka nation, dedicated to upholding his people's values. As a Chaski Willaq, he is a messenger of the Circle of Wise Grandmothers and Grandfathers of Mother Earth, and a bridge between generations, guiding young leaders. Wanka is a guardian of sacred sites, including Waka Ychsma-Maranga, and holds a key role in the Inti Raymi ceremonies.
A practicing dentist and academic, Wanka teaches hypnotherapy and is a healer of dreams. Wanka’s journey embodies Quechua culture, guiding future generations through his roles as academic, teacher, guardian, messenger, healer, and advocate.
Shane Cobb-Adams
Kauai
Elder
Shane is known for designing leading educational programs, community initiatives with businesses and community programs working with private foundations, developers, health care systems, tribal corporations, trusts, universities, and charter schools in Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S.
Shane is a specialist in regenerative land use and homesteading, designing lot plans, clearing and site work in watershed and sensitive ecosystems, home construction, innovation and technology driven projects. Shane is a practitioner of several native Hawaiian healing arts including La’au Lapa’au, Lomilomi, and La’au Kahea. He resides on the island of Kauai, Moku of Koolau, Ahupua’a of Anahola, Ili of Olelokana.
Francisca Calfin
Medicine Woman of the Mapuche
Elder
Grandmother Panchita, as she is known, has been a Medicine Woman of the Mapuche tradition since a young age. She is President of the Indigenous Association in Chile, and advocates for Mapuche rights and cultural recognition.
Beyond her community, she plays a leading role in Desarrollo Intercultural Chile. Globally, she speaks at forums like COP, addressing the issues of indigenous peoples, conservation and cultural resilience. Panchita envisions a future where the Mapuche traditions and our rich biocultural heritage have been safeguarded for future generations.
Imish Kuj
Guardian of Mayan Calendar and Medicine
Elder
A healer from youth, Imish carries the ancestral teachings of medicinal plants passed down from his grandparents. At 39, he is a guardian of Mayan wisdom, gathering wisdom from all over Mexico. Representing Pachamama, Imish carries a rich cultural heritage. His mission is the well-being of all of life. Imish has been creating his own House of Original Thought in Mexico.Through ceremonies and guidance, he sows seeds of wisdom, fostering unity and harmony. Imish's legacy embodies deep reverence for ancestral roots. His commitment to service ensures the flames of Mayan wisdom endure, illuminating a path of profound connection and healing for future generations.
Mamo Manuel Coronado
Guardian of Kogi Wisdom
Advisor
Mamo Manuel is a spiritual leader of the Kogi peoples, embodying the wisdom of a tradition passed down through many generations. As a key voice in the ALUNA film, he called for action to protect Mother Earth from imminent collapse.
Mamo Manuel serves as a guiding light, holding space not just for the Kogi but for all of humanity. Mamo Manuel’s teachings instill a profound sense of responsibility for the Earth's well-being, honoring the delicate balance of existence.He advocates for unity and collective action, urging others to act as guardians of the fragile web of life.
Teresa de Jesus Quizhpe
Guardian of Kichwa Wisdom
Advisor
Teresa is a dedicated guardian of Kichwa traditions. Her agroecological farming practices embody ancestral wisdom. As an artisan, Teresa weaves intricate patterns, preserving the stories of the Saraguro people through traditional fabric-making. As a believer in the power of food as medicine, she is a master at blending traditional ingredients with medicinal properties.
At the Chaqra Chimborazo Achachila, Teresa has been establishing her own Kichwa House of Original Thought, safeguarding seeds and traditional knowledge, to ensure the prosperity of future generations.
Because of the tireless efforts of Teresa, thousands of years of ancestral know-how and nutritional medicine are being preserved.
Advisor
Puma Qero Pomaquero Minta
Wisdom Keeper of Puruha Kichwa Wisdom
Advisor
Puma Qero is deeply connected to the Andean landscape, exploring the Chimborazo Achachila, and researching and promoting traditional Andean food growing, local agro-ecology, and ancestral textiles. As a professor at the Jatun Yachay Wasi Higher Technological Institute, Puma Qero is focused on empowering youth with Kichwa traditional knowledge.
A member of the Intipaq Churikuna solar brotherhood, he works to promote indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage all over the world.Puma Qero's has committed his life to empowering the next generations with traditional knowledge and wisdom and fostering a world where our connection to Mother Earth is vital.
Advisor
Armando Robles Contreras
Wisdom Keeper of the Otomi-Toltec
Advisor
Armando is a devoted guardian of xiuhnantécatl volcano and the lagoon it overlooks, and is a key guardian of the Otomi-Toltec traditions and heritage. His peoples inhabit the central Mexican Plateau (Altiplano) region. He has traveled Mexico, North America, and Japan in order to share his wisdom, and to protect other sacred sites.
As guardian of the fire in the Otomí tradition, Armando holds Temazcal ceremonies, connecting others to the loving embrace of Mother Earth. As a respected elder in San Pedro Tultepec, he ensures the flame of Otomi-Toltec wisdom endures for future generations, with a deep reverence for his traditions and a devotion to Mother Earth.
Advisor
Jorge Garcia
Wisdom Keeper of the Mexika
Advisor
Jorge is a member of the Red Wolf Clan and the Hermandad de Danza Azteca-Chichimeca de Conquista. He is a guardian of Mexika wisdom. As the co-founder of Earth Timekeepers, he works to preserve ancient cosmogonical knowledge and ancestral calendars. At the La Plazita Institute, he inspires young people to be social entrepreneurs grounded in their ancestral traditions and values.
He also leads the Center for Social Sustainable Systems (CESOSS), a non-profit research and learning center in Albuquerque's Atrisco community.
Jorge’s mission is about inspiring the next generation to embrace their cultural identity, and empowering community-driven change.
Narciso Coronado Vacuna
Representative of Mamo Manuel
Advisor
Narciso Coronado Vacuna, rooted in Kogi culture, serves as a bridge between his heritage and the modern world. Fluent in Spanish and having graduated as a nurse,he combines traditional wisdom with an ability to navigate the modern world.
Accompanying his father, Mamo Manuel Coronado Simongama, in his sacred work and travels, Narciso preserves Kogi traditions, fostering a deep connection with ancestral wisdom. His commitment to his mission means that the wisdom of the kogis and their reverence for the Earth is shared with a broad audience. Narciso also ensures that the voice of future generations is represented.