Patricia Garcia is the Director of Historic Preservation and the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Ms. Garcia has over 20 years of experience as an archaeologist, preservation officer, and as an advocate of Indigenous sovereignty and stewardship of heritage resources.

As the Tribe’s THPO, Ms. Garcia is charged with preserving, protecting, and managing the cultural heritage of the Tribe. Ms. Garcia consults with a variety of local, state and federal agencies on California Environmental Quality Act review, Section 106 review, and other historic preservation laws, to reduce potential impacts to resources within the Tribe’s traditional homelands.

Garcia is a recipient of the Society for California Archaeology’s award for “Excellence in Cultural Resource Management,” a founding member of the Indigenous Archaeology Collective, has served on the executive boards of the Society for California Archaeology and the Society for American Archaeology, is a member of the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Sammy Gensaw III, a dedicated member of the Yurok Tribe, stands out as a powerful voice for the restoration and health of the Klamath River. As a cofounder of the Ancestral Guard, Sammy has committed himself to bridging the gap between indigenous youth and their ancestral traditions, particularly those rooted in the river’s rhythms. His tireless advocacy emphasizes the intertwined fates of ecological balance, cultural preservation, and sustainable economic futures. With a gift for public speaking, he’s brought the stories, challenges, and indigenous perspectives on river restoration to numerous platforms, ensuring the Yurok voice resonates in the broader environmental Discourse.

Britt Gondolfi, born and raised in Southeast Louisiana, is a law student, community organizer, future state legislature candidate, and mother. Since 2017, Britt has worked with the Bioneers Intercultural Conversation Program facilitating programming for students from Atlanta and from Bogalusa and Houma, Louisiana. While in Law School, Britt has supported the Bioneers Rights of Nature initiative by researching the intersection of tribal sovereignty and federal Indian law and facilitating workshops on the Rights of Nature at the Ho-Chunk and Mashpee Wampanoag nations.

Michael Madrigal is the current board president of the Native American Land Conservancy. He is a member of the Cahuilla Band of Indians.  He has dedicated much of his life to support efforts that protect and strengthen the traditional cultural and spiritual ties of tribal communities to their homelands. Increasing understanding of these original and ongoing relationships between Indigenous peoples and the land is key to the survivance and vitality of tribal communities.  He is honored to have learned from many tribal elders and acknowledges these elders who have dedicated their lives to keeping Indigenous wisdom vital in our communities. Michael is currently a graduate student at the University of California, Riverside, in the Native American / Ethnic Studies PhD program.

Candace Patencio Anderson is the Vice Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, having been elected March 21, 2023. She previously served as a Tribal Council Member 1996 to 2000 and in 2002.

Ms. Patencio Anderson has a deep commitment to protect the security and general welfare of the Tribe and its members.

Prior to her service as Vice Chairman of the Tribe, she served as Director of Player Development for the Tribe’s Agua Caliente Casinos for more than a decade. She also previously served on the Agua Caliente Gaming Management Commission.

While serving previously on Tribal Council, she helped establish Tribal gaming operations, working on and supporting California Proposition 5 in 1998, which allowed Tribal Indian Gaming Compacts with the State of California allowing gaming devices at tribal casinos. She was serving on Tribal Council during the construction and opening of the Tribe’s second casino, Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage.

She is a long supporter of improving access for Tribal Members to obtain higher educational goals. In addition, she currently serves on the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce Board, and is a delegate to the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Indian Gaming Association, Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations and California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA).

Ms. Patencio Anderson earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of San Diego. She was one of the first participants in the Agua Caliente Tribal Management Internship Program.

Cara Romero (Chemehuevi), Program Director of the Bioneers Indigeneity Program, previously served her Mojave-based tribe in several capacities, including as: first Executive Director at the Chemehuevi Cultural Center, a member of the tribal council, and Chair of the Chemehuevi Education Board and Chemeuevi Headstart Policy Council. Cara is also a highly accomplished photographer/artist. (bioneers.org/pages/indigeneity-program)