Plants are our relatives, invaluable allies in sustaining our physical, mental and spiritual well being. But the Indigenous relationship with plants has been severely disrupted by cultural appropriation, corporatization, and ecocide that violate plants’ protocols, responsibilities, and life cycles. In the face of these challenges, Indigenous Peoples continue to protect plant-based medicine and knowledge systems. In this session, panelists will discuss ways that cultural practices have been passed down and revitalized to uphold our sacred relationships with plants. They will share perspectives on respect, reciprocity, and responsibility whenever we grow, harvest and tend plants. Moderated by Cara Romero (Chemehuevi), Bioneers Executive Director. With: Leah Mata Fragua (Yak Tityu Tityu Yak Tiłhini); Jessie Rouse-Whipple (Illmawi Band of the Pit River Nation, Hupa, Wintu); and Brittany Burrows (Nomlaki-Wintun, Pomo).
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2026-03-28 16:45:00 | 2026-03-28 16:45:00 to 2026-03-28 18:00:00
Panelists
California Indian Artist
Leah Mata Fragua is a California Indian artist whose work has been exhibited at the UCLA Fowler and the Autry museums and is held in major museum collections. She delves in her art into environmental degradation, coastal stewardship and cultural continuity, predominantly using handmade paper and sculptural installation. Grounded in her coastal homelands, her practice centers “kin-centric” relationships between land, water, and community. Leah also serves as a Traditional Ecological Knowledge representative on the Chumash Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, contributing to marine conservation efforts rooted in Indigenous science.
Jess Rouse, of Illmawi/Pit River Nation, Wintu, Miwok and Hupa ancestry, is, among other things: the elected Cultural Representative of her band, the youngest Cultural Bearer of her tribe, a traditional ceremonial dancer, basket-maker, bear-grass weaver, sweat-lodge leader, bird whisperer, and mother of three.
Executive Director
Bioneers
Cara Romero (Chemehuevi), Executive Director and 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.
Portraiture Artist
Brittany Burrows is a self-taught portraiture artist of Nomlaki/Wintun and Pomo descent whose work primarily explores the art of hyper-realism through pencil, though she enjoys experimenting with a variety of creative mediums. Driven by a deep connection to her heritage, Brittany seeks to bring faces to life in vivid detail, understanding that her artistic talent carries a responsibility to use it in a way that uplifts and honors her community.