Jason Williams (Huichol): Chairperson
Jason is a traditional artist/drum maker who teaches workshops for arts and cultural organizations, and is a former Chairperson of the El Dorado County Indian Council. Jason works as a Coach/Mentor for the Rites of Passage residential program for high risk youth, and utilizes traditional Native American healing practices in his work with youth and families in the Native community.
Karen Borja (Temecula/Mayan): Vice-Chair
Karen has ten years of experience working with foster youth, youth on probation, and families in the welfare system, with Placer County Peer Court, Whole Person Learning, Independent Learning Program, and the United Auburn Indian Community. Karen has also served as the Secretary of the Auburn Big Time-Pow Wow Committee.
Laura Larson (Sioux): Secretary
Laura is currently a Case Manager for the Placer Native TANF Program administered by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, and was previously a Community Coordinator for this program. Laura is a descendant of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and was born and raised in Placer County attending local schools and participating in the Indian Education programs as a student.
Rose Wood, MSW, ASCW (Miwok/Hawaiian): Treasurer
Rose has eighteen years experience working in the health and human service field, and is the Site Manager of the Native TANF Program in Nevada County. Rose has worked in child welfare, foster care, adoptions, group homes and provided residential treatment for adolescents as a child and family therapist. Rose is also active in Native Hawaiian dance and cultural activities.
Buie Redford (Tsi Akim Maidu): Youth Member
Buie is currently a student at Rocklin High School and is a youth representative for the Native Alliance. Buie has been active throughout his life in cultural activities, helping to host Indigenous People’s Day and to establish the Maidu Active Cultural Center with his tribe. Buie also shares his experiences as a special education student by speaking at awareness training and workshops.
Anno Nakai (Saami): Executive Director
Anno is a community health advisor who has over fifteen years experience providing capacity building assistance to Native health, education, and cultural organizations. Formerly the Deputy Director of the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center, Anno has developed health programming, publications, and social marketing campaigns. Anno is also a traditional singer and storyteller, and is active with local health, education and cultural organizations.
The Sierra Native Alliance is recruiting new members to serve on our 7-member board. Potential members must be an active member of a Native community in Placer, El Dorado and Nevada counties. We are currently looking to recruit members with expertise in fund development, fiscal management, human resources management and non-profit law.