Jason Williams (Huichol): Chairperson
Jason is a traditional artist and drum maker who facilitates workshops for arts and cultural organizations, and is a former Chairperson of the El Dorado County Indian Council. Jason recently worked as a Coach/Mentor for the Rites of Passage program for high risk youth, and utilizes traditional Native American healing practices in his work with youth and families.
Buie Redford ((Tsi Akim Maidu): Vice-Chair
Buie is currently a senior 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 establish the Maidu Active Cultural Center with his tribe. Buie is a member of the Ki-Lok Council and the SNA Native Youth Conservation Corps (NYCC)..
Karen Borja (Temecula/Mayan): Secretary
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 School. Karen is also a member of the Chair of the PCOE Title XII- Indian Education Parent Committee.
Rose Wood, MSW, ASCW (Miwok/Hawaiian): Treasurer
Rose has eighteen years experience working in the health and human service field, and was recently the Site Manager of the Native TANF Program in Nevada County. Rose has worked in child welfare, foster care, adoptions, and provided residential treatment for adolescents as a child and family therapist. Rose is also active in Native Hawaiian dance and cultural activities.
Jerri White Turtle (Rosebud Sioux): Member at Large
Jerri is a valued community Elder who retired from the Superior Court of California, where she was the Deputy Jury Commissioner for twenty-two years. Jerri has been actively involved with many community organizations, and serves as the Treasurer of the Auburn Big Time-Pow Wow committee. She and her husband, Sam, are having a wonderful time in their golden years.
Sheli Meylor (Osage/Cherokee): Member at Large
Sheli graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Biology and worked as a scientist at NASA in their Life Science Division and later as Group Leader in the NASA Science Internet Program. Sheli was involved in the first NASA Native American Advisory Committee that outreached to school children in the local area.
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. Anno has developed many health programs, 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.