Clint is the descendant of several important local culture bearers that include the late Laura Fish Somersal and the late Mabel McKay. He is a Native speaker of the Wappo language and he also speaks some Pomo and is himself a culture bearer with extensive Native historical knowledge, not only of Pepperwood but also of the entire region. McKay is a born naturalist with a deep understanding of plant communities and traditional Wappo methods of nurturing them. He is a gifted basket weaver and he serves on the Board of the California Indian Basket Weavers Association.  McKay is also a traditional Wappo spiritual leader and he is the headman of a traditional dance group. McKay has a Master’s Degree in Indigenous Education.

Lucy McKay is an elder and is Pomo and Northern Sierra Miwok. She has extensive cultural knowledge in the traditional practices of her tribes. She works to help Native community members understand Indigenous knowledge systems and preserve tribal traditions. She also works to increase public awareness of Native culture through educational programming.

TekTekh Gabaldon, who is Mishewal Wappo, is another valuable member of the Native Advisory Council. TekTekh is a traditional culture bearer, a naturalist, and she is active in tribal ceremonial affairs throughout the North Bay region.

Josephine was a founding member of the NAC years ago. She is an enrolled member of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians and is also Pomo and Wappo. She holds a master’s degree in Social Work and is an adjunct professor at Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University. Josephine brings a wealth of traditional knowledge as well as new ideas to keep the council moving forward.

Bio coming soon…