The Maize Native Collective is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2023 and maintained by local Native American’s consisting of 2 Clan Mothers & Council members.
We are dedicated to educating the general public and breaking stereotypes. We do this by presenting the traditions and societal contributions of Native Americans through song, dance, art, crafts, education and other forms of expression.
Our vision is to promote awareness, give a safe place for Native/Indigenous people to belong, and contribute to other Indigenous organizations with the purpose to build and sustain our culture for future generations.
Principle Clan Mother – Mary Goodfeathers
Mary Goodfeathers is a Mescalero Apache, born in Texas and raised in California. As a native traditionalist and ceremonialist, she embodies the matrilineal role, gifts, and duties that have been endowed to her by the great spirit. Her matriarchal gifts and connection to the spiritual world allow her to promote and facilitate cultural teachings for Indigenous people. This has included establishing the “Innergy Wellness Center” where she conducts the Sun Rays sweat lodge in Fresno, CA. She often is found sitting in sacred circles with people from various tribes.
For her commitment and good heart, Mary Goodfeathers, has been appointed Clan Mother and Elder of the Maize Native Collective. She aims to preserve the language, culture, songs, and the traditional dances for this generation, and all generations to come.
“My responsibility is to be the best ambassador for my people that I can be. I have taken an oath to hold a lifetime position. My belief is Clan Mothers and Elders have the sacred responsibility for all life, to serve and protect children, tribal members, and mother earth”.
-Mary Goodfeathers
Clan Mother – Debra Camarillo
Debra Camarillo, the daughter of Esteban Leos Camarillo and Anita Cavalho Figueroa. Her mother is Puerto Rican and carries the blood of the Taino Native Indians of the Caribbean. Her father whose family is from Zacatecas, Mexico from the Chichimeca people, and from the Comanche Nation, Ta Pilan Coatecan.
Debra has worked in the field of substance abuse and transformational healing for over 35 years, motivated by her personal experience of addiction and incarceration. She is a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor and has a MA in Theology with emphasis on Latino Leadership.
Ms. Camarillo is the Executive Director of The Latino Commission which operates in San Francisco, San Mateo and Tulare Counties of California. She has led and managed Substance Use Disorder and Dual Diagnosis Treatment facilities and has comprehensive knowledge and sensitivity to issues of diversity, LGBTQ2S, traditions, and cultural norms of the Latino population. Debra has extensive experience working with the criminal justice population and has developed cultural programming based on “La Cultura Cura” philosophy and methodology.
She is the founder of the statewide Latino conference “Strengthening the Roots” and trainer with the National Comadres Network where she promotes transformational healing for young women through Girasol, a coming of age program for girls that is based on indigenous principles. She is humbled and ever grateful to the Creator and to those on whose shoulders she stands, her partner, family and dogs.