Fifth World Discoveries
Flagstaff, AZ USA
“If you've ever been on white water in a rapid, there's only one way through: down. I've broken my oar, I've flipped my boat--but I've made it out OK. That's my analogy for life.”
Co-Executive Director
I foster stewardship and understanding of mother nature through outdoor guiding and youth mentorship.
I work numerous jobs including teaching college and career preparation to middle and high school students to at-risk, 1st generation college, and low income students in Northern Arizona, but I moonlight as a commercial and non-profit river guide. I help develop activities that focus on mentoring and guiding Native youth and adults to be environmentally and socially responsible using traditional tribal knowledge.
I was the first Native American woman to receive a Colorado River Guide License. Getting certified as a river guide is necessary in this work. Be passionate about learning from others and sharing your own cultural knowledge.
Here's the first step for high school students
Make a list of pros and cons for the "right" and the "left" paths in front of you in order to help you figure out your first move. You need to remember that nothing has to be forever. The more things you experience the better it will be for you.
"I'm not sure if I can do this."
Before getting my river guide license, I had never been in a boat and I had never been down in the Grand Canyon before. I had this gut feeling that I should go for it regardless of my doubts, so I did. Anything is possible!
Grew up with her grandparents on a Navajo reservation with no running water or electricity. It was really hard for me when I entered high school because I got made fun of for the way I looked, the way I talked.
I am the first in my immediate family to attend college/university. I had to learn to listen to the people around me saying that I could do it.
I am a recovering alcoholic. It became a problem for me in college, because I felt like I had to keep up with my friends. I was also in an accident that led me to drink more. I was hurting myself even more and I didn't realize it.
