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About Us

The Society of Native Nations (SNN) is an organization founded by a small group of Native people in Texas with members in many states that are dedicated to advocating for our people and the earth by helping to protect and preserve our native culture, spirituality, teachings, medicine, and way of life. Each of our founding members has experience working with our people and other organizations that bring a unique set of values and perceptions to SNN. Exposure and witness to racism, appropriation, and exploitation of our way of life have compelled each of us to stand united against social and environmental injustice. Our teachings tell us that Creator tasked Native people to be the "keepers of the earth." We believe we are environmentally conscious through our DNA and because our lifeways and culture parallel the health of Mother Earth. Through ancestral memories, prayer, and determination, we strive to help bring a positive change to our people and Mother Earth.

Society of Native Nations (SNN) is a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) accredited non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to amplifying Indigenous perspectives and traditional knowledge in the global fight for environmental protection. We believe that Indigenous communities hold invaluable wisdom and solutions for addressing the climate crisis and creating a more sustainable world.

Learn more about the UN Environment Programme: https://www.unep.org

 

Mission

Society of Native Nations(SNN)-is a Non-Profit 501(C)(3) organization and was founded to fulfill the express mission of helping to protect and preserve the way of life, culture, spirituality, teachings, and medicines of the Native indigenous people of North and South America. Through awareness and education of our culture and spirituality, we believe people can better understand and respect one another to create true unity. Together we can succeed in addressing the issues we face in our Native communities, such as cultural racism, appropriation, exploitation, education, environmental issues, wildlife conservation, and the many social injustice issues that Native American people face in this world. Our goal is to bridge the gap between Native communities and unite to address the problems we face by providing the programs, events, and actions to accomplish our mission.

 

Why

First and foremost, to help bring awareness that there ARE Natives in Texas. Texas has a brutal genocidal history. In 1838 Mirabeau Lamar decreed it illegal for any “Indians” to remain in Texas. Violence and torture of Native peoples reigned for years in the colonial missions now being celebrated as world heritage sites and significant tourist attractions contributing to gentrification and further displacement of our people. We are living a colonial legacy on these lands where 95 percent of the land in Texas is privately owned. Nine ranchers own 37 percent of the land – an area larger than all but eight states. It is time for us to reclaim our connection to the land.

Federally-recognized Tribes in Texas are not from Texas (Alabama-Coushatta, Kickapoo, and Tigua). While tribes originally from these lands and/or who have been here for generations are “Non-Federally Recognized” and receive no funding or assistance.

As Natives based out of Texas, this state faces the largest wealth disparity in the USA. This city is home to many displaced tribal Native peoples facing an urban environment. We have a unique challenge of harsh realities and distractions that make it challenging to stay connected to the elders and our way of life. We lack a space to come together as different tribes to build trust in moving together for common interests and goals.

We wish to build a path of unity amongst our tribes through continuing practices such as sacred local ceremonial gatherings to bring our communities closer together. We plan to help educate local social justice organizers on how to be conscious of Native ways and land treaties to bring more Native presence and respect in various spaces, so our efforts are genuinely Native-led. All the while, training young Native leaders to step into more significant leadership roles for the community.

Natives from different tribes are being called to come together to tackle various issues locally, including cultural appropriation, racism, and stereotypes. Some local examples include children being “forced to cut their hair” to attend public schools, addressing bullying, and educating public school educators about cultural competency to stop perpetuating stereotypes by enacting “Thanksgiving day activities” such as dressing children up as “Pilgrim and Indians”;

This organization aims to bring more resources to support the younger generations. Many natives in Texas do not “consider themselves native,” and in fact, are unaware of their lineage and connection to these lands. We wish to establish connections to elders and sacred sites and while guiding and encouraging them to piece together the history masked in schools of where and how our people lived and how to continue to live these ways.

 

Who We Are

 

Frankie Orona - Executive Director
(Borrado/Tongva/Chumash) 

Frankie Is a Husband of 23 Years, a proud Father, and Executive Director of the Society of Native Nations, an intertribal nonprofit dedicated to preserving Indigenous spirituality, culture, and way of life. As an environmental liaison for his Tribal Chief, Anthony Morales of the Gabrielino Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, he tirelessly advocates for environmental justice and the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Frankie serves on numerous environmental coalition steering committees and nonprofit boards. As a member of a U.S. Environmental Justice Delegation and the Indigenous Peoples Major Group with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), he actively works on the Global Plastics Treaty and other U.N. frameworks addressing environmental concerns. His mission is to remind us that we are not separate from the environment but rather an integral part of it and that the health of both are inextricably linked. 

For over 25 years, he has championed Mother Earth, building relationships and bridges between cultures and helping to advocate for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and ancestral wisdom. He firmly believes that education, collaboration, and understanding are the cornerstones of a sustainable future for all. Through global initiatives and unwavering dedication, he strives to empower communities and protect our planet's precious gifts that many call "resources."

Together, we can help bring about positive global change for all future generations.

 

Dawn Hornor – Secretary   
(Lipan Apache)

 Dawn Horner is a Mother and proud member of the Lipan Apache Tribe; she was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She embodies a deep-rooted commitment to her community and the causes she holds dear.

With over two decades of dedicated service in the medical field, Dawn's journey has been marked by compassion and excellence. Her unwavering dedication to patient care and administrative proficiency has earned her respect and admiration among colleagues and patients.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dawn's heart beats with a passion for advocacy and community empowerment. She has been a steadfast volunteer, lending her time and expertise to many projects to promote human health, environmental sustainability, social justice, Indigenous rights, and human rights. Her tireless efforts serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those striving to make a difference in the world.

As a proud member of the American Indian Movement and serving as the secretary for the Society of Native Nations, Dawn plays an active role in amplifying Indigenous voices and advocating for the rights and well-being of Native peoples. Her leadership and advocacy continue to pave the way for positive change and greater recognition of Indigenous perspectives in both local and national conversations.

In every aspect of her life, Dawn Horner exemplifies the spirit of resilience, compassion, and dedication. She stands as a shining example of what it means to be a champion for justice, equality, and community empowerment.

 

Mayda Garica - Treasurer 
(Tewa and Chumash) 

Mayda Garcia, a wife, mother, and educator with a profound commitment to her community and the next generation. Armed with a Bachelor's degree from the University of California Riverside and a Master's in education from Claremont Graduate University, Mayda has over 25 years of invaluable experience within the public school system.

Her journey in education has been diverse, ranging from elementary to high school settings. Notably, she has made a significant impact at the Riverside School for Deaf, where she contributed her expertise in deaf education, enriching the lives of countless students.

Beyond the classroom, Mayda is deeply passionate about environmentalism, activism, and the preservation of Indigenous Knowledge. Recognizing the urgency of engaging youth in these critical conversations, she tirelessly advocates for their inclusion at the table. Mayda firmly believes in empowering the next generation to become leaders within their communities, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

As Treasurer, Mayda Garcia brings not only her wealth of experience in education but also her unwavering dedication to serving her community and fostering positive change. Her leadership is characterized by compassion, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of equity and justice for all future generations. 

 

Rosie Torres – Community Engagement Coordinator  
(Mexica) 

Rosie is an educator and dance instructor raised in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She loves and understands the beauty, the art, the discipline, and the rigorous training one can endure during a 23-year dance career. The rhythm of life and music keeps Rosie busy. 
Her work and experiences include dance teacher, performer, choreographer, adjudicator, consultant, former sales rep for a dance apparel company, previous dance studio owner, and one of many who preserve ancestral dance and song of Anahuac. 

Rosie is in her 27th year of teaching dance. She has taught for the Laredo All American Dance Studio in Laredo, TX, MA Dance summer camps and director of workshops throughout Texas and most of the U.S., a guest teacher for the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Associations coaches conference, the Wisconsin State Cheer, and Dance coaches conference, principle dance educator at La Danza Studio in San Antonio, TX, and most recently a contemporary dance teacher for the San Antonio Ballet School.

In her spare time, Rosie dedicates her time and resources to helping Indigenous and Native communities in Texas. She has found a home in Society of Native Nations as a Community Engagement Coordinator. Connecting to Mother Earth through song, dance, and prayer with guidance from the Native and Indigenous communities has improved Rosie's dance life. Rosie hopes to help protect water, air, and land for future generations.

 

Arthur Redcloud - Communications Director 
(Navajo/Lakota) 

Arthur was born in North Dakota and raised in Arizona on the Navajo reservation. Arthur is of Navajo and Lakota descent and is proud of his Native background and culture. He attended the University of New Mexico and finished his degree at Haskins University.

Arthur is an actor who has played roles in major hit movies, documentaries, and short films. His dream of acting full-time has never wavered, and if the Creator wishes that to be his path, it will come his way when it is supposed to. Until then, he remains devoted to the Creator, his Family, and friends and works hard to maintain a good balance in his life.

Arthur's involvement in the preservation of Native culture, spirituality, education, and environmentalism became a passion of his when he got involved in fighting the North Dakota Access Pipeline "DAPL" here in Dallas, Texas at the Energy Transfer Partners headquarters, becoming part of the movement that continues to fight for all that is sacred. 

 

Arnold Thomas's – Board Spiritual Advisor  
(Shoshone-Paiute) 

Arnold Thomas is the Tribal Vice-Chairman of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, serving on the Tribal Business Council. He is a member of the Shoshone-Paiute Nations and was raised and educated on the Duck Valley Reservation, which spans Nevada and Idaho1. His journey has been marked by personal struggles, including overcoming depression and substance abuse. As a teenager, he faced the tragic loss of his father to suicide and battled his own inner demons. Despite these challenges, Arnold Thomas has emerged as a spiritual leader, motivational speaker, and advocate for mental health and well-being. His work has had a positive impact on the Shoshone-Paiute community and beyond, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding when addressing mental health challenges.

Arnold Thomas has been involved in several initiatives related to mental health and well-being. Some of these include:

1. Community Workshops and Presentations: He conducts workshops and presentations within the Shoshone-Paiute community, addressing mental health topics such as depression, coping strategies, and resilience.
2. Suicide Prevention Programs: Arnold actively participates in suicide prevention efforts. He collaborates with local organizations to raise awareness, provide resources, and support those at risk.
3. Advocacy for Youth: He focuses on empowering young people by encouraging open dialogue about mental health. Arnold believes that early intervention and education are crucial for preventing mental health crises.
4. Cultural Healing Practices: Arnold incorporates traditional Shoshone-Paiute healing practices into his advocacy work. These practices emphasize holistic well-being and connection to nature.
5. Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals: He collaborates with mental health professionals, bridging cultural understanding and promoting culturally sensitive approaches to mental health care.

Arnold Thomas's dedication to mental health advocacy has made a positive impact fostering resilience and hope.

 

Robertjohn Knapp - Board Spiritual Advisor
(Seneca/Tobotolobal/Ohlone)

Robertjohn Knapp is a revered Spiritual and Ceremonial Elder, whose journey has been guided by a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all life. Born in Ontario, Canada, and raised in California, Robertjohn's spiritual path was shaped by the teachings of the Bear Society under the guidance of "Grandpa Raymond Stone."

Embedded within the teachings of the Bear Society is the profound message of healing through connection with the Spirit World and the recognition of the inherent sacredness of all living beings. Robertjohn carries forward this sacred wisdom, serving as a conduit between the physical and spiritual realms, facilitating healing and harmony.

Throughout his lifetime, Robertjohn has been a tireless advocate for the protection and preservation of the sacred elements: water, land, and air. His advocacy extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass human beings' holistic well-being and survival worldwide. He understands that the health of the planet is intricately linked to the health of its inhabitants, both spiritually and physically.

As a Board Spiritual Advisor, Robertjohn brings his wealth of wisdom and experience to guide and inspire others on their spiritual journeys. His presence is a source of strength and guidance, offering support to those seeking to reconnect with their spiritual roots and foster a deeper understanding of their place within the web of life.

Robertjohn Knapp's life is a testament to the power of spiritual connection and the importance of stewardship towards the Earth and all its inhabitants. Through his teachings, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to sacred principles, he continues to inspire and uplift communities around the world. 

 

Gloria Arellanes - Board Spiritual Advisor
(Tongva)

Gloria Arellanes was born in East Los Angeles in 1946, but for the majority of her life, she has resided in El Monte, California, living in the same home for over fifty years. Her father was a first-generation Mexican-American whose family migrated to the United States from Chihuahua, Mexico, and her mother was a Tongva Native American. In the 1950s and 1960s, El Monte experienced extreme racial tension, and Arellanes witnessed race riots throughout her high school years. She attended college briefly before choosing to drop out, pursuing travel and more life experience. At this young age, she began interacting with a group that would later proclaim themselves the Brown Berets. Her involvement in the Chicano Moratorium, a significant anti-Vietnam War and civil rights demonstration, cannot go unnoticed.

Grandma Arellanes was on stage when the violence broke out. She was tear-gassed, and although she recovered physically, she was emotionally scarred for many years by what she witnessed that day. Gloria reconnected with her Native American heritage and is an elder of the Tongva people. She served as a secretary on the Tribal Council and is part of an Indigenous Grandmothers group. She raised two sons as a single mother and now has a grandson.

 

Johnny Moreno - Board Spiritual Advisor 
(Chumash) 

Johnny Moreno is a revered Elder and cultural guardian of the Chumash people, whose life's work embodies a profound commitment to preserving and revitalizing the rich heritage of his ancestors. As a Board Spiritual Advisor, Johnny's leadership and wisdom serve as a guiding light for his community and beyond.

At the heart of Johnny's mission is the sacred task of "reawakening memory" – a journey of cultural revival and preservation deeply rooted in the ancestral language of the Chumash people, known as Šmuwič. Recognizing the pivotal role language plays in the preservation of culture. Johnny's dedication to preserving the Chumash people's linguistic and cultural way of life ensures the survival of their traditions and fosters a profound sense of cultural identity and pride among his community members.

As a spiritual advisor, Johnny's wisdom extends beyond linguistic preservation to encompass the spiritual teachings and traditions passed down through generations. His profound connection to the land and the sacred wisdom of his ancestors infuses his guidance with depth and authenticity, offering invaluable insights to those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.

Johnny Moreno's life is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Chumash people. Through his unwavering dedication to cultural preservation and spiritual leadership, he continues to inspire and empower his community to embrace their heritage with pride and reverence, ensuring that the legacy of the Chumash lives on for generations to come.

 

Cheyenne Rendon – Senior Policy Officer
(Nde)

Cheyenne Rendon is a Texas's beloved and respected native Daughter and Mother. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Ms. Rendon credits her parents and elders for laying the loving foundation that has become her greatest resource for achieving success.

Like her parents, she graduated from South San Antonio High School. Then, she graduated from The University of North Texas in Denton (UNT) in 2017 with honors & recognition, making her the first in her family to graduate from college. After graduating from UNT, she continued her ambitions by contracting with the United States Marine Corps and earning a spot as an Officer Candidate. After she was released from orders in 2020, she gave birth to her son, Little Hawk. 

She continued to advance her education, graduating from Oklahoma University with a Masters in Indigenous People's Law. She currently practices with the Society of Native Nations, an Intertribal Native American Indian Nonprofit, as the Senior Policy Officer. 

In Tandem, she has always been an active member in her community advocating for equity with Indigenous rights and environmental justice and helping to protect and preserve Indigenous spirituality, culture, and way of life.

 

Society of Native Nations members are members of the following Tribes, Nations, and People: Tongva, Chumash, Borrado, Tewa, Mexica, Navajo, Purepecha, Seneca, Ohlone, Tobotolobal, Nakoda, Lakota, Cherokee, Mexica, Chichimeca, Choctaw, Mohawk, Lenca, Pipil, Carrizo/Comecrudo, Assiniboine, Coahuiltecan, Kickapoo, A’aninin, Kumeyaay, Anishinaabe, Ojibwe, Crow, Mono and Apache, with more to be added as more relatives join us.

 

SNN Legal Team

Reed Law Firm
J. Eric Reed
Specializing in International Human Rights Law,
Native American Tribal Law & Economic Development
100 N. Central Expressway, Suite 805
Richardson, Texas 75080

Office: (214) 365-0318

 

Silverman Law Group

Daphne Lynn Silverman
A criminal trial attorney with over 24 years of experience advocating

for individuals in state, federal, and military courts.

Former Regional Vice President

National Lawyers Guild

501 North IH 35

Austin, Texas 78702

Office: 512-975-5880

 

Dana Weis, Attorney at Law
Representing people who have been accused of crimes or other wrongdoings.

Defendig the rights of activists at the front lines.
505 West 12th Street, Suite 204

Austin, TX 78701

Office: 512.326.9199

 

Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP

396 Hayes Street

San Francisco, CA 94102-4421

Office: 415-552-7272