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Indigenous Community Advisory Board

Integrating Indigenous wisdom 
into the heart of our work

Indigenous Community Advisory Board

The Indigenous Community Advisory Board (ICAB) serves as a vital cultural and strategic advisory body for the Indigenia Foundation. Established to ensure Indigenous perspectives guide our work, the ICAB brings together diverse tribal voices to shape our programs, policies, and community engagement. To integrate Indigenous perspectives into the decision-making, operations, and initiatives of the Indigenia Foundation, fostering equity, authenticity, and cultural pride while supporting Indigenous education, economic development, and cultural preservation.

ICAB Mission

To integrate Indigenous perspectives into the decision-making, operations, and initiatives of the Indigenia Foundation, fostering equity, authenticity, and cultural pride while supporting Indigenous education, economic development, and cultural preservation.

Vision

Thriving Indigenous communities where heritage is honored, traditions are preserved, and future generations build resilient, prosperous lives rooted in cultural integrity.

Meet ICAB Members

Our board represents diverse Indigenous nations, regions, expertise areas, and generations. Each member brings unique knowledge and community connections that enrich our foundation's work.


Cathleen Lopez-Booth

Advisor Board Chair, CEO of Foxfire Designs
and Co-Founder of Foxfire Foundation

Cathleen Lopez-Booth is a mother, entrepreneur, and retired military veteran who proudly introduced Native American/Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to the Army while stationed at Fort Sam Houston. As the owner and CEO of Foxfire Designs, she merges cultural expression with modern fashion through carefully crafted, customized clothing. Alongside her daughter Ashley, Cathleen actively supports their community, providing essential care kits and meals for unsheltered individuals. She is also the co-founder of the Foxfire Foundation, dedicated to supporting Indigenous education and alleviating financial burdens for students pursuing higher education.


David Hernandez

Board Member, Artist
Mexica and Spanish

David Hernandez is an accomplished artist hailing from El Paso, Texas, whose creative journey is deeply influenced by his cultural heritage and urban roots. Known for his dynamic approach to art, David blends traditional elements with contemporary techniques, creating works that speak to both personal identity and collective history. His art reflects a commitment to cultural storytelling and community engagement. As an advisory board member, David brings valuable perspectives on artistic innovation, and cultural preservation.

Areas of Focus

Education and Scholarships

The ICAB provides critical guidance for our "Pathways to Excellence" scholarship program, ensuring it meets the needs of Indigenous students and communities. Their input shapes selection criteria, outreach strategies, and support systems for Indigenous students pursuing higher education.

Cultural Preservation

We foster Indigenous economic prosperity by providing micro-grants and zero-interest loans, hands-on entrepreneurship workshops, a supportive Indigenous business incubator, a marketplace promoting Native products, and initiatives designed to create sustainable job opportunities within local industries

Community Engagement

ICAB members ensure all Foundation initiatives honor and support authentic cultural expression. Their guidance helps maintain cultural integrity across our programs and communications while supporting Indigenous-led preservation efforts.

Mentorship Development

ICAB members contribute to our mentorship programs, guiding Indigenous youth and sharing cultural knowledge. Their involvement creates authentic leadership development pathways that honor Indigenous approaches to knowledge-sharing.

Impact

The Indigenous Community Advisory Board has strengthened our foundation's work through:

  • Enhancing our scholarship program to reach underrepresented Indigenous communities
  • Developing cultural competency guidelines for all foundation activities
  • Establishing authentic community feedback mechanisms
  • Guiding foundation programming to align with Indigenous community priorities

Approach

The Indigenous Community Advisory Board operates through:

  • Working Groups focused on key foundation priorities
  • Quarterly Meetings to review programs and develop recommendations
  • Community Listening Sessions to gather broader Indigenous perspectives
  • Annual Joint Sessions with the Foundation Board to align strategic priorities

ICAB Compensation & Support

We value the expertise, time, and cultural knowledge that ICAB members contribute. To honor this contribution and ensure equitable participation, we provide:

Our compensation structure recognizes the value of Indigenous knowledge and ensures that financial barriers do not prevent participation from diverse community members.

Meeting stipends

  • Quarterly meeting participation stipends
  • Additional compensation for leadership roles:
    • Chairperson
    • Vice-Chair
    • Working Group Leads

Professional development

  • $1,000 annual allocation per member for professional development
  • Eligible uses include conferences, workshops, courses, and educational materials focused on Indigenous leadership, philanthropy, education, arts, or cultural preservation
  • Opportunities to share knowledge gained with other ICAB members

Technology support

  • Technology assessment to identify and address digital access needs
  • Equipment provision for members who need devices or internet connectivity
  • Technical assistance and training for digital collaboration tools
  • Mobile-compatible options for accessing materials and participating in discussions 

Community engagement support

  • Resources for conducting community listening sessions
  • Support for attending relevant community events as ICAB representatives

We periodically invite new members to join the Indigenous Community Advisory Board. Members serve two-year terms and receive stipends, professional development opportunities, and technology support.

We seek individuals who:

Join Indigenia's Indigenous Community Advisory Board

  • Demonstrate commitment to Indigenous education and cultural preservation
  • Bring professional or lived experience relevant to our foundation priorities
  • Understand diverse Indigenous perspectives and histories
  • Can commit time to ICAB responsibilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? Our FAQ section answers questions about membership, participation, and how we integrate Indigenous perspectives to support education, economic development, and cultural preservation initiatives.

FAQS

Contact & Inquiries

The Indigenous Community Advisory Board welcomes your questions, feedback, and partnership inquiries. We are committed to fostering meaningful relationships with tribal nations, Indigenous organizations, and community members across the United States.

Email: ICAB@indigenia.com
Phone: (505) 216-2234

Mailing Address: 
Indigenia Foundation
3005 S St Francis Dr
Ste 1-D #384
Santa Fe, NM 87505