sacrdnet.org

Chief Daniel Ramos (Marcario Daniel “Cuauhltli Atoatzin,” meaning Eagle that Speaks) is the Chief Spiritual Elder of the Choctaw Muskogee Yamassee Nation and a lifelong ceremonial leader devoted to the teachings of the Red Road, Sacred Feminine healing, and the mending of the Sacred Hoop. His work is rooted in Indigenous prophecy, spiritual activism, and service to community healing across generations.

Chief Daniel is a Producer of One Global Family’s Sacred Activism: Peace Sundays RevoLution broadcast series and serves as a Board Member for One Global Family Foundation & Alliances and Unity and Diversity World Council. He also serves as a Indigenous Stewardship Council Member for S.A.C.R.D. (Synchronizing Action on Cacti Resiliency Directives), supporting the organization’s mission to protect sacred medicines through conservation, seed banking, re-wilding, and educational initiatives.

Born in East Los Angeles and raised in foster care before later being adopted by the same family who first cared for him, Chief Daniel earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in 1975. He spent more than 40 years in public service and advocacy, serving in Los Angeles County Probation, Children and Family Services, California Department of Corrections, and later with SEIU as a Representative, Political Director, Contract Negotiator, and Community Organizer advocating for vulnerable families and underserved communities.

Since formally entering the recovery walk of the Red Road in 2003 and retiring from public service in 2014, Chief Daniel has dedicated himself fully to ceremonial leadership, climate awareness, sustainability advocacy, and community empowerment through spiritually guided service.

Dr. Clint Frakes, Ph.D. is a 35-year baptized member of the Native American Church, affiliated with the Crow Creek Agency #3586 and Rosebud Central #1 chapters. A veteran Sun Dancer, award-winning poet, writer, and lifelong educator, Dr. Frakes has dedicated much of his life to the preservation of Indigenous spiritual traditions, cultural education, and community healing.

Living in Cornville, Dr. Frakes operates a grief and loss retreat program and ministry in Northern Arizona, providing guidance and support to individuals navigating life transitions, healing, and spiritual growth. His work is deeply rooted in ceremony, service, and fostering meaningful connections between people, land, and sacred traditions.

As Operations Advisor and a supporter of S.A.C.R.D., Dr. Frakes brings decades of lived experience, spiritual leadership, and educational insight to the organization’s mission of protecting and conserving endangered Lophophora williamsii. 

His lifelong commitment to honoring sacred medicines, Indigenous teachings, and ecological stewardship helps strengthen S.A.C.R.D.’s work in conservation, seed banking, habitat restoration, and community education.

Anthony Morelli is the Cultivation

Director and one of the founding members of S.A.C.R.D. He brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to the mission. With a background as a skilled Welder/Fabricator, CNC Machinist, and Production Manager, Anthony has seamlessly translated his proficiency into the art and science of cacti cultivation. Over the years, he has honed his craft, emerging as an experienced cultivator with a profound evolving love for the Sacred Peyote.

Anthony’s journey into cultivation began in his youth, guided by his father—a dedicated cultivator of many different species of cacti with over 60 years of experience. Much of Anthony’s knowledge and passion stem from the lessons passed down through that relationship, which deepened significantly during the last five years of his father’s life when they cultivated Peyote together. That time became a meaningful bonding experience and further strengthened Anthony’s personal connection with this Sacrament. In 2021, driven by a desire to protect this Sacred cacti and create meaningful change, Anthony helped found S.A.C.R.D.

Anthony is committed to conservation, cultivation, community education, and protecting Peyote’s natural habitat while honoring his father’s legacy through the work they once dreamed of building together.

Hunter Thundercloud, Wᾳᾳkejahuuga, is a proud member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and of the Thunder Clan. As a member of S.A.C.R.D.’s Indigenous Stewardship Council, Hunter brings a strong background in Indigenous entrepreneurship, community development, cultural advocacy, and holistic wellness. His role helps support S.A.C.R.D.’s long-term vision by contributing leadership experience, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to Indigenous wellbeing, cultural preservation, and community resilience.

Hunter began his entrepreneurial journey in 2009 by launching his first construction and property management business, where he developed a passion for creating opportunities that support underserved communities. Over the years, he has built and led multiple successful businesses in construction, housing, and logistics, strengthening his experience in operations, leadership, and sustainable organizational growth.

Driven by a commitment to healing and cultural continuity, Hunter later founded Thundermaker Cultural Recovery, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving traditional Native American practices through recovery support and holistic wellbeing. Through this work, he has helped facilitate healing spaces, community events, charitable outreach, and traditional wellness programming that support Native communities in recovery and reconnection. This mission later expanded into the creation of Thundermaker Wellness, a Native American-owned wellness center in Prescott, Arizona, serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities through integrated mental health, substance use support, and traditional healing practices.

Hunter’s guiding principle, “Our People, Our Recovery,” reflects his dedication to strengthening Indigenous communities through healing, cultural continuity, and self-determined systems of care. Through his work with S.A.C.R.D., he remains committed to helping protect sacred medicines, uplift Indigenous leadership, and support future generations through culturally grounded stewardship and advocacy.

Richard Pablo is a proud member of the Tohono O’odham Nation and currently resides in the Chukut Kuk District of the T.O. Reservation, where he was also raised. He is fluent in both English and the Tohono O’odham language and is deeply committed to ensuring that younger generations learn, preserve, and carry forward their language so it is never lost. He is a Boarding School survivor, having attended Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah from 1981 to 1984.

After entering recovery in 2010, Richard dedicated himself to personal growth and community service. He attended Tohono O’odham Community College, which marked a turning point in his commitment to supporting his people. From there, he served as a representative for the school board, led the Sustainable Recycling Initiative, and participated in the Himalayan Culture Committee from 2013 to 2017. His work has consistently reflected a deep commitment to cultural preservation, environmental responsibility, and community wellbeing.

Richard has long been recognized as a strong advocate for cultural integrity, language preservation, and ceremonial traditions. He was invited to speak at the Native American Institute of Art in 1985 and at the EPA Conference in 1986. As a person in recovery, he has also shared his experience, strength, and hope at the SAMHSA Convention on multiple occasions, supporting others in overcoming alcohol and substance addiction within Native communities.

He was also an integral part of the Tohono O’odham Language Restoration Project from 2014 to 2016 and later worked at the Himdag Ki Museum from 2018 to 2019, focusing on archival research and language translation work.

As a member of S.A.C.R.D.’s Indigenous Stewardship Council, Richard brings lived experience, cultural leadership, and a strong voice for language and cultural preservation. He is committed to ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are fully represented in all organizational decisions and that S.A.C.R.D.’s work continues to support the protection of peyote, cultural revitalization, and the safeguarding of Indigenous lifeways for future generations.

Gabriel Heinemann is an independent inventor, systems architect, and technology strategist with a background in computer science, systems design, and operational infrastructure. His work focuses on building organized, accountable, and efficient systems that support long-term sustainability, strategic growth, and responsible decision-making. With a strong analytical mindset and passion for problem-solving, Gabriel brings a systems-oriented approach to mission-driven organizations and community initiatives.

As Fundraising Manager for S.A.C.R.D., Gabriel applies his strategic and organizational expertise to developing sustainable financial pathways that support the organization’s long-term mission of Peyote conservation, Indigenous stewardship, and cultural preservation. He focuses on fundraising systems, donor outreach strategy, grant support, and resource development to help ensure S.A.C.R.D. can responsibly expand its conservation, education, seed banking, and re-wilding initiatives.

Gabriel believes that meaningful impact requires both strong vision and solid operational foundations. Through his work with S.A.C.R.D., he is committed to helping build the financial sustainability and organizational structure needed to protect sacred medicines, support Indigenous-led initiatives, and strengthen long-term cultural and ecological resilience.

Jonathan Vanderlinde is a retired Chief Petty Officer and proud U.S. Navy veteran whose life has been shaped by decades of service, leadership, and dedication to community. Throughout his military career, he developed a strong foundation in discipline, operational excellence, and mentorship—qualities he continues to bring into every area of his work today.

As an adult educator and veteran advocate, Jonathan has dedicated himself to supporting others through guidance, empowerment, and practical education. His passion for helping fellow veterans navigate challenges, access resources, and build stability reflects his deep commitment to continued service and community care.

A traditionalist with strong ceremonial roots, Jonathan was raised with meaningful connections to prayer-based traditions and has participated in sweat lodge and NAC Peyote ceremonies since childhood. These experiences helped shape his respect for community, ancestral teachings, and the sacred relationship between people, land, and medicine. His longstanding involvement in traditional practices gives him a grounded perspective on the cultural and spiritual importance of protecting Peyote for future generations.

In addition to his service and advocacy work, Jonathan is an aviator and dedicated cactus conservationist with a passion for sustainability, ecological stewardship, and long-term environmental preservation. His unique blend of military leadership, educational experience, ceremonial grounding, and conservation values brings meaningful perspective to S.A.C.R.D. as Treasurer, where he helps support the organization’s financial integrity, organizational growth, and long-term mission success.

Patrick Scott was born in Tuba City, Arizona in 1966 and raised in White Mesa between Tonalea and Kaibeto, Patrick Scott is of the Bitterwater Clan, born for the Manygoats Clan. Raised in a traditional Diné household, he did not speak English until entering the boarding school system at age seven. His early life was rooted in herding sheep, horses, and cattle, which instilled a strong work ethic and deep connection to land, family, and responsibility.

Patrick attended Tuba City Boarding School and graduated from Tuba City High School in 1985. He went on to study at Haskell Indian Nations University, earning an Associate’s Degree in Welding, and later completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management at Northern Arizona University in 1995. His educational path reflects persistence and dedication, overcoming early challenges to build a foundation for both professional and artistic success.

Patrick began creating traditional fans while still in high school, later dedicating himself fully to his art after college. His work quickly gained recognition for its craftsmanship and cultural depth, and is now held in permanent collections including the Gilcrease Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, as well as private collections worldwide.

As a member of the Indigenous Stewardship Council supporting S.A.C.R.D., Patrick contributes his cultural knowledge, ceremonial understanding, and commitment to Indigenous stewardship and sacred preservation. His role reflects a dedication to protecting traditional practices and supporting the continuity of ceremonial life for future generations.

Patrick is known for creating ceremonial prayer fans, gourd rattles, drumsticks, and other sacred items used in Native ceremonies, healing practices, and Pow-wows. Each piece is crafted with intention and respect, guided by ancestral teachings and the understanding that these items serve as tools for prayer, healing, and connection to the spiritual world.