Ancestral Wisdom as Our Foundation

Elena Higgins has cultivated a dynamic career touring with her wife, Tash Terry (Diné), as part of the award-winning musical duo Indigie Femme. Together, they have garnered numerous international and national accolades for their powerful performances. Beyond her musical achievements, Elena is the co-founder and executive director ofIndigenousWays, a nonprofit organization devoted to fostering balance and unity through music, arts, outreach, and events. IndigenousWays serves as a bridge for cultural exchange, supporting Native American, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, andDeaf and Hard of Hearing communities with accessible programs and festivals.Through this work, the organization amplifies underrepresented voices, strengthens cultural resilience, and promotes holistic healing on a global scale.

Elena's dedication to community and cultural preservation is deeply rooted in her heritage. Born inAotearoa (New Zealand), she was raised in a Pākehā (white) foster family, while maintaining close ties with her Samoan matrilineal aiga (family) and Māoriwhānau (family). These connections have instilled in her a profound commitment to honoring cultural traditions and building meaningful community connections.

Marisa Page is an enrolled citizen of the Pawnee Nation ofOklahoma and descends from the Ponca and Comanche Nation. Marisa was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM and currently resides in Rio Rancho, NM with her family. Ms. Page’s education includes - Master of Legal Studies with a focus inIndigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma, Bachelor of Arts inAnthropology with a minor in Psychology from the University of New Mexico, and two Associates of Arts from Central New Mexico Community College. She is a current candidate for 2024 cohort for the Native American Studies, PhD. program at the University of New Mexico. For more than 20 years, Marisa has worked and advocated for Indigenous peoples throughout the world. She has been a fundraiser working with major gifts, planned giving, and grant writing; managed a pre-college education department; guest lectured at various universities; and participated in community organizing. BIPOC-led organizations she has worked for include - First Nations Development Institute, New Mexico Environmental LawCenter, Native Community Development Associates, Americans for IndianOpportunity, Campo Band of Kumeyaay, and the American Indian Science andEngineering Society. Ms. Page is currently the Executive Director for thePawnee Evening Star Fund, a tribal 501c3.