I pay homage and utmost respect to my grandparents and ancestors along my journey and in embarking on co-creating this site. To my grandmothers who raised me in the matrilineal tradition where women run the show. To Nana Mattie (Tuscarora, Eastern Band of Cherokee), my maternal grandmother, who left her ancestral lands in North Carolina for opportunities in the New York City area--who taught me the importance of being water people through a diet of smoked fish, spiced crab and strong intuition. Nana Lane, of Lenape ancestry, always said "don't let the sun set on hate" and stood up to anybody who dared to direct injustice her way. To my grandfather Papa Lane (Creek/Lenape), who ingrained the power of connection to the land--growing food, hunting the traditional way, and fishing so we always knew where and how our food was sourced.
