My name is Janil and I was in Los Angeles but raised in Mexico in what is now known as the states of Hidalgo and Michoacan. My childhood years in Mexico are what awoken and nurtured my love for nature and our Earth Mother. I spent hours letting my imagination take me on countless adventures nestled between the flowering cactus and peppercorn trees and held by the soil that would later become mud cakes for my neighborhood friends. I’ve always felt a deep connection to nature and I believe that relationship has allowed my heart to remain tender and grounded. Once I migrated back to the United States I experienced culture shock because of the change of language and the culture. I bonded with my teacher as her class was part of a dual language program. I found myself returning after I graduated as a volunteer for her class as an aide for several years. I loved being in the classroom and spending time facilitating lessons and bonding with the students. This was the beginning of my career working with children and students. I’ve worked with youth in high school continuation, I’ve taught art in afterschool programs in addition to being an elementary school aide.

I have a great love for art. I find so much joy in using my hands and being creative. I draw, paint, I work with clay, and metal. For almost 10 years I’ve been making intentional, slow paced jewelry. I also love to find ways to incorporate nature into my processes and think of ways to reuse items.

I have two children of my own whom I love to make art with and learn even more about the world we live in. Our family is rooted in teachings about land protection and cultural

preservation. As Native people it is very important for us to teach our children the importance of respecting and existing in a symbiotic relationship with nature. We have a garden with California Native plants and food in our home that we all care for as a family. We love to bird watch and go on camping trips several times a year.