Board Members
Rhonda Begay
Nutritionist
Rhonda is Diné and from the Kinyaa’anii clan. Rhonda was born and
raised in Teesto, Arizona, and currently resides in Hardrock, Arizona.
Rhonda works for the Navajo Nation’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program providing special supplemental nutrition programming for families with young children.
Dana Eldridge
Organizer
Dana is Diné and from the Tsénjíkinií Kin Łitsonii clan. Dana is from
the Bishadaas'chii community. Dana is a graduate from Brown
University and has dedicated her life to remembering, revitalizing,
and protecting indigenous land-based lifeways.
Dan Herder
Rancher/Retired NGS Employee
Dan is Diné, and from the Tl’izíłaní clan. Dan is originally from
Howell Mesa and resides in Hardrock, Arizona. Dan is a full-time
rancher and spends his days tending to his livestock. As a frontline
community member, Dan has seen, firsthand, the impacts of climate
change and resource extraction on the indigenous pastoralist lifeways.
Edith Simonson
Sheepherder/Weaver
Edith is Diné and from the Chíshí Dine’é clan. Edith was born and
raised in the Big Mountain community of Hardrock, Arizona. Edith is a
full-time sheepherder and Diné weaver. She is one of the few Diné
weavers that still processes her wool by hand, using the native
vegetation to dye and weave traditional blankets. Edith has seen the
impacts of coal mining on the native plants and herbs, which has
impacted the traditional economy and way of life.
Darrell Marks
Community Organizer/Educator
Darrell is Diné of the White Corn Zuni Edgewater, born for Those Going Home. His maternal grandparents are Many Goats, and his paternal grandparents are Salt. Darrell is a father of three children. Originally from Tonalea, Arizona, Darrell has been witness to the impacts of relocation and resource extraction on Indigenous communities and cultures.