Champions of Change
Cassandra Candice Steele Pinoleville Pomo Nation Cassandra Steele started her tribe’s first traditional Pomo dance group and continues to work with a youth group she started to preserve their culture by learning traditions of basket-making, fishing, gathering, beading, speaking the Pomo language, singing traditional songs and ceremonial dancing. Cassandra arranges fundraisers, activities and talking circles for her youth group which she works to keep inclusive of those not only in her tribe but for any children who want to participate. The main focus of the group is to improving life for young people in her community by preventing teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, bullying, and preserving their culture and tradition. In addition, Cassandra works to teach environmentally friendly practices to her community, including building a proto type house for their tribal citizens. In July 2011, they broke ground on their first house which will use solar energy, composting toilets, rain water catch system, grey water system and hay bale materials with a culturally inspired physical design. Cassandra remains focused on bridging the gap between the elders and youth in her community to preserve their culture for future generations.