UQUALLA JAMES, Havasupai Chief and Ceremonial Keeper
Uqualla is Havasupai, of the Blue Water People (Havsuw’ Baaja), known as the guardians and sentinels for the Grand Canyon with its magnificent brilliant blue waterfalls. Havasupai land is revered as the birthplace and medicine apothecary to many of the Colorado Plateau tribes.
At the young age of 26, Uqualla was chosen by his people as their chief and served as such for many years.
Today he continues to work for his peoples on the Elders Council of the Colorado Plateau Conversations and the Havasupai Spiritual Advisory Council.
He is the planning member for the annual Pai Peoples gatherings and a delegate to the 7th Generation annual meetings.
Uqualla engages unstintingly as an agent of change at the forefront of many Indigenous human rights initiatives, standing up for environmental matters concerning tribal communities- , mobilizing, liaising, speaking, writing and inspiring.
Internationally, Uqualla serves as a cultural ambassador of traditional ways. He is an eloquent advocate on cultural and cross-cultural matters in the US and globally, he acts as a bridge and translator between Indigenous and Western knowledge and understanding.
He is a keeper of songs and ceremonies and an inspired orator who addresses audiences on infractions to the wellbeing of global citizens and the Earth, always encouraging an inclusive, positive resolve.
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