Hello. My name is Mary Lee Jones. I am a citizen of the Yakama. I work for the federal government and my passion is with the plants and the children in the communities I serve. I am a daughter, mother, grandmother, and love learning from my elders. I am a traditional food gatherer, medicine gatherer, and gatherer of beautiful lights for the sake of collaboration. I also assist in building mini forests with the Natural Urban Forest program. I have worked in the education system in early childhood, parenting programs, and personally with my community children to gain an understanding of the gathering lifestyle. Last but not least, our family has contributed with the community Swan Dancers aka Iksiks Washanalama to share our culture with youth. As a family we take on activities to live by my elder's words, "Teach and do not take it into the ground with you." Thank you for having me.
