Support Munay Wasi Indigenous Cultural Center

Munay Wasi Indigenous Cultural Center

The mission of Munay Wasi is to provide a space for Native American (Southern, Central, and North American) Indigenous knowledge preservation through Indigenous cultural exchanges and events.

Focusing on Indigenous ways of life, Munay Wasi centers material/visual, culinary, medicinal, and ceremonial arts and traditions as a way to bring healing and build community to restore our human connection to nature and Mother Earth while strengthening connection and representation among all Native American Nations.

Located in Wawarsing, NY, original Ramapo-Lenape land and bordering Mohawk territory, Munay Wasi is one of the emerging spiritual and cultural centers across the Hudson Valley.

Munay Wasi aims to expand and prioritize access to community members of BIPOC ancestry while in alliance and cooperation among people from all backgrounds and identities.

Our program areas include:

We are currently raising money as an early stage support to continue expanding our journey as a 501c-3 nonprofit organization. The funds raised will support the further development of our facilities at Munay Wasi, and cover administrative costs.

Our upcoming projects at our Munay Wasi central location include developing irrigation systems for the community garden, and the building of an outdoor communal kitchen gathering space, forest management and wood preparations for ceremonies and winter heat and preparing the gardens and land for our SOFRITO FOR THE PEOPLE project, a program that combines restorative justice, community gardens and culinary arts. SOFRITO FOR THE PEOPLE aims to create jobs and set a safe space for individuals and families to support themselves while healing with a hands on connection to the Mother Earth. Families impacted by the criminal and immigration justice system will be on the forefront of this program.

Our longer term goal is to further expand our outreach through obtaining a physical location where events, programs and classes can be held. We will keep you updated of future developments as Munay Wasi Indigenous Cultural center continues to grow and expand! You can learn more about us and sign up for our mailing list on our website Munaywasi.org or follow us on IG!

ABOUT OUR FOUNDERS

Munay Wasi was founded by Gustavo Fernandez and Natalia Gianella, a couple motivated to create a safe and nurturing environment for the practice and preservation of Indigenous traditions and way of life.

Gustavo was born in New York City of ancestral lineage from the Arahuaco and Chimila territory on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia. Natalia comes from Mochica and Inca Nation lineage from Peru.

Natalia is a geographer and social worker, with over 20 years of experience serving immigrant and Indigenous children and families through providing counseling, advocacy, community organizing, and Indigenous healing traditions. She is a mother and community leader.

Gustavo is a father, artist, activist, culture bearer, culture maker, and community leader. He is a professional chef with over 20 years of experience highlighting and advocating for Indigenous people through food and traditional healing practices.