crafting where ecologies, research, and ritual arts meet

Along with being a partner, sister, and auntie, Dr. Naya Armendarez Jones (she/her/ella) is an award-winning cultural worker, critical geographer, and community chaplain-in-training who is grounded in “old ways”: ways that honor the interconnectedness of ancestors and the body, the living and the dead, intuition and the earth.

Naya’s solo and collaborative work has been nationally-recognized by Culture of Health Leaders (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), the American Association of Geographers, and the Wisconsin Arts Board (with Ms. Angela Smith), among others.

Originally from Texas, Naya lives in the Mojave Desert on the lands of many tribes, including the Pipa Aha Macav (Mojave), Maara'yam (Serrano), and Chemehuevi. She collaborates virtually and on-the-ground.

about the work(ings)

From the moment Naya Iearned about her great-grandmother’s garden, she has been asking Black and BIPOC elders, “What’s in your garden? How do you know this plant? How do you heal?” In academic-speak, Naya has studied Black food geographies and Black ecologies since 2007. Her current research and artmaking explores Black earth-based spiritual practices amid climate crisis. Alongside academic research, she has (co)facilitated ancestral work and restorative circles with fellow BIPOC and social justice organizations for almost 20 years.

homage

Ancestors make this journey possible. As a Blaxicana cultural worker-scholar with roots in Texas, Northern Mexico, and the U.S. South, Naya draws deep inspiration from Black, Mexican, and Xicanx ancestors and their earth wisdom. She continues to learn “old ways” with teachers and elders.

what’s taking root…

Currently, Naya is reimagining the path after major life shifts, including the passing of beloved women in her familia. You can find her weaving more ritual into writing and research. She is a chaplain-in-training at Starr King School for the Ministry. She looks forward to offering deeper earth-inspired spiritual support. Stay tuned for future offerings!

join naya and creative kin:

Read the work: Solo and collaborative pieces on Black geographies, Black ecologies, and more. Visit >>

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