Mayah Vicenti | Jicarilla Apache Cultural Arts & Heritage | Calm in the Wind

Growing up wasn’t easy for Mayah Vicenti, but her family, grandparents, great-grandparents and ranch on the Jicarilla Apache Nation gave her a sense of safety, grounding, and connection. Through multi-disciplinary arts and interactions with nature, Mayah's struggles shifted into lessons. Teachings offered by the land, wind, trees and mountains in hard moments supported her journey, and creativity became a way to heal and express identity. With a grandfather who was a Jicarilla Apache chief and medicine man, and a grandmother rooted in Navajo weaving traditions, Mayah's family culture and their creativity became her guiding lights. From making medicine pouches, baskets and jewelry to welding, dance, and more, these practices continue to offer a way forward by honoring family, breaking cycles, and holding onto the deeper stories of the Jicarilla Apache Nation.