Chief Pomaj-Chakmam-Yajalaji
Executive Director STGMNA SWPA Chapter
STGMNA SW PA proudly welcomes Chief Pomaj-Chakmam-Yajalaji as our Executive Director, bringing a lifetime of dedication to Aboriginal American leadership, traditional healing, land stewardship, and environmental advocacy.
As a Minko Chief of Medicine and Land Stewardship/Management within the Iroquois Confederacy of Nations and the Tuscarora Onkwehonwe ba k’ab kob utzil ux wiil Chata, Caddo and Appalachee Nations. Chief Pomaj has spent decades working to protect Indigenous land, advance food sovereignty, and revitalize traditional healing practices. Her deep ancestral knowledge—rooted in generations of medicine women and midwives—has shaped her mission to heal communities and preserve Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Leadership & Advocacy
Chief Pomaj has led numerous initiatives to empower Aboriginal American communities, advocate for environmental justice, and reclaim Indigenous food systems:
- Founder of Cultural Oasis Apothecary and Healing Space, a sanctuary for Indigenous healing and herbal medicine education for over 18 years.
- Founder of IPAA Food Forestry Arts and Culture, an initiative under the Aborigine Indigenous Permaculturalist Alliance, promoting sustainable land management and cultural revitalization.
- Co-founder of the Three Rivers Agricultural Initiative, supporting food sovereignty and Indigenous agricultural knowledge.
- Lead Representative, Environmental Justice Table, advocating for Aboriginal American “Indian not taxed” communities in environmental policy discussions.
- Co-founder of the Lincoln Lemington Collaborative RCO (Recognized Community Organization), working to empower Indigenous and historically marginalized communities.
Urban Agriculture & Policy Work
- Former Program Manager at BUGs-FPC (Black Urban Gardeners & Farmers of Pittsburgh), leading urban agriculture and food justice initiatives.
- Former Co-chair of the Pittsburgh Food Policy Urban Gardener Subcommittee, shaping sustainable food policies in urban communities.
Traditional Healing, Education & Indigenous Psychology
A highly sought-after Aboriginal American Indigenous psychologist, natural doctor, educator, and speaker, Chief Pomaj works at the intersection of Indigenous mental health, holistic wellness, and environmental justice. Her expertise includes:
- Traditional plant medicine, including foraging, tinctures, tonics, and salves.
- Indigenous psychology and holistic mental health practices.
- Climate change advocacy and environmental justice for Aboriginal communities.
- Aboriginal history, culture, and spiritual teachings.
A Legacy of Healing & Cultural Preservation
Raised with the wisdom of her grandmother, Chief Pomaj was taught at an early age to respect the land and all living beings, understanding that energy never dies. Her mission is to preserve and share this knowledge with future generations, ensuring the continuation of traditional healing, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous resilience.
For a deeper look into Chief Pomaj’s life work and the history of Aboriginal Americans, listen to her featured interview:
🎙 Podcast Interview: Click Here