Keynote Speaker

Darlene Franco – Wukchumni, is the Director of Native Wellness for Fresno American Indian Health Project. She has worked in the Native Community throughout her lifetime, starting as a youth worker for the Indian Education program in Visalia. She is the former Director and founding member of the Advocates for Indigenous California Language Survival and past Director of the Language Program for Owens Valley Career Development Center. She is the current Chairperson for the Wukchumni Tribal Council and sits on the Board of Directors for Quaker Oaks Farm and The Tulare County Heritage Foundation. Darlene is a lifelong student and teacher of her Native Culture, primarily learning from her Mother Martha Tapleras and Grandma Beatrice Wilcox. She continues to be a cultural practitioner, teacher and ceremonial leader. Most recently, Darlene has founded the Wukchumni Farms with her tribal community in Visalia, CA.