WALK OF THE WARRIOR
Board Members

David "Wolf" Diaz, President & Founder

David "Wolf" Diaz, who is of Chiricahua Apache, Hispanic, and Isleta Pueblo ancestry is the Founder and President of "Walk of the Warrior". One of the motivating factors for forming this non-profit corporation came out of Wolf's challenges dealing first-hand and over-coming addictions to drugs and alcohol. Wolf's knowledge extends to behavior modification programs, 12-step format programs, out-patient and residential programs, he has extensive knowledge on the psychological and spiritual aspects of addictions and certificates in Prescription Drug Abuse, Gangs and Drugs in Indian Country from Lamar Associates, he has completed a training course on Drugs of Abuse: Identification and Abatement in Tribal Housing Communities from the National American Indian Housing Council. Wolf is a grant-writer and also holds a seat on the Substance Abuse Committee which is part of the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association. With this knowledge he has taken it to new levels and wanting to be of service and give back to the American Indian communities on a grand-scale. Through his passion, it is Wolf's intention to bring "Walk of the Warrior" in a good and humble way and in a sacred manner from a traditional standpoint. This is the corner-stone of the spiritual program. The vision for Walk of the Warrior came about during a time of serious soul searching and surrendering his life to the Creator's will rather than follow his own. Instead of robbing others to help himself he now robs himself to help others to take his experiences and give-back to his people. The process and this turning point are thoughtfully depicted in his art-work of which he has been able to use as a fundraising tool for operational costs. Equally, Wolf's carpentry skills have funded additional costs. Wolf has written a Children's Book about Trees and is now working on the illustrations for it and when the book is published the proceeds from sales will go to the program as fundraisings. Wolf also does motivational speaking engagements and shares his experience, strength, and hope to inspire others.

Edward S. Grijalva LISAC, CRSS

For the last 30 years I have been employed in the field of behavioral health treatment. I am of Hispanic and Native American descent and am fluent in Spanish. I am a Viet Nam Veteran. My initial experience in this field came from my participation as a consumer of services and my involvement in the community assisting others in their recovery. I studied primary education at the University of Arizona. I am licensed by the State of Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. I currently manage a 30 bed long term care facility for the treatment of Chemical dependency and Co-occurring disorders with a staff of 15. Prior to this I managed a 60 bed Detoxification unit with a staff of over 100 employees. This is my 14th year with this agency.
I created and implemented traditional Native Cultural and spiritual practices into residential treatment programs, also providing services for monolingual Spanish speakers. I have extensive insight, knowledge, and experience creating clinical interventions for challenging populations. My personal experience with addiction has instilled the value of the spiritual aspect of the transformation process. PBS recently aired a series on the work we do and featured my personal story of overcoming impossible obstacles and achieving success. I have been a guest on radio, television and other media sources. I am the principle founder of The Annual Red Road to Wellbriety, in its 7th year. This event promotes and highlights recovery in Native communities. I have been invited to speak at numerous conferences and colleges on topics related to personal transformation.
As a child, my Grandparents were an integral part of my life. My Grandmother was a midwife, who delivered some of my siblings and supported my parents in many ways. She would spend extended periods of time living with us. I remember her chopping wood to start a meal so we could eat. I also spent time with my Grandfather who instilled in me, personal values that even today are very inspirational in all facets of my life.
My presentations are inspirational and motivational as I share my personal journey from Tragedy to Triumph. Experiencing the impossible become possible, from a nobody to a Somebody! Pushing and challenging audiences to achieve their full potential and realize the purpose and vision to be fulfilled now! My presentations offer a personal insight from my unpublished book that brings hope, faith, and encouragement.

Richard W. Iron Cloud

I became a part of Walk of the Warrior at the request of Wolf Diaz, I am interested in Sobriety and the different ways it is achieved. I am particularly interested in the stories of Indigenous people who have walked through the fire (firewater), or swam the lake of fire, or that have been to hell and back. I think this is called (Positive Disintegration) they have reached a place where their old addicted lifestyle disintegrates and a new life of sobriety is achieved. I have reached a point in life, where I can look back and see that alcohol and Indigenous life ways are incompatible. In the Indigenous world view, alcohol contains spirits, and only people that have the special knowledge of working with spirits should be allowed to handle this spiritual liquid. The elders that have the spiritual knowledge, know that one does not play with spirits, if you do, you are courting disaster, or leaving you windows open for negative spirits to enter your house.

Education
Ph.D. Currently PsyD in Psychology in progress at Walden University, Minneapolis MN
M.A. Oglala Lakota College, Kyle SD (Graduated 6/2003)
B.A. Sociology Fort Lewis College in Durango CO. (Graduated 6/1995)

Experience
• Director of Natural Resources Oglala Sioux Tribe, Pine Ridge SD [Current]
• Director of the Sweet Grass Project, Suicide Prevention Project, Pine Ridge SD [8/2009-9/2011]
• Director of the American Friends Service Committee, Porcupine SD [8/2002-8/2009]
• Director Porcupine Clinic, Porcupine SD [6/1998-8/2002]

Publications/Presentations
• Historical Trauma, Family Leadership, Little Wound HS [November 19th 2011]
• Gathering for Suicide Prevention, Wolf Point MT [October 16 & 17, 2011]
• Historical Trauma & Suicide, Little Wound School Board [December 2011]
• Historical Trauma & Suicide, Fort Peck Community College MT [January 2012]

Teaching Experience
• Native American Psychology, Pine Ridge College Center SD [Fall 2011]
• Speech Communication, Pahin Sinte College Center Porcupine SD [Fall 2011]
• Lakota History I, Pahin Sinte College Center, Porcupine SD [Spring 2009]
• Speech Communication, Pine Ridge College Center, Pine Ridge SD [Spring 2008]
• Genocide & Colonization, Pine Ridge College Center, Pine Ridge SD [Spring 2007]
• Speech Communication, Pahin Sinte College Center, Porcupine SD
• Lakota Leadership and Professional Development, Pahin Sinte College
• Center
• Participation Action Research, Pahin Sinte College Center [Spring 2004]

Professional Development
• Nation Builders, Leadership Development Bush Foundationj [2010 & 2011]
• Center for Restorative Justice, Circle Mediation Training [2010 & 2011]
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Affiliations/Memberships
• Oglala Sioux Tribe [Life Time]
• Board Chairman, Oglala Lakota CASA Program [1997 & 2012]
• Board of Trustees, Oglala Lakota College [2004 - 2008]

Interests
• Lakota Culture & Language
• Psychology particularly the works of Carl Jung
• Appaloosa Horses, currently have three

Cora M. Phillips

Cora M. Phillips (Navajo) holds an AA Degree from Dine College in Political Science, Bachelor's Degree from NAU in Public Administration & Social Planning, a Master's Degree from ASU in Clinical Social Work. She served as Executive Director for Indian Country's largest Division of Social Services in Navajo Nation and Division of Health. For the past 30 years, she has worked in the field of Human Services/Social Work where she's worked in substance abuse, child welfare systems, family systems/preservation, child sexual abuse, juvenile corrections, child protective services, etc. She has worked in the field of Health, Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Environmental health, Housing, Education, with an emphasis in new program development, research, policy analysis, cultural competency, etc.

She has served as a consultant with HDR, Inc., Bureau of Reclamation, NARBHA/Health Choice Integrated Care, Blankenship Consulting, Inc. and the National Capacity Building Center for Tribes in the areas of environmental and social justice, cultural sensitivity/outreach, Native American healing modalities and child welfare issues. She also worked with different universities; serves on the Advisory Council for NAU/UofA Native American Cancer Prevention Project, research project on the Birth Cohort Study with UNM, served on the American Indian Projects with ASU and finally, her contract to become a teaching faculty at NAU's School of Social Work is currently pending. Ms. Phillips was the first Native American to serve on the National Democratic Party Platform Committee and the AZ State Executive Committee, attended the National Democratic Convention in 2000. She was appointed to three (3) Navajo Nation Presidents' executive cabinet and has received appointments to serve on the AZ Juvenile Justice Commission, AZ Indian Affairs Commission, Navajo Government Development Commission by Governor Jane Hull, Governor Janet Napaletano and President (Dr.) Joe Shirley She has travelled abroad to Germany, the middle east, Canada and to the American Psychological Association, American Public Health Association conferences in Washington DC for speaking engagements at the International Physicians Against Nuclear Warfare conference, an International Cultural Festival and Indigenous Cultural issues, etc. She currently serves as Vice President for the Dine Hataahlii (Medicine Men) Association researching the ancient healing modalities of Native Americans. She continues to serve on Task Forces, Advisory Council/Boards at the local level and is interesting in compiling a book on a cross cultural understanding between the ancient wisdom and the healing modalities of Native Americans and westernized sciences. She has strong interests on the prevailing climate changes and how this has been prophesized in Native American cultures.

Cora's Resume below: