About us...

From Workshop to Global Network...

Project Access began, in 2006, as a global capacity building training workshop for Indigenous Peoples. It was developed, in collaboration with Indigenous leaders, by the Tribal Link Foundation, founded by the late, visionary ally, Pamela Kraft. In 2023, Indigenous co-creators, trainers, and alumni of the program incorporated Project Access Indigenous Partnership (PAIP) not only to continue offering the precedent-setting training to Indigenous Peoples, but to expand its scope within its global network. PAIP centers Indigenous power building, via trainings, consultation, partnerships, and resource sharing.

Our Leadership Circle

Project Access Indigenous Partnership is led by Co-creators, Trainers, Mentors, and Alumni of Project Access training initiatives

Tai Pelli, Guainía Taíno, Borikén

Tai Pelli is a long time advocate for Indigenous human rights; environmental justice; and treaty rights, among others. She is a recognized community leader and has a background in business. She is an alumni of the Project Access Training Program. She continues to serve as a trainer for the in-person and online versions of the training program, as well mentors many other alumni.

Mikaela Jade, Cabrogal

Mikaela Jade is an Australian entrepreneur, and founder and CEO of Indigital, a business that aims to help embed Indigenous stories and history into the mainstream, by using augmented reality technology. She has won multiple international awards, including the Schwab Foundation's Social Innovators of the Year, 2022, and Indigenous Leader of the Year, 2021. She is an alumni of the Project Access Training Program.

Rochelle Diver, Anishinaabe

Rochelle Diver is an independent consultant focusing on environmental health and toxics, particularly the impacts mercury, pesticides and extractive industries have on Indigenous women, children and future generations. Her work utilizes a human rights framework, using United Nations treaty bodies and processes to further secure, protect and uphold the right of Indigenous Peoples. She is an alumni and trainer, and mentor for the Project Access Training Program.

R. Múkaro Agüeibaná Borrero, Guainía Taino, Borikén

R. Múkaro Agüeibaná Borrero is a community leader, cultural ambassador, and longtime human rights advocate. He has an educational background in communications and cultural studies. He received a doctorate, honoris causa, in 2016. He was a co-creator of the Project Access Training Program, in-person and online, as well as served as the program's coordinator for over 16 years.

Sachem Robert Hawk Storm Bergin Yawanawa, Schaghticoke First Nations

Sachem Robert Hawk Storm Yawanawa-Bergin is Schaghticoke hereditary chief and leads a non-profit, SFN, Inc., whose mission is to preserve, promote and enrich the Schaghticoke peoples’ heritage; provide a safe learning environment for Schaghticoke descendants. He focuses on ecosystem restoration, climate change, and water issues, among others. He is an alumni of the Project Access Training Program.