Born in 1953 in California, Ed honours his family lineage with its Mexican indigenous roots.
As a young boy working on a farm, he began to ignite his passion for farming the land. At university, he attained his degree in agriculture. Faced with systemic racism, Ed became more active in politics, especially with the AIM (American Indian Movement).
In 1980, he was introduced to the Native American Church by Lakota medicine man Leonard Crow Dog. Soon after, Ed began his journey as a Sundancer.
Providing for his family over the years as a farm manager, consultant, and agriculture teacher, Ed is now retired and lives on his big garden homestead in Arizona, staying close to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Ed still continues to conduct his spiritual work of ceremonial meetings for the people, both locally and internationally, taking him to places such as Mexico, Colombia, and Australia.
#009 - Ed Mendoza