The Bridge Between Ancestral Wisdom and Modern Strategy
Ya'at'eeh and Loloma (greeting in Navajo & Hopi)
TribeAwaken.com brings together a tested entrepreneur with his children and family to build commerce, independence and positive revitalization for tribal communities . , are Hopi and Navajo, from the Village of Hotevila/Kykotsmovi (Vernon & Becky Masayesva) and Cameron on their mom’s side and the community of Big Mountain/Tuba City (Marlene & Frank Bilagody) on their dad’s side. Joining the team is cousin Kaitlyn Benally, who resides within the former Bennet Freeze and serves as the executive writer/researcher for TribeAwaken. The children's immediate grandparents showcase honorable lineage of leadership: a former tribal Chairman and first tribal principal, a Council Delegate, a Chapter President, two founders of grass roots advocacy groups. Their great grandparents were sheep herders and dry farmers, medicine people, and participated in respectful inter-tribal trade.
Tony Skrelunas, MBA, Phd Candidate in Sustainable Development Education
Igniting a Global Wisdom Renaissance
Tony Skrelunis stands at the intersection of ancestral wisdom and modern innovation, serving as a catalyst for what he calls a "global wisdom renaissance." As a PhD candidate in Sustainable Development Education and through his platform Tribe Awaken, Tony dedicates his work to answering one fundamental question: How can ancient Indigenous knowledge solve our most pressing modern crises? Of Diné and Lithuanian descent, Tony was raised by his great-grandparents in the ancient pastoral traditions of Black Mesa. This formative experience instilled in him a profound understanding of land-based wisdom and community values that now informs all aspects of his work.
Tony's expertise is rooted in transformative leadership. During his three executive terms with the Navajo Nation, he co-authored the landmark Local Governance Act, revolutionizing how tribal governance integrates ancient stewardship principles with contemporary strategies. His work demonstrates how traditional knowledge can create sustainable prosperity that honors both people and the planet.
As an entrepreneur, Tony co-founded Navajo Power PBC, bringing sustainable energy solutions to Indigenous communities while respecting cultural values. His 14-year tenure directing conservation initiatives at the Grand Canyon Trust further showcases his commitment to protecting sacred landscapes and ecological balance.
Through his initiative Red Road Journey, founded in 2022, Tony focuses on decolonizing wellness and developing frameworks that heal the people-profit-planet divide. Global leaders from corporate boards to Indigenous communities apply his models because they:
- Decode ancient wisdom for sustainable modern living
- Demonstrate practical application of Indigenous principles
- Reveal how timeless community wisdom can revitalize cities
- Show how land-based knowledge can guide our tech-driven future
Kaitlyn Benally - Executive Researcher and Writer
Kaitlyn Benally is a member of the Navajo Nation. She was born and raised in Tuba City, Arizona. Kaitlyn has completed a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biomedical Science with a minor in Chemistry at Northern Arizona University. Her hobbies include working in her garden, reading, hiking, fishing, and camping. She says that "I try my best to live by this Navajo saying,": “T’aa hwo’ aji t’eego t’eya” which basically means “You can do it. It just depends on yourself.” Your efforts, how hard you work, your ambitions, it is all up to you to determine what you will achieve in life.
Shelby Skrelunas
Public Influencer, Blogger
As a young adult, Shelby has completed 2 years of university education. Recently she achieved certification in fitness coaching. She is an artist and blogs on fitness and diet.