Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Anne Quiroz.
Hi Mary Anne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I come from a long line of phenomenal Matriarchs. I was born and raised in the beautiful islands of the Philippines. In 1989, my family and I made the brave journey of immigrating across continents to the Dakota Lands of Imniza Ska (East Side Saint Paul, Mni Sota). I identify as a Filipina Islander Matriarch, Dancer, Incubator, Organizer, and Abundance Activator; I am blessed that my way of life and livelihood align in such a way that allows me to provide for my family and communities.
I know that one of my magic powers is rooted in organizing and anything related. My mother told me how I would organize the stuffed animals she would sew to sell in markets and stores when I was little. I would put them in a circle and “have a meeting” about how to organize them according to their height, how fluffy they were, or something silly as a little kid saw the world at 6 years old. Despite being a single mama, holding down 2-3 jobs, going to nursing school, and not always being able to be present with us when she could, my mama created fun spaces and time for my siblings and me to play. I am forever grateful for her creating intentional space because it kept us close and created lasting memories. More importantly, I understood how space could foster joy, play, and creativity.
My passion for organizing followed me through my adulthood. Guided by ancestral knowledge and womb wisdom, I believe that arts and culture are an ecosystem in fostering well-being and generational wealth. Together with my partner, we co-founded Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli, a traditional Mexican/Nahua/Aztec dance circle, in 2007 and incorporated Indigenous Roots as a non-profit arts organization in 2015. As Co-Founder and Director of Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center. I have the honor of working with a coalition of artists, culture bearers, youth, business owners, and cultural groups to provide accessible space, culturally relevant programming, and artist incubation opportunities through arts, culture, and activism. I am proud to build collective power with and for Brown, Black, Native and Indigenous artists, organizers, and community members in the Twin Cities and beyond.
My greatest strength is also my weakness. I forgive easily and don’t hold on to grudges too long. I am generally a “half glass full and let’s refill it if it’s empty” kind of person. I give second, third, and fourth chances as long as I see the genuine effort and improvement in learning from mistakes. I have overcome many obstacles and challenges, which I recognize as a part of life for me to receive lessons as gracefully as possible. I am human, and sometimes emotions get the best of me, but my mother always said that everything is temporary. So as I continue to blossom and mature, I try to be more aware of my emotions and actions.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Obstacles/Challenges Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We’ve been impressed with Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center (IRoots), but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center (IRoots) is a coalition of artists, culture bearers, youth business owners, activists, traditional groups, and organizations dedicated to building, supporting, and cultivating opportunities with/for Black, Brown, Native, and Indigenous Peoples through cultural arts and activism.
Having opened its doors in 2017, IRoots is a hub deeply rooted in the Dakota ancestral lands of Imniza Ska. Our brick and mortar in the East Side Saint Paul community are meant to support Artists and Culture Bearers and meet the growing need to preserve and reconnect with numerous ancestral knowledge systems.
Our multidisciplinary, multigenerational, and multicultural members uniquely represent the many faces and creative expressions blossoming in the cultural scene of Dayton’s Bluff and the East Side. Indigenous Roots provides culturally relevant space and programming that preserve, promotes, and practice holistic well-being through indigenous arts, culture, and tradition.
Are books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Currently, anything and everything by Adrienne Maree Brown, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and Hi Score Girl Manga
Contact Info:
- Website: https://indigenous-roots.org/
- Instagram: @indigeroots
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigeRootsCulturalArts
