In October of 2021, three of our directors – Kristela Cortez, Diana Moreno-Reyes & Debi Rivas (all descendants of the San Antonio Missions) got together to discuss a shared vision and passion – to educate the descendants of the San Antonio Missions who did not grow up knowing that they were indigenous.

Our family and descendants have a rich history that is rarely revealed in our educational system, hence indigenous descendants themselves often have a negative view of Native Americans. We are told that America was discovered in 1492. However, we would say that we were not lost, and did not need to be “discovered “. Having said that, many of the current San Antonio Mission Indian descendants are not only descended from Native Americans, but also from the Spanish invaders. To embrace one side and negate the other would be hypocritical.

So, we seek to embrace both sides, while simultaneously revealing the often hidden, and rich history of our Native American ancestors.

UPDATE: Honoring Kristela’s Legacy

“Sadly our dear co-founder Kristela Cortez-King passed away in October 2023. Her passion and heart were woven into everything we built together as a family. We miss her deeply and will carry her spirit with us always.”