getting
to the rootz
Not today, trauma.
OUR MISSION
Getting To The Rootz focuses on the underlying causes of trauma in underserved Native/Indigenous Communities of New Mexico.
Our mission is to provide positive prevention and awareness,
engage our relatives in healing
and build a stronger community
defying sexual violence.
who we are
Episode 35
Getting To The Rootz
is founded by
Kena Chavez Hinojos and
Larry Hinojos. With the support and guidance of their elders and family they are driven to provide positive prevention and awareness.
First generation
cycle breakers
Through lived experience, acknowledgement, growth and healing we encourage, support, model healthy relationships and unconditional love.
kena
chavez hinojos
Co-Founder/Advocate
An enrolled member of the Pueblo De Cochiti, NM. She is also from the Hopi Tribe, from the Village of Walpi, Coyote Clan.
Kena has worn many hats throughout her career. Mrs. Hinojos has been a Case Manager at Haven House Domestic Violence Shelter,. She is the former Tewa Women United V.O.I.C.E.S. Program Manager/Advocate Coordinator. Previous Mrs. Chavez Hinojos worked with both her Pueblo & Hopi Tribes. Former Social Services/ICWA Coordinator for Pueblo De Cochiti and former Project Coordinator for The Hopi-Tewa Women’s Coalition to End Abuse.
She is a former Board member of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women and current Strong Families/Forward Together New Mexico Healthcare Leader in the community. As an active member on Mayor Keller’s DV Task Force, NM Maternal Mortality Review Committee and the National Coalition For Sexual Health she utilizes her voice advocating for Indigenous victims and communities. These are not just jobs for her, this is a way of life she chooses to live for the future of her children and Mother Earth.
A proud father, husband, brother, uncle, son, and survivor. Larry is from Albuquerque and has 15 years of experience with communities across New Mexico. Currently, he is a Health Promotion Specialist at the Health Equity Council and is passionate about working to create positive masculinity and end gender-based violence.
Larry has an abundance of lived experience and knowledge from previous positions at the Albuquerque Rape Crisis Center , Coalition Against Violence, and Resolve Personal Safety. Larry serves on the Together For Brothers Board, as well as the Human Rights Committee and Mayor Keller's DV Task Force.
larry hinojos
Co-Founder/
Community Engagement
healing soles through sacred soil
healing soles through sacred soil
The Healing Garden Exhibit began in 2018, right before COVD19 pandemic. Our garden was shared at health fairs, resource fairs, family and community events. We became a virtual presentation until 2022. Through fundraising and donations with different organizations in April 2022 we released our first poster BE THE CHANGE.
The Healing Garden Exhibit began in 2018, right before COVD19 pandemic. Our garden was shared at health fairs, resource fairs, family and community events. We became a virtual presentation until 2022. Through fundraising and donations with different organizations in April 2022 we released our first poster BE THE CHANGE.
turn the nights teal new mexico
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness month. As a life time advocate and family involved in social justice, we have made April a time of involving community yearly. We ask local small businesses and community in New Mexico, focusing on our Native Communities both rural and urban, to bring awareness by lighting the nights up in teal the official color. We distribute string lights, light bulbs, and yard signs for families, and intentions to post at check points at all the pueblos and reservations in New Mexico. Our messaging is positive, We are everything we need to BE THE CHANGE that ends sexual violence against our relatives!
SAAM April 2022
i-40 Freeway
San pedro bridge
buffalo exchange-nob hill
For the month of April Buffalo Exchange dedicated their window display to Sexual Assault Awareness month by hanging our sign and teal lights as well as dressing display in all teal attire.
slice parlor-nob hill
For the month of April Slice Parlor displayed our sign and hung lights up inside dining area, along with luminarias.
Marketing Strategies Ink
Not only did Tony and his crew print our gorgeous posters they supported our efforts and decorated entrance.
Saam April 2023
SAAM 2023
Thank you, Gracias, Natra, Askwali
Isleta Pueblo Social Services for your support!
Healing through yoga
June 2023, Kena became a certified Indigenous Yoga Instructor through Native Strength Revolution, a Native woman lead organization. Native strength Revolution currently provides yoga classes lead by Indigenous people online for free.
Native/Indigenous communities heal mind, body, and spirit. Before colonization healing has been natural and found in plants, animals and spirit. Kena is a firm believer of reconnecting and finding different venues such as yoga, releases and opens up the mind for healing. After experiencing the gift of meditation through yoga she wishes to share with others offering a safe space of healing over all.
