Mary Cruz
North Fork Mono Basket Weaving
Mary Cruz is a tribal citizen of the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California and a dedicated cultural bearer deeply rooted in the traditions of her people. For generations, the Mono people have gathered native plants for basket weaving, cordage, medicines, and seasonal foods such as nuts and berries. This traditional knowledge reflects not only survival, but also identity, stewardship, and a sacred connection to the land. Mary is devoted to cultural education through teaching traditional Mono Indian basket weaving and revitalizing her community’s food sovereignty. Through intergenerational knowledge sharing, hands-on plant gathering, preparation practices, and respectful stewardship of natural resources, she works to restore traditional lifeways and strengthen her people’s connection to the land, culture, and self-sufficiency. By passing this knowledge forward, she contributes to the resilience, continuity, and cultural strength of her community.
Apprenticeship Program
2026
North Fork Mono Basket Weaving – Shoe/Purse Basket with apprentice Mary Chepo
Mary Chepo (North Fork Mono) will learn from Mary Cruz (North Fork Mono) how to respectfully gather and prepare the materials needed to shape and weave a shoe/purse basket in the Mono tradition, while carrying forward the cultural knowledge and responsibilities connected to the land and their ancestors.
