About Us

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 Founded in 2025 by a dedicated team of three from Katy, Texas, Voices of the Fire Council was created from a shared vision to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable Indigenous communities. As we spent time listening to Elders and families, we recognized a significant gap in communication and resources, particularly when it came to notary public services for reservation communities and underserved Indigenous Elders. Many relatives faced unnecessary barriers in completing important documents that affected their daily lives, their housing, their healthcare, and their access to support. We set out to bridge that divide by establishing Voices of the Fire Council as a nonprofit rooted in service, healing, and cultural connection.

From the beginning, our work has welcomed Indigenous peoples from across the Americas, including our relatives of Mexican Indigenous descent. We honor the truth that our histories, languages, and traditions are intertwined, and that all Indigenous people deserve safe, culturally grounded spaces to reconnect with who they are.

Our logo, featuring a woman with wings and talons extended, symbolizes the spirit of our mission. She represents strength and protection, but also generosity and support. Her open posture reflects a willingness to rise, to give, and to serve. Each design element reminds us of our responsibility to uplift and empower our communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met with care and respect.

Today, Voices of the Fire Council continues to grow as a network of support, offering programs that foster connection, cultural pride, and community healing. Whether through Talking and Repair Circles, education, outreach, or practical services, we work to create spaces where Indigenous relatives can feel seen, valued, and supported on their journeys.

Ignite your inner fire and live with passion and purpose. Together, we rise.

 At Voices of the Fire Council, we are committed to fostering a deep sense of belonging and unity among our members, guided by love, understanding, and shared purpose. We begin by discovering what we hold in common, and from that foundation, we encourage one another to grow into our strongest and most authentic selves so we may better serve our communities. Collaboration is one of our medicines. It reminds us of the strength that lives in friendship, shared experiences, and the courage that comes from standing together. I truly believe that when we come together in this way, we lift each other up and create a space filled with heart, resilience, and inspiration.

Our medicine is also gentle. It can be as simple as offering a smile, sharing a cup of coffee, or walking slowly through nature with someone who needs company. Healing does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes it is found in the quiet moments, in the everyday acts of kindness that connect us. This is the approach we take as we welcome others into our circle.

The Sacred Circle is sealed with good heart and good intention. Welcome to this sacred space, a place for families and souls like mine who honor their roots and ancestral lineage. This is my sacred canvas, where my true roots grow deep and flourish with life and purpose. I am a mother, wife, sister, and grandmother, carrying within me the rich tapestry of my French, Scottish, Irish, Choctaw, and Mexican ancestry. I was born on my ancestral land in Watsonville, California, a place alive with Indigenous history and connected to the vast Indian Country stretching from San Francisco to Big Sur. The blood of my ancestors runs deep, reminding us that beneath the surface, we are all connected. My great-grandmother came from Aguascalientes, Mexico, and I carry many of her gifts: her strength, her spirit, and her resilience. I see the rivers, oceans, and streams as the veins that carry our collective spirit, uniting us in a sacred flow.

I believe the heart is our guiding light. I send prayers to all women rooted in their Indigenous lineages, holding sacred their bloodlines and traditions. Never forget that you are sacred. You are holy, blessed, divine, whole, and a living temple. Walk with grace, protected by the divine spirit within you. Listen to that quiet, sacred voice that guides your steps and walk in beauty, embracing life in all its fullness.

As the founder of Voices of the Fire Council, I serve with integrity and dedication, offering a safe space for Indigenous healing, connection, and cultural renewal. My work is shaped by my years of experience as a Catastrophe Adjuster, which taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of urgent yet thoughtful action. I approach every situation with respect, trustworthiness, and the intention to bridge gaps, support communities, and honor every person’s journey. Together, we move forward with protection, reverence, and the divine energy that flows through us all.

May you walk in beauty, with your head held high, guided by the Holy Spirit. Remember always that you are sacred, you are life, and you are never alone.

With reverence and respect,
Judy Lichtenberger, Founder
Voices of the Fire Council

Patrick Orozco is the Tribal Chairman of the Pajaro Valley Ohlone Indian Council and is widely respected as a teacher, Indigenous historian, elder, and traditional dancer. Rooted in the teachings of his mother and grandmother, he has spent decades recording the stories, songs, and traditions of the Ohlone people through interviews with elders and ongoing cultural preservation efforts. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to honoring and protecting the history and identity of his community.

In 1976, Patrick founded the Pajaro Valley Ohlone Indian Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding Ohlone sacred sites and promoting cultural awareness throughout the region. His work as an educator began when he was invited to a school in Watsonville to teach California Native history. There, he sang traditional songs, demonstrated cultural regalia such as abalone necklaces, clapper sticks, rattles, and body paint, and shared stories that honor Ohlone ancestors and revitalize traditional knowledge.

Patrick also formed the Amah-Ka-Tura dance group, meaning People of the Land. This group symbolizes the resilience of the Ohlone people and their continued efforts to preserve cultural identity through dance, ceremony, and education. Through his leadership, Patrick remains a vital steward of Ohlone heritage and a guiding presence in his community.

The Pajaro Valley Ohlone Indian Council is committed to educating the public, sharing culture, and supporting those in need. Their programs honor elders annually, assist Indigenous elders in the community, participate in Red Dress events, and engage in cultural outreach throughout the region. Based in Watsonville, California, the council continues to serve as an essential center for cultural preservation and community service.