Community Questions is a place to learn about Voices of the Fire Council, who we serve, why we exist, and how our work centers Indigenous Elders, especially women, through education, healing, and community connection. done.
Voices of the Fire Council is primarily centered on Indigenous Elders, with a special focus on Indigenous women. Elders carry lived wisdom, cultural memory, and leadership that have too often been overlooked or undervalued. Our programs honor their voices, experiences, and guidance while creating space for intergenerational connection and learning.
Indigenous Elders, particularly women, have long been the knowledge keepers, healers, and cultural anchors of their communities. Historical displacement, systemic inequities, and cultural erasure have limited access to spaces that honor their leadership. We focus on Elders because healing, education, and community restoration are strongest when rooted in their wisdom and lived experience.
While Indigenous Elders and women are at the heart of our work, some programs also welcome Indigenous adults, youth, and community members who approach these spaces with respect. Select offerings may include allies, educators, or organizations when participation aligns with cultural safety and program intent.
Please reach us at contact@voicesofthefirecouncil.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Our Elder-centered programming includes Talking and Repair Circles, storytelling gatherings, educational workshops, and community dialogues designed to honor lived experience, promote healing, and support leadership. Programs are paced intentionally, trauma-informed, and guided by cultural values of respect, listening, and collective care.
Our spaces are Indigenous-led, facilitated with care, and shaped by community feedback. We prioritize consent, confidentiality, accessibility, and cultural respect. Elders are not treated as participants only, but as teachers, guides, and leaders within our community.
We offer both in-person and virtual programming, depending on community needs and available partnerships. This hybrid approach ensures Elders can participate regardless of mobility, location, or access barriers.
Yes. We welcome partnerships and in-kind support, including shared-use gathering spaces that are culturally respectful and accessible to Elders. These partnerships help us steward resources responsibly while expanding our reach.
When Indigenous Elders, especially women, are centered, entire communities benefit. Their wisdom strengthens cultural continuity, supports intergenerational healing, and helps reshape education and leadership systems to be more inclusive, grounded, and humane.
Yes. Voices of the Fire Council® is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity committed to ethical stewardship, transparency, and community-led impact.
While our primary focus is cultural healing and community connection, some members of our community also seek economic pathways through notary and loan signing work. The information below provides practical guidance for those exploring that option.
We provide educational support for those pursuing professional certifications connected to our programs. Participants are responsible for meeting all state licensing requirements.
No. In Texas, all first-time notary applicants and notaries renewing their notary commission must complete the notary course and pass the exam developed and administered by the Texas Secretary of State. Private vendor courses (including in-depth or supplemental trainings) are optional and do not replace the state-required training.
Yes. Beginning January 1, 2026, Texas notary applicants must complete a short state-approved training course and pass an exam before receiving a commission.
Applicants must watch approximately 45 minutes of training, complete a 20-question open-book test, score at least 70%, and pay a $20 course fee per attempt.
These requirements help ensure notaries understand Texas laws, duties, and responsibilities.
Yes. Texas notaries renewing their commission must complete the required training course through the Texas Secretary of State and score at least 70% on the end-of-course questionnaire. The applicable course fee must also be paid to renew.
For current requirements, visit the Texas Secretary of State website:
https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/notary-public.shtml
We believe economic independence strengthens community sovereignty. Through Isbister’s Notary Empowerment Initiative, we provide culturally grounded education and practical guidance to help individuals understand the notary and loan signing pathway.
Voices of the Fire Council does not issue certifications or state commissions. Our role is to educate, encourage, and support notaries at every stage, whether they are just beginning or already experienced professionals.
For those who complete their state requirements and wish to work as independent contractors, opportunities may be available through Eagle Eye Signings, a nationwide signing service that welcomes both new and preferred notaries to apply at
https://www.notaryresume.com/
The Texas notary exam is open book and is designed to confirm that applicants understand basic notary duties, responsibilities, and Texas law. It is not intended to be difficult.
Most applicants score 90% or higher on their first attempt. Because the answers are covered in the required 45-minute training videos, those who carefully review the material are typically well prepared to pass.
The Texas Secretary of State provides open-book materials in the form of downloadable transcripts that accompany the required training videos. These transcripts may be used during the exam.
They include:
Additional materials are available on the Texas Secretary of State’s Notary Public Educational Information page and the Notary Public FAQ page.
Texas allows notary applicants three attempts to pass the exam within a three-month period. Applicants must score 70% or higher to pass.
The training videos may be watched as many times as needed before taking the exam. A $20 fee is required for each exam attempt.
If an applicant does not pass within the three attempts, they must wait until the required time period has passed before trying again.
The Texas notary exam is open book and is designed to confirm that applicants understand basic notary duties, responsibilities, and Texas law. It is not intended to be difficult.
Most applicants score 90% or higher on their first attempt. Because the answers are covered in the required 45-minute training videos, those who carefully review the material are typically well prepared to pass.
The Texas Secretary of State provides open-book materials in the form of downloadable transcripts that accompany the required training videos. These transcripts may be used during the exam.
They include:
Additional materials are available on the Texas Secretary of State’s Notary Public Educational Information page and the Notary Public FAQ page.
To apply for a Texas notary commission, you must:
You may apply directly through the Texas Secretary of State or review step-by-step guidance here:
https://www.texasnotary.com/how-to-become-a-texas-notary
Isbister’s Notary Empowerment Initiative provides educational guidance and community support for Indigenous elders and community members exploring the notary pathway. While we do not issue state commissions, we offer culturally grounded instruction, step-by-step explanations, and a supportive learning environment to help participants understand the process with confidence and clarity.
The information provided through Voices of the Fire Council, including on this website, in our courses, and within our educational materials, is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice.
Voices of the Fire Council and its instructors are not attorneys and do not provide legal services. While we strive to share accurate and current information, we make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content provided.
Participants are responsible for understanding and complying with the notary laws and regulations of their respective states. For specific legal questions or concerns, you should consult a licensed attorney or contact your state’s notary regulating authority.
Voices of the Fire Council, its employees, contractors, and partners shall not be liable for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses arising from the use of the information provided in our materials or programs.
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