About Munay Wasi
​The mission of Munay Wasi is to provide a space for Native American (Southern, Central and North American) Indigenous knowledge preservation through Indigenous cultural exchanges and events.
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Focusing on Indigenous ways of life, Munay Wasi centers material/visual, culinary, medicinal and ceremonial arts and traditions as a way to bring healing and build community to restore our human connection to nature and the Mother Earth while strengthening connection and representation among all Native American Nations.
​Located in Wawarsing, NY original Ramapo-Lenape land and bordering Mohawk territory, Munay Wasi is one of the emerging spiritual and cultural centers across the Hudson Valley.
Munay Wasi aims to expand and prioritize access to community members of BIPOC ancestry while in alliance and cooperation among people from all backgrounds and identities.
Who is Munay Wasi
Munay Wasi was founded by Gustavo Fernandez and Natalia Gianella, a couple motivated to create a safe and nurturing environment for the practice and preservation of Indigenous traditions and way of life.
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Gustavo was born in New York City of ancestral lineage from the Arahuaco and Chimila territory on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia. Natalia comes from Mochica and Inca Nation lineage from Peru.
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Natalia is a geographer and social worker, with over 20 years of experience serving immigrant and indigenous children and families through providing counseling, advocacy, community organizing and Indigenous healing traditions. She is a mother and community leader.
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Gustavo is a father, husband, artist, activist, culture bearer, culture maker and community leader. He is a professional chef with over 20 years of experience highlighting and advocating for Indigenous people through food.