What is a Culture Bearers Advisory Board?
The OFN’s Culture Bearers Advisory Board is a paid advisory board that serves the Oregon Folklife Network. The board is composed of culture bearers who actively participate in OFN programming (Culture Keepers Roster, Culture Keepers Gathering, etc.). The board drives OFN’s programming decisions and guides OFN’s strategic planning.
Board Members at the 2025 Culture Keeper Gathering in Bend, Oregon.
 | Celeste Whitewolf Native American Basket Weaving and Fiber Arts
Celeste Whitewolf (Tigard) is a fiber artist and an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla. She credits her Karuk grandmother for her talent for basket weaving. Using natural materials that she collects, Whitewolf makes baskets for traditional uses, like picking huckleberries, as well as for handbags.
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 | Dr. Kenya Márquez Mexican Folk Dance
Dr. Kenya Márquez (Portland) is a Mexican Folk dancer. She first danced at home with her mother and went on to study traditional dance internationally. Her dance troupe, Ballet Papalotl, embodies the rich and diverse cultural heritage that Mexican folk dance represents.
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 | Steve Harris Gear and Saddle Making, Rawhide Braiding
Steve Harris (Roseburg) is a gear and saddle maker in the Spanish California vaquero tradition. A horseman and rawhide braider, he makes hackamores, reins, and bridle sets. He also cures his own hides, cuts his own strings, and builds the occasional saddle.
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 | Sushmita Poddar Indian Folk Dance and Henna Painting
Sushmita Poddar (Hillsboro) is an Asian Indian folk and classical dancer, henna artist, and teacher. After opening her own dance school, Poddar has taught workshops at community events, schools, and businesses across the area for 10 years.
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Interested in joining the 2026 Board?
Why Join the Board
By joining the Board, your voice will help create positive change and opportunity for other Oregon culture bearers. OFN’s goal is to better align programming with the direct needs and wants of the culture bearers OFN serves. The CBAB also creates transparency and accountability for OFN’s strategic planning.
Board Commitments
Advisors serve a two-year term and commit to four 2-hour meetings. Meetings will be primarily hosted via ZOOM, with one in-person meeting in April. Priority is given to folks who can attend the April meeting in person, but a hybrid option is available.
Advisors receive $1,000 per year for their time/participation/expertise
Eligibility
To participate on the board, interested parties must:
Already be listed on the OFN Culture Keeper Roster
Must be available to meet during all scheduled times (to be agreed upon by the group)
Interested parties are given priority if:
You have attended a Culture Keeper Gathering within the last three years.
You can attend the 2026 Culture Keeper Gathering
Reach out to Oregon Folklife Network staff ofn@uoregon.edu if you would like to learn more about joining the Culture Keepers Advisory Board.