The Ancestral Teachings Institute
A Journey to Decolonize, A Pathway to Thrive
A Journey to Decolonize, A Pathway to Thrive
Dr. Angélica M. Yañez, Founder
The Ancestral Teachings Institute will help you:
Rediscover Your Roots and Reconnect with Your Culture
Break Free from the Chains of Colonial Programming
Empower Yourself with the Wisdom of Your Ancestors
Discover a Supportive Community Where Your Cultural Heritage Thrives
Unlock Your True Self: Journey to Self-Discovery Starts Here
Who We Are
Welcome to The Ancestral Teachings Institute, an in-person and digital platform combining history, culture, and Indigenous wisdom of the Americas! Our mission is to offer empowered learning experiences that focus on self-love and decolonization, specifically created for people of color and the wider community.
Our teachings center around history, knowledge, culture, empowerment, and spirituality. Through our online courses and hybrid programs you can embark on a journey of rediscovery, reconnecting with your true self and reclaiming your Indigenous heritage, helping to bridge the gap of disconnection.
We acknowledge that our Native cultures hold sacred knowledge, allowing us to foster connections through time-honored ancestral practices through food, plant wisdom, poetic expression, dance, ceremonial rituals, and the Indigenous lifeways passed down through generations.
What We Do
Explore our range of 4-week online courses and individual workshops designed for personal growth and healing. Our courses go beyond, dismantling colonial influences to restore our health, wealth, and cultural identity.
Our hybrid programs seamlessly blend mentoring and cultural knowledge.
In addition, our consulting services are tailored to the needs of the community seeking culturally relevant training in Indigenous Perspectives, Mexican American history, Ethnic Studies, decolonization, and more.
Why We Do It
The Ancestral Teachings Institute is your bridge to heritage, a place to connect and empower. We believe that our communities have the power to heal, honor, and celebrate our cultural roots.
Feel the yearning to know your true history, heal from historical trauma, and embrace your heritage. Liberate yourself, build a community, and challenge the erasure of our people.
Join Our Community
Ready to embark on a transformative journey of cultural awareness and community empowerment? Click the links below to learn about the application process, deadlines, and to explore our diverse range of courses, programs, and consulting services now!
Mexican Traditional Medicine
Plant Spirit Healing and Herbalism
Mexican American History
Ethnic, Black, Asian, Native, Latinx Studies
Whiteness Studies
Decolonization
Women of Color Feminisms & Wellness
Creative Writing on Culture and Identity
Critical Race Theory
Education + Published Works
Dr. Angélica M. Yañez (she/her/ella), her life and work are deeply rooted in cultural revitalization and empowering communities of color. With a Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies from UC San Diego, her academic journey reflects dedication to underrepresented experiences and narratives.
As the editor of United States History from a Chicano Perspective, she shapes historical perspectives, shedding light on marginalized stories. Her activism and research span vital topics, including racism, decolonization, Mexican Traditional Medicine, and the use of plant medicine within the Mesoamerican Diaspora.
Mother + Mentor
She is a traditional Aztec Dancer and a devoted mother, passing ancestral wisdom to her children. Born and raised on the central coast of California, her family's Native roots and migration histories can be traced back from the Yucatán to Chihuahua.
Over the past few decades, she has touched the lives of thousands of students through her teaching and mentorship, reaching students from elementary to college.
Also, former rape crisis counselor and founder of initiatives like Queer Students of Color and an advisor to a writing group dedicated to promoting activism through spoken word.
Teacher + Community Organizer
As an experienced public speaker and presenter, Dr. Yañez has had the privilege of sharing her knowledge and insights with diverse audiences throughout the United States. She is currently an Associate Professor teaching Ethnic and Chicanx Studies.
Driven by a mission to preserve heritage, she hosts classes, workshops, gatherings, and ceremonies, centering on Indigenous healing practices within her community. The Ancestral Teachings Institute extends her dedication to healing and reclaiming ancestral wisdom as a form of resistance and affirming the fundamental right to existence.
Entrepreneur + Visionary
As the founder and lead instructor at The Ancestral Teachings Institute, Dr. Yañez teaches courses and programs while also collaborating with community members, elders, and guest experts. She is currently working on a manuscript for publication and coordinating a community program called 'Moon Time Teachings,' further demonstrating her commitment to empowering future generations through education and cultural preservation.
Join Our Community
Through the work of The Ancestral Teachings Institute, we can make a profound impact on the generations to come. Join us today, and let's decolonize and thrive together. Click below for credentials and student testimonials. Don't forget to join our newsletter to receive updates on courses and events from The Ancestral Teachings Institute.
Dr. Angélica M. Yañez, Founder
Discover a supportive community at The Ancestral Teachings Institute, where you can:
Explore and embrace your true self and ancestral roots
Connect with like-minded individuals and knowledgeable instructors passionate about cultural heritage
Escape Eurocentric spaces causing feelings of isolation and frustration
Navigate confusion about racial and ethnic terms with guidance from our online learning community
Break free from colonial programming that contributes to anxiety and uncertainty
Heal from historical trauma, dismantle internalized racism, and foster self-empowerment
Liberate yourself from limiting colonial mindsets, fostering peace, and clarity
Engage in discussions about race, culture, and identity without shame or taboo
Looking to reconnect to your culture
Understand your Indigenous/Native legacies and cultural heritage
Join us today by clicking below
Decolonize + Thrive