biblical truth. indigenous voice. courageous leadership.
a bit more about
Dr. Laralyn RiverWind
Ambassador. Minister. Naturopath. Scholar. Advocate.
(Page under renovation... Pardon the dust!)
Dr. Laralyn RiverWind is the CEO of FireKeepers International. She has served as Ambassador of the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee for more than six years (2019-2026). She has ministered, taught, and advocated nationally and internationally for nearly two decades.
She is a co-author of multiple books and is the biographical subject of chapters in two additional works.
Dr. RiverWind has sought a deep spiritual connection to the Lord since early childhood, serving in church from a very young age. She began intensive biblical study in 2005, focusing on sacred times, the Feasts of the Lord, purity of the faith, and the cultural-historical context of Scripture. She has studied Biblical Hebrew — including paleo-Hebrew and proto-Canaanite forms — for several years and continues developing conversational Hebrew.
She is conversational in Marshallese (Ratak dialect) and has pursued foundational study in Spanish, Muskogee, French, Japanese, Cherokee, and contact sign language, reflecting her commitment to cross-cultural literacy and scriptural depth.
She is a survival and bushcrafting instructor. She earned her doctorate of Naturopathy and Master Herbalist degrees through Trinity School of Natural Health (2015) after five years of study and a 112 page doctoral dissertation entitled ""A Holistic, Multimodal Approach to Improved Skin Health in Individuals with Eczema." Now her audiences enjoy her "Herbal Moments with Dr. RiverWind" on their Council Fire with the RiverWinds podcasts (formerly on Charisma, now available on YouTube, spreaker, and other platforms).
Ordained in 2007, she has served as co-pastor alongside her husband, a teacher, and a mentor across multiple congregations, including pastoral leadership in Minnesota and remote mentoring in New Mexico. Through Council Fire with the RiverWinds, she continues to produce scriptural teachings, including the "Encouraging Word of the Day" series.
In 2024, she co-founded She Leads Native America from the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., honoring and equipping Native women leaders. She has received She Leads America’s Exceptional Service Award (2024), was named a Christian Woman of Distinction by She Leads Tennessee (2023), and has been formally recognized in a resolution by the Tennessee General Assembly. In 2026, she became a founding member of She Leads the Nations.
When presenting with Chief Joseph, she brings theological literacy, diplomatic awareness, pastoral leadership, and articulate advocacy — forming a unified voice that is principled, informed, and relational.
Her passions include birds (from wild songbirds to birds of prey), her husband, Israel, the Word in Hebrew, Yahweh, and Yeshua the Messiah who brought healing power to her, saving her life on many occasions.