It is with great pride that The Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas (FANA) announces the addition of FANA members, Neesu Wushuwunoag (Raymond Two Hawks Watson) Principal Chief of the Mashapaug Nahaganset Tribe and Kasike Ama’ Guatu’Taino (Taino Fire River Palermo) Chief of the Baramaya Guainia Yukayeke to the Judiciary List of Indigenous Lawyers representing FANA.

Principal Chief Watson and Chief Palermo graduated from the Roger Williams University School of Law (RWUSL) in June of 2022.  They took the Rhode Island Bar Examination in February 2023 and were notified of their passing on April 21, 2023.

Both Chiefs were instrumental in addressing the need for Indigenous Law courses to be taught at RWUSL and worked with the Law Department to establish the study of Indigenous Laws.

Principal Chief Neesu Wushuwunoag (Chief Two Hawks)

Principal Chief Two Hawks is currently a community activist and educator, with a decade of experience in nonprofit executive administration.  He is currently the CEO and founder of the Providence Cultural Equity Initiative.

He is the Director of FANA.

When asked why he decided to become a lawyer his response was:

"I come from a background of community organizing and community advocacy, so making the transition to indigenous rights and tribal sovereignty felt like a very natural fit for me. As time progressed, I realized that the greatest challenge to advancing the rights of indigenous Nations was a lack of understanding of the law. It was Kasike Ama' Guatu' who convinced me that law school was a necessary step to most effectively advocate for the rights of our Nations. I thank the Most High that I was smart enough to listen to his wise counsel, and am truly humbled to say that having graduated and passed the BAR exam, I am now equipped to be a more effective advocate for the rights of the Mashapaug Nahaganset Tribe, the Member Nations of the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas, and sovereign indigenous nations, generally. I'm excited to see what Creator has planned for us in the future."

Chief Kasike Ama' Guatu (Chief Fire River)

Chief Fire River has been involved as both an educator and activist in community and economic development. As well as teaching urban education and addressing neighborhood revitalization.

Chief Fire River is the Deputy Director of FANA.

When asked why he decided to become a lawyer his response was:

"I left a thriving career to go to law school for the sole purpose of getting the necessary credentials to better advocate for my people and those Indigenous people and communities like mine. Tainos, like many of our Algonquian and First Contact brothers and sisters have unique legal issues facing them unlike our brothers and sisters out West. FANA provided a vehicle for these Nations to come together and create strength in unity. With Chief Two Hawks and I now licensed to practice law, we have the necessary tools and "credentials" to advocate for our collective Nations' rights in ways our Nations have never had the privilege of experiencing. That is exciting to us and our people. Thanks to the Creator, the future for our peoples is bright."