At age 57, the Native American Indian (“AMI”) chaplain, Hector Heredia has been involved in Indian spiritual affairs for 40 years. Brought up in the teachings by two Shaman, Charlie Kills Enemy and Shelby White Bear. Introduced into the “Fire Place,” Inner Circle to be trained in the traditional Indian Way.
Hector was taught the prophesies of the “Red Road,” that were Native practices to gather the people back. The Shamans of all tribes had come together in one accord saying that there should be one tribe. At the heart of the practice is the “Sweat Lodge Ceremony,” a purification ritual. The Native American population of San Quentin including the 52 Native Americans on Death Row.
Coming to San Quentin in 1995 to rebuild the lodge, Hector came as a “Sun Dancer,” participating in a four-day dancing ceremony (without water and food). Welcomed back by the current AMI chaplain, Lee Palanoc, he became a regular at San Quentin, and was offered a job at Folsom as an advisor.
Working with an average of 352 AMI’s, religious services are provided for Reception Center, Mainline, and Death Row. Some of the other ceremonies that are provided for the population are the: Smudging (burning herbs) and Chanpua (Chawnupa) Pipe Ceremony.
He says his most important duties at San Quentin are teaching the elders here. He sees his biggest challenge as the distraction of alcoholism and drug use inside and outside the prison. He encourages respect for grandparents, who exemplify the Way. Looking down the road, he is working on transition housing for the AMI’s being paroled and facilitating programs for AMI females at Chowchilla.
