Executive Director and Acting President 

 Eric Oztochane Walther, also known as Oztochane, stands as the Executive Director and acting President of Seventh Generation Rising, Inc, a California non-profit corporation dedicated to acquiring land where indigenous communities can safely engage in prayer ceremonies, social gatherings, and the continued process of reclaiming their ancestral identity and cultural traditions. With a mission rooted in cultural preservation, Oztochane has dedicated over 20 years to working with indigenous communities across Monterey County, Santa Cruz County, the Bay Area, and regions of South Dakota and Mexico.

A steadfast advocate of First Nation people's birthrights, Oztochane draws inspiration from the teachings of his grandmother, Beatrize Garcia, a traditional healer, and his grandfather, Manuel Garcia, along with the guidance of his teachers. His role as a ceremonialist reflects a deep commitment to honoring and passing on the profound wisdom embedded in indigenous traditions.

Beyond his ceremonial responsibilities, Oztochane has played a pivotal role in community service initiatives, particularly in the South Monterey County's Oaxacan community. His efforts have enhanced accessibility to local healthcare services and crucial resources which required a cross cultural research project that took him deep into the mountains of Mexico, Oaxaca and Chiapas to fully understand needs. He also has more than a decade of experience evidence-based youth development programing and family strengthening workshops.

In his current role, Oztochane remains dedicated to advocacy work, focusing on supporting local government racial equity initiatives and ensuring that indigenous voices are heard. By actively participating in policy discussions, he aims to foster a more inclusive government alliance with First Nation peoples at the local level which will further support those relatives working at the state and federal levels.