About Us
Vaaiga is the Samoan word for perspective. This metaphor of a changed perspective symbolises the transformative power of ancestral entheogen ceremonies. Providing more than just an altered mindset, they can help towards gaining new perspectives on unexplored possibilities, old emotions as well as past experiences creating opportunities to make profound changes and lead optimum lives.
The Institute of Ancestral Ceremonies DBA Vaaiga is a nonprofit church organization situated out of the USA. We are pioneering a holistic approach to spiritual development through traditional, ancestral ceremonies supported by modern therapeutic practices.
We believe that natural entheogens were manifested by Great Spirit in order for all humans, regardless of religion, race, sex, or gender, to facilitate community with the divine. We believe that the traditional sacramental use of natural entheogens is an activity beneficial for the expansion of consciousnes and spiritual development. You can access our entire statement of beliefs here.
We are truly passionate about our members making real and long lasting changes in their day to day life. We, therefore, offer extensive preparation and integration support before and after entheogen ceremonies alongside modalities such as nutrition, movement and breath-work.
At Vaaiga, we are committed to the sustainable and ethical harvesting of the entheogen we use. We, therefore, actively support organisations dedicated to the preservation of the native habitats and tribes of these medicines.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team is trained in both western psychology as well as native traditions alongside other modalities. We are here to support, guide and nurture you as you embark on a journey of spiritual development.
ANCESTRAL CEREMONY FACILITATORS
HUGO LOPEZ
MUSHROOM MAZATEC MEDICINE MAN
Mazatec mushroom ceremony medicine man with over 60 years experience and a direct student of Maria Sabina the Mexican medicine women who introduced the west to magic mushrooms in the 1950's and '60's.
AGDER SANCHEZ PALACIOS
ANCESTRAL CEREMONY DIRECTOR & FACILITATOR
Agder is an ancestral ceremony facilitator with over 20 years experience working with the Mazetec mushroom tradition as well as the temazcal and sweat lodge. He’s a sun dancer and chanoopa carrier.
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ROSA BARNETT
COMCAAC TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AKOKAMA
Comcaac (Seri) medicine woman specialised in sweat lodges, energy and plant healings with over 40 years experience.
LUIS MIGUEL LOPEZ
COMCAAC TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AKOKAMA
Comcaac (Seri) medicine man Miguel is a member of the council of elders and a Bufo Alvarius facilitator with over 30 years experience.
JULIA AMELIA
COMCAAC TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AKOKAMA
Comcaac Akokama and Bufo Alvarius facilitator with over 20 years experience.
RENE AMELIA
HISTORIAN
Renee is historian of the Comcaac (Seri) and the keeper of their wisdom and stories dating back thousands of years.
OUR TEAM
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EVA EVERS
CEO & FOUNDER
Eva is a serial entrepreneur, consultant and coach with over 20 years global experience. She trained in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) as well as various individual and team 360 feedback tools. Eva is a certified psychedelic integration coach, Gamma breathwork and Reiki practitioner.
NICI GRAVES, MSW, LCSW
COACH & SCREENING
Is a psychotherapist, death doula, and researcher. As a lifelong student of consciousness, she pulls from Jungian Analysis, Indigenous wisdom, Buddhism, & Christianity to counsel fellow seekers through transition and trauma healing. Residing deep in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, Nici is passionate about sharing earth therapy and the wonders of natural medicines.
KYLE DOW
PROGRAM FACILITATOR &
COACH
Kyle is a group facilitator and certified transformational recovery and psycho-spiritual integration coach based out of Canada. He practices heart centred communication to support the healing process of our emotional and spiritual bodies.
SARAH HOWAT
PROGRAM FACILITATOR &
COACH
Sarah Hannah Howat is a certified life, addictions, and psychedelic preparation and integration coach, focusing primarily on forgiveness (of self and others) and liberation, with a focus on compassion and curiosity as the primary tools for self-healing.
OUR ADVISORS
MARK SAUER
Mark is an impact focused, visionary entrepreneur. He is the Founder of AllOneWealth, an impact & conscious investing firm which melds the worlds of capitalism and social responsibility. He is also Creator of Spiritual Narcissist, a sustainable, luxury streetwear brand. He is an advisor of several impact-oriented enterprises where he aligns founder's visions with profitable business practices.