About Us
The Circle Legacy Center (CLC) is a nonprofit organization—receiving its 501c3 status in 2007—dedicated to supporting and empowering the First Nations Peoples of the Americas. CLC’s vision is to honor and support Native Americans regionally and nationally, and intends to be at the forefront as a bridge and supporter to the recent growing movement of religious and educational institutions towards rebalancing the past with Native Americans.
CLC has been mainly focused on educational and cultural events in Pennsylvania, particularly with regional universities. We are also committed to promoting Native American entrepreneurs and business ventures.
Our staff is extremely committed to the support of Indigenous peoples and has been working as volunteers assisting with technical and administrative support, grant writing, marketing, accounting, as well as raising awareness about issues of importance to Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas. In addition, we have brought numerous speakers to universities and churches.
CLC has also organized numerous cultural events with regional churches and art galleries, featuring Indigenous speakers and educators that have included Danielle Schenandoah of the Oneida Nation and Lakota activist Willy Underbaggage.
Mission
Our mission is to represent Native America to our local businesses, organizations, and educational institutions, both the enduring traditions of the past as well as their thriving and challenging contemporary culture.
Board Council
Executive Committee
MaryAnn Robins
President
Onondaga
MaryAnn Robins is a nurse and liaison to the Plain Community in Lancaster County, as well as an artist, educator, and advocate for Indigenous people. Her experience and leadership guide and connect our communities.
Joann McLaughlin
Vice President
Passamaquoddy
Her Passamaquoddy name is Nipawset (pronounced Nebawazed) which means Moon. She was born in California where her father’s tribe is Karuk from Happy Camp, California near the Siskiyou Mountains. Her Great-Great Grandmother is Queen Brazille whose picture is shown at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC.
Sandi Cianciulli
Secretary
Oglala Lakota
Former president of the Carlisle Indian School Project, Sandi thrives in the political environment and lends her diplomatic skill, tenacity, and vision, to advocating for Indigenous people and histories in Pennsylvania.
Jess McPherson
Interim Executive Director
Susquehanna
Jess has served the Native community through education, outreach, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and community building. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice and Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, she continues to advocate for unrecognized, de-tribalized, urban, and east coast Indigenous communities.
Board Members
MaryAnn Robins
Joann McLaughlin
Sandi Cianciulli
A’lice Myers Hall
Board Advisors
Michael Nephew (Eastern Band Cherokee/Seneca/Cayuga)
Shawdae Sharp (Kiowa)
Hannah Keller (Lumbee)
Charlie Douts
Debbie Saylor
Advisors In Memoriam
- Mitchell Bush (Onondaga)
- Karen Collins (Shawnee)
- Ruby Olson (Haliwa Saponi)
Youth Ambassador
Empowering Native American youth to share their stories, preserve their culture, and build a stronger future through leadership and action.
What is the Youth Ambassador role?
The Youth Ambassador is a leadership position designed to uplift the voices of Native American youth in our community. This role focuses on connecting young people to their heritage, promoting cultural education, and leading outreach that ensures Indigenous histories and futures are honored and supported.
Meet Nathan Solorio
Nathan Solorio is a proud descendant of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation and Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation. Passionate about sharing his Native heritage, Nathan works to raise awareness of Indigenous history and ensure Native youth feel seen and supported.