Biography

Sacred Tobacco Woman is a proud member of the Apsaalooke (Crow) Nation. Her great-great grandfather was Ralph Saco, the first elected Crow Tribal Chairman. Sacred Tobacco Woman is also of the lineage of Apsaalooke Warrior, Shot in the Hand. It was Sacred Tobacco Woman’s beloved grandmother, First Bitterroot, who taught her the wisdom and power of unconditional love.

Today, Sacred Tobacco Woman moves through the world with the inspiration, strength, and courage gained from her heritage and her trust in the Creator. Sacred Tobacco Woman serves to help heal, comfort, and bless those suffering from the effects of Historical Trauma. Her passion is to explore the role of faith and spiritual practice to transform lives. Her traditional Apsaalooke name was bestowed upon her as a young child.

Sacred Tobacco Woman is a dedicated humanitarian. Her work as an advocate and activist dates back to her youth, when she organized and volunteered educational services and aid to urban Natives in need.  At present, she serves as the Founder and Executive Director of One Heart Sacred Alliance.  She has traveled among Native populations in North America looking for programs that focus on poverty alleviation, public health, human rights, and social justice. What she found were sad, sad stories that mirrored her own.

Entrusted with the sacred stories shared with her by the vulnerable, yet remarkably resilient populations to whom she has dedicated her life, Sacred Tobacco Woman speaks the light of truth to the power of fear. She carries messages of deliverance, empowerment and peace to Native populations, as well as political and spiritual leaders, donors, the private sector, and the media.

Sacred Tobacco Woman’s formal accomplishments include: Central Washington University’s Bachelor of Arts in Education degree with a major in Elementary Education (K-8), magna cum laude from Lesley University’s Master of Arts in Education degree in Curriculum Design and Development, Professional Life Coach Certification through Wainwright Global, Inc., and is ordained through Universal Life Church.

Sacred Tobacco Woman currently serves as editor for the Native American site at BellaOnline.com where she publishes articles on historical trauma and finding healing and peace through Native Wisdom.

Additionally, she actively supports a number of organizations, ranging from First Nations Development Institute, Native American Rights Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, and International Violence Against Women Act amongst others.

A sought after public speaker and spiritual life coach, Sacred Tobacco Woman teaches on subjects ranging from Historical Trauma, Violence Against Women, Native American Philosophy, and the Power of Forgiveness.

Sacred Tobacco Woman is blissfully married to Mike Pina. The couple, in addition to their home in Washington State plan to make their home in Crow Country, on ancestral land. They are blessed with five beautiful grandchildren, and their handsome German Shepherd, Denzel.

In 2009, Sacred Tobacco Woman, also known as Jacqueline Olivia Pina, experienced spontaneous, intensive healing from addiction resulting from unresolved childhood grief and the historical trauma of her ancestors. She rejoices in her transformation and is passionate about sharing her experience, strength, and hope with others who suffer.

Her favorite past times include spending time with her husband along the rugged coast of the Pacific Northwest, playing with her grandchildren, listening to gospel music, hiking, and reading.