Reframing Practice: Land, Sovereignty, and the Role of the Landscape Architect - 1.0 PDH (LA CES/HSW)

José de Jesús Leal Loera is a truth teller, landscape architect, and bridge-builder who believes laughter is good medicine. A lifelong student of land and culture, his work is grounded in humility and spiritual awareness. As Co-Founder and Director of the Native Nation Building Studio at MIG, he advances Indigenous self-determination through sovereignty-forward planning and culturally responsive design. José partners with Native Nations to support community capacity, climate resilience, and cultural resurgence. Through his presentations and practice, he positions landscape architecture as a vehicle for healing, restoration, and collective transformation rooted in truth and relationships.

Paul Fragua is a firekeeper, runner, architect, and cultural interpreter who has dedicated his life to keeping the fires of Indigenous inherent sovereignty and self-determination burning. A cord between cultures and communities, he is known for bringing visibility to the invisible and translating Indigenous values into meaningful action. With more than four decades of experience, Paul specializes in strategic planning, master planning, resource development, and technical assistance that strengthens Native Nations and Indigenous communities. His work has earned the respect of Tribal leaders, federal agencies, philanthropic organizations, and community partners alike. Through his practice, mentorship, and advocacy, Paul advances Indigenous leadership, cultural continuity, and community resilience with wisdom, humility, and a deep commitment to future generations.