In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, MassLive asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the Indigenous community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts. Profiles of these leaders are being published in November.
These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Darlene Flores with her family. (Courtesy photo)Darlene Flores
Darlene Flores
Age: 47
Community: Newton
Her story: Dr. Darlene Flores is a traditional healer, chiropractic physician and educator on the culture and history of the Taino people, the native people of the Caribbean.
Flores was raised in Newton, where she currently lives and is raising her three children. She was introduced to chiropractic medicine while serving in the Army and after her last deployment, and she obtained a doctorate degree from Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, California.
Flores previously practiced in Puerto Rico, but after Hurricane Maria in 2019, she opened Karaya Wellness Clinic in Brookline.
In addition to her chiropractic practice, Flores is an Adahi’abo, or medicine hand, a traditional medicine keeper for the Taino Higuayagua Caribbean tribe, following the legacy of her grandmother Irene, a traditional curandera.
Flores is an advocate for holistic medicine and the preservation of Indigenous culture, especially that of her own tribe. She is one of the founding members of Newton’s Indigenous Peoples Day, and helped to organize the fourth annual ceremonial celebration in October.
The free event celebrates native music, dance, poetry and visual art. The theme for the 2024 event was “Honoring our Mothers,” honoring both matriarchs and “Mother Earth,” and featured more than 70 indigenous vendors.
Flores also helps coordinate intertribal youth events, including an annual Intertribal Youth Ski Day trip that began in March 2023. The event gives youth from the Mashpee Wampanoag, Narraganset, Nipmuc and Taino communities an opportunity to take a bus to Whaleback Mountain in Enfield, New Hampshire, for a free ski or snowboarding lesson, equipment rental and lift ticket. It also featured an opening and closing ceremony led by the youth participants.
In her words: “Look at the youth, guide them gently and be their biggest advocates. Promote respect, authenticity, tradition, family and self-love. … Be a warrior while elegantly walking the walk.”
We’re always open to hear about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
