Monday Night Talk Series: Sacred Stewardship, Peyote Conservation by S.A.C.R.D.

🌿 Monday Night Talk Series at Meraki 🌿
Hosted by the Arizona Psychedelics Society

📍 Meraki Kava Bar | Monday, July 7th | 7:00–8:30 PM

Talk Title:
Sacred Stewardship: An Indigenous-Led, Three-Pronged Approach to Peyote Conservation

Join us for an evening of education, story, and sacred responsibility with two core members of S.A.C.R.D. (Synchronizing Action on Cacti Resiliency Directives), a BIPOC- and Indigenous-led nonprofit organization based in Arizona that is leading the charge to protect the Sacred Peyote cactus.

Peyote, which grows naturally only in a narrow region along the Rio Grande in Texas, is under urgent threat from habitat destruction, climate change, over-harvesting, and unsustainable development. S.A.C.R.D.’s work includes a five-year plan to cultivate 500,000 genetically traceable Peyote seedlings, support Indigenous rewilding initiatives, and distribute greenhouse-grown plants to federally recognized tribes through their Cacti Resiliency Initiative (CRI). This powerful movement ensures ceremonial access, protects wild populations, and honors Indigenous sovereignty over sacred plant medicine.

Come learn how traditional knowledge, community collaboration, and cutting-edge cultivation are coming together to ensure the survival of this revered plant.

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🎤 Guest Speakers:

🔹 Anthony Morelli
Director of Cultivation & Founding Member, S.A.C.R.D.

Anthony began his path in cacti cultivation at the age of six under the guidance of his late father, a cultivator of over 60 years. With a professional background in welding, machining, and production, he blends precision with purpose in his work to protect Peyote. As a founding member of S.A.C.R.D., Anthony is dedicated to education, sustainable cultivation, and preserving the sacred connection to this medicine.

🔹 Woody Lee
Executive Director, S.A.C.R.D. | Former Navajo Nation Council Delegate

A lifelong public servant and advocate, Woody is a proud Diné leader from Tolikan, Arizona. With experience in tribal governance and nonprofit leadership, he now focuses on safeguarding Peyote habitat and ensuring future generations of Indigenous people retain access to this life-giving medicine. His commitment to cultural preservation and environmental justice lies at the heart of S.A.C.R.D.’s mission.

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✨ Free & Open to the Community

Donations welcome to support our speakers and space. Bring an open heart, a curious mind, and a friend!