Indigenous House

Call

(510) 735-1471

Email

dstewart@indigenoushouse.org

Location

Oakland, CA

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About

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Culture, Wellness, and Justice in Motion.

Our Values

Mission & Vision

At Indigenous House, our mission is to empower and uplift Afrikan and Indigenous communities through arts, culture, wellness, and education.

We envision a future where cultural heritage is preserved, healing is accessible to all, and creativity drives community resilience.

Our History

Founded in 2012 in Oakland, California, Indigenous House began as a grassroots movement dedicated to preserving ancestral traditions while addressing the urgent needs of communities affected by displacement, cultural erasure, and systemic inequities. Over the past decade, we’ve grown into a global cultural hub-hosting performances, wellness retreats, educational programs, and international exchanges from Oakland to South Africa and Cuba.
Our Inroductions

Our Founder

Douglas “Pharoah” Stewart is a poet, educator, musician, art therapist, keynote speaker, and community organizer.

Pharaoh is a renowned poet and storyteller who has been sharing his work and words for many years. He is currently releasing a Jazz inspired album that bounds spoken word and storytelling. He is also finishing up a one-man play entitled, “Spirit with an African Face”, that will use his voice to spark belonging, radical imagination, and collective healing. His multidisciplinary performance blends spoken word, African drumming, dance, visual art, and storytelling to reclaim ancestral narratives and address the trauma of displacement, racism, and cultural erasure.

He also is working with BAM House in Oakland to launch a series of his visual arts, musicology and screen plays recently written.

With over 25 years of leadership experience, Pharoah has built programs in schools, prisons, and cultural spaces that blend storytelling, art, and healing.
Our Testimonials

What Our Community Says

“Indigenous House gave me the space to heal through art and reconnect with my cultural roots. It’s more than a program—it’s family.”
— Aisha Thompson, Oakland Resident
— Aisha Thompson,
“Pharoah’s workshops inspired my students to find their voice and see the value in their own stories.”
— Marcus Reed, High School Educator
— Marcus Reed,
“The Sankofa Sessions taught me tools for mental wellness I never had access to before. It changed my life.”
— Latoya Simmons, Wellness Participant
— Latoya Simmons,
“Every event feels like a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and where we’re going.”
— David Martinez, Community Organizer
— David Martinez,

Preserve culture. Heal communities. Build a thriving future.

Partner With Us
12 +
Years Serving Oakland and beyond through art, culture, and wellness.
300 +
Events & Programs Hosted, from community healing circles to international cultural exchanges.
5000 +
Lives Directly Reached Through performances, workshops, and wellness initiatives.
50 +
Partners & Collaborators Including grassroots groups, cultural institutions, and global networks.
Professional Volunteers

Our Core Team

Diane Lewis

Community Liaison
A trusted bridge-builder linking Indigenous House with local residents, partners, and organizations to strengthen community impact.

Kumi Rauf

I Love Being Black, Traveling.Black
A global cultural ambassador who celebrates Black identity and connects communities through media, travel, and storytelling.

Christ & Celana Pearson

Be Well Natural
Entrepreneurs and healers providing natural wellness products and education to promote healthier, more sustainable living.

Chris Wallace

Chris Wallace – Epic Wellness
A wellness advocate focused on holistic health, fitness, and lifestyle programs that nurture mind, body, and spirit.

Bobby Pope

African American Male Achievement, Kingmakers
A dedicated mentor and leader committed to empowering young Black men through education, guidance, and community building.