Dr. Jaime Geronimo Vela: An Indigenous Voice for Cultural Change, Cinema, and Social Justice

By S. Adam, Jadetimes News S. Adam is a Jadetimes news reporter covering science and geopolitics.

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Image Source : Dr. Jaime Geronimo Vela

Dr. Jaime Geronimo Vela is more than an academic or artist—he is a force of cultural preservation, visual storytelling, and Indigenous advocacy. A Chiricahua Apache and descendant of the legendary Apache leader Geronimo, Dr. Vela bridges tradition with modern platforms to amplify Native voices and global justice through education, research, and media.

Currently serving as a Professor of Anthropology and Economics at the University of North Georgia, USA, Dr. Vela holds a PhD in Anthropology from UCLA, where his interdisciplinary expertise spans archaeology, medical anthropology, cultural resource management, and Indigenous studies. His scholarly path is marked by a rich academic journey, including:

• PhD in Anthropology, UCLA (Medical, Archaeological, Cultural, and Environmental focus)

• MA in Anthropology with a Graduate Minor in Native American Studies

• BFA in Theater Performance

• BA in Anthropology, Psychology, and Criminal Justice

• Certificate in Criminal Profiling and Civil Litigation Law

Actor, Educator, Advocate

Dr. Vela is also a SAG-AFTRA actor and trained stage performer with a BFA in Theater Performance. His work in acting is bolstered by proficiency in stage combat, voice-over acting, and martial arts (Jeet Kune Do). You can find his acting portfolio on IMDb and his live performances on various platforms.

In addition to acting, Dr. Vela has years of teaching experience, having served as a Teaching Fellow and Assistant at UCLA, instructing courses in anthropology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and cultural theory. His teaching blends Indigenous worldviews with critical academic inquiry, inspiring students to challenge social norms and promote inclusivity.

Visual Storytelling with Purpose

A passionate documentary filmmaker, Dr. Vela creates deeply human stories rooted in Indigenous values, environmental responsibility, and cultural healing. His documentaries include:

• Traditional Indigenous Ways of Being

• The Human Effect

• Unshackled

• Diabetes Prevention Strategies for the Dine’

Available on his YouTube channel Geronimo Vela, these films reflect a commitment to visual education and the decolonization of media. His work illuminates the resilience of Indigenous communities and the urgent need to protect Mother Earth through ancestral wisdom.

Groundbreaking Research: The Dine’ and Diabetes

One of Dr. Vela’s most impactful contributions is in the realm of medical anthropology. His research focused on lowering diabetes rates among the Dine’ (Navajo) people, utilizing phenomenology and community-based participatory methods. He emphasized that public health strategies must align with the cultural fabric of the community—recognizing that meaningful change requires an understanding of how people live, believe, and relate to health.

Cultural Leadership and Advocacy

Dr. Vela has presented his work before legislative bodies, academic conferences, and universities. His leadership has extended to advisory roles on cultural preservation committees and Indigenous rights advocacy platforms. He has spoken widely on issues like uranium contamination on Native lands, NAGPRA and repatriation, and Native pedagogies.

As an Advisory Board Member and Chief Guest of the Jadetimes International Research Conference 2025, Dr. Vela continues to play a leading role in global academic engagement with Indigenous perspectives.

Looking Ahead: A Mission to Transform the World

Dr. Vela’s future research remains open, guided by a mission to create meaningful change in the world. Whether through film, classroom, or community, he seeks projects that tackle today’s most pressing social and environmental crises with cultural insight and innovation. He is deeply committed to equal opportunities for all, and his work continues to foster healing and resilience across communities.

"There are many issues to address in the world," Dr. Vela says. "I want my research to make a difference and change the world for the better."

Mini Biography

Geronimo Vela is a Native American actor, filmmaker, educator, and anthropologist of Chiricahua Apache heritage, and a descendant of the famed Apache leader Geronimo. A proud member of the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas, he brings Indigenous identity and cultural authenticity to every aspect of his work.

As a SAG-AFTRA actor, Dr. Vela holds a BFA in Theater Performance, with specialized training in stage combat, martial arts (Jeet Kune Do), and voice-over acting. His versatility spans across stage, screen, and voice. He is also an experienced Master of Ceremony and event host.

Dr. Vela is a documentary filmmaker, passionately creating works that highlight environmental justice, traditional Indigenous knowledge, and societal challenges from pre-colonial Indigenous perspectives. His films are available on YouTube and have reached audiences globally.

With a PhD in Anthropology from UCLA, Dr. Vela integrates research and storytelling to champion Indigenous rights, environmental stewardship, and cross-cultural understanding. His career is devoted to education, equality, and the healing power of culture.

YouTube Channel: Geronimo Vela

IMDb: www.imdb.me/geronimovela

Contact: dristas@live.com