Nana Marina Cruz is a respected Ajq’iij (Mayan spiritual guide) and cultural advocate of the Maya Tz’utujil people, whose ancestral homelands surround the sacred waters of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. Raised in the rich traditions of her ancestors, Marina began learning the Mayan worldview alongside her father and continues to carry forward the wisdom passed down by her grandmothers and grandfathers.

Devoted to preserving Mayan spiritual teachings, cultural heritage, and the sacred relationship between people and the natural world, Nana Marina advocates for environmental protection, cultural preservation, and social justice. Her work reflects the enduring Mayan values of community, respect for Mother Earth, and the interconnectedness of all life.

At Guardians of the Sacred, Nana Marina joins a circle of Elders and Wisdom Keepers, sharing the ancestral teachings of the Maya Tz’utujil people and reminding us of our responsibility to honor our ancestors, protect the Earth, and nurture the sacred bonds that unite all living beings.