Ursula Jones
About the Teacher
Why study with them?
Ursula Min-ne-ah Jones was born and raised in Yosemite Valley! Min-ne-ah means Beautiful Meadow in Mi-wuk and Ursula was born in a beautiful meadow in Yosemite Valley and born into a family of strong cultural heritage – of basket weavers, and Medicine People Healers. She is the oldest sibling of 5 and has close ties with her four younger brothers. Ursula was raised learning the way of her people…the old way. The Yosemite Ahwahneechee and the Mono Lake Paiute Kuzedika ways from her Gramps, Ralph Parker. Coast Miwok & Kashaya Pomo ways from her Grandmother, Julia Parker. She has been taught to be the keeper & teacher of these cultures that not many know. Ursula has two beautiful children, Naomi (26) & Parker (20). Both have been taught at a very young age to know the history of the people they come from & will carry this vital history on when it’s time.
Ursula has been a teacher of basketry, which she learned from her mother, Lucy, and Grandmother, Julia, and has passed on to her daughter Naomi. They are 4 generations of weavers that teach together throughout the U.S. They have had opportunity to teach in Norway, sharing knowledge & learning the native Norwegian style of weaving. Ursula has always been a part of her traditional heritage. She dances the old way in the Roundhouse, wearing the regalia passed on to her. Being a part of the old ways is very important to her—learning & watching & listening to her Gram & Gramps. She is a teacher, a healer, a basket weaver and she will teach those who ask. The old ways are deeply instilled in Ursula and she shares her knowledge lovingly and generously.
Growing up in Yosemite has always allowed Ursula the opportunity to be outside in nature. She loves hiking, skiing and climbing. In her teen years she was a junior Olympic ski racer, was always on the snow. She loved the winter outdoors so moved she moved to Mammoth in the Eastern Sierra-Home of the Mono Lake Paiute. Ursula found herself teaching skiing & snowboarding for 14 years. Her love of healing practices has also allowed her to become a massage therapist, CNA, and dialysis technician on the Bishop Reservation.
Every year, Ursula walks the traditional Indian Walk that her Gram (Julia Parker) started 30 years ago which follows the old trade route between the Paiute and Ahwahneechee. She even carried both of her children in utero on this strenuous walk. She has also hiked the John Muir Trail.
Ursula currently lives in Mariposa, CA with her husband Boone Jones and dogs Smokey and Boozer, where she can be close to her Gram, her family, her birthplace, and share her many talents with her community.
Ursula has been a teacher of basketry, which she learned from her mother, Lucy, and Grandmother, Julia, and has passed on to her daughter Naomi. They are 4 generations of weavers that teach together throughout the U.S. They have had opportunity to teach in Norway, sharing knowledge & learning the native Norwegian style of weaving. Ursula has always been a part of her traditional heritage. She dances the old way in the Roundhouse, wearing the regalia passed on to her. Being a part of the old ways is very important to her—learning & watching & listening to her Gram & Gramps. She is a teacher, a healer, a basket weaver and she will teach those who ask. The old ways are deeply instilled in Ursula and she shares her knowledge lovingly and generously.
Growing up in Yosemite has always allowed Ursula the opportunity to be outside in nature. She loves hiking, skiing and climbing. In her teen years she was a junior Olympic ski racer, was always on the snow. She loved the winter outdoors so moved she moved to Mammoth in the Eastern Sierra-Home of the Mono Lake Paiute. Ursula found herself teaching skiing & snowboarding for 14 years. Her love of healing practices has also allowed her to become a massage therapist, CNA, and dialysis technician on the Bishop Reservation.
Every year, Ursula walks the traditional Indian Walk that her Gram (Julia Parker) started 30 years ago which follows the old trade route between the Paiute and Ahwahneechee. She even carried both of her children in utero on this strenuous walk. She has also hiked the John Muir Trail.
Ursula currently lives in Mariposa, CA with her husband Boone Jones and dogs Smokey and Boozer, where she can be close to her Gram, her family, her birthplace, and share her many talents with her community.
