Executive Director
Tavis Sanders, also known by his Indigenous name RedTail Hawk Thunderbird, is a visionary Indigenous leader, educator, and media producer dedicated to preserving, revitalizing, and teaching the cultural heritage, political histories, and ancestral knowledge of Indigenous peoples, with a particular focus on the often-erased histories of Brown and Dark-Skinned Indigenous communities of the Americas. As the co-founder and executive director of Indigenous Education (IndEdu), Sanders has spent over a decade leading initiatives that center Indigenous voices, empower communities, and challenge dominant narratives that misrepresent or erase Indigenous presence.
Through IndEdu, Sanders oversees transformative educational programs, media productions, and cultural initiatives that bridge historical understanding with contemporary empowerment. He is the executive producer of Discussions With Indigenous Education, a television program airing in Philadelphia, NYC, and Washington, D.C., which amplifies Indigenous perspectives and examines social, political, and cultural issues affecting Native communities. He also leads Save Our Ancestors Indigenous Radio, a radio program committed to community storytelling, cultural preservation, and advocacy. Both platforms serve as critical tools for amplifying Indigenous knowledge, fostering dialogue, and building networks across local and global communities.
Sanders’ work is grounded in a philosophy that blends grassroots action with global awareness. His commitment to cultural and Indigenous autonomy is reflected not only in education but in tangible community development initiatives. Under his leadership, IndEdu has expanded youth engagement programs, including holistic violence prevention initiatives and culturally rooted curriculum, connecting young people to ancestral knowledge, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement.
Recognized for his expertise in cross-cultural communication and leadership, Sanders has earned certifications from the United Nations Development Program (From Grassroots to Global Impact: Effective Communication for Local and Indigenous Leaders) and the United Nations Human Rights Learning Platform (Indigenous Module 2 Certification), underscoring his commitment to integrating international standards and advocacy tools into community-based work.
In addition to his organizational leadership, Sanders contributes his expertise to civic and cultural advisory boards, serving on Bartram’s Garden and Philadelphia250, where he provides guidance on Indigenous representation, community engagement, and historical preservation initiatives. His advisory roles complement his educational and media efforts, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are integrated into local governance, cultural programming, and citywide historical initiatives.
Sanders’ approach is holistic: he combines scholarship, media, policy advocacy, and direct community engagement to create pathways for Indigenous empowerment. His educational initiatives, including curriculum design, workshop and programming, and public lectures, are recognized for addressing gaps in historical knowledge and fostering pride, identity, and agency among Indigenous youth.
Throughout his career, Sanders has remained committed to documenting and restoring the histories and practices of Indigenous peoples often erased from mainstream narratives. He prioritizes amplifying voices of women, elders, and youth, creating spaces where cultural knowledge, political awareness, and ancestral wisdom are celebrated and sustained. By centering these communities, Sanders ensures that IndEdu’s work is both culturally authentic and socially transformative.
Through media, education, and civic engagement, RedTail Hawk “Tavis D. Sanders” continues to build bridges between local action and global frameworks, advancing Indigenous visibility, autonomy, and resilience. His leadership exemplifies the power of combining grassroots experience with international insight, demonstrating that Indigenous knowledge, when honored and shared, can transform communities, influence policy, and inspire future generations.