Helene Hagan’s journey is a testament to the power of cultural understanding and the tireless dedication to preserving and celebrating diverse heritages. Born in Rabat, Morocco, her educational path led her from the vibrant streets of Morocco to Bordeaux University, France, where she obtained a Licence-ès-Lettres in British and American Studies. However, it was her venture into the United States in 1959 as a foreign student that laid the foundation for her remarkable career.

With two Master’s degrees from Stanford University, one in French and Education, and another in Cultural and Psychological Anthropology, Helene embarked on a journey of exploration and advocacy. Her path took her to unexpected places, including the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where she conducted fieldwork among the Oglala Lakota people, and later directed a photo identification project funded by the South Dakota Committee on the Humanities for the Oglala Lakota College.

Throughout her career, Helene’s passion for cultural diversity and preservation remained unwavering. She served as an Associate Professor at the JFK University Graduate School of Psychology in Orinda, California, and even ventured into entrepreneurship, owning an American Indian art gallery in Marin County called “Lakota Contemporary Native American Designs,” aimed at supporting American Indian artists.

In 1993, Helene founded the Tazzla Institute for Cultural Diversity, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to safeguarding, supporting, and disseminating Amazigh cultural heritage in the United States and abroad. Under her leadership, the institute became a beacon of cultural exchange and understanding, organizing numerous initiatives to promote Amazigh culture globally.

One of Helene’s groundbreaking initiatives was her collaboration with several NGOs at the United Nations to co-lead a UNESCO Culture of Peace program titled “Creating Peace Through the Arts and Media.” This initiative included an annual UN presentation of Amazigh films and speakers selected by the Tazzla Institute, further amplifying the voices and stories of the Amazigh people on the international stage.

Helene’s impact extended beyond academia and advocacy; she also made significant contributions to the world of media and arts. As the founder of Amazigh Video Productions, she produced 55 educational and cultural television programs, shedding light on the richness of Amazigh heritage and traditions. In 2008, she pioneered the Los Angeles Amazigh Film Festival, the first of its kind in the United States, offering annual presentations of Amazigh documentaries, films, art, and music for over a decade.

Helene’s dedication to cultural preservation and celebration has been recognized globally. In June 2021, she participated in two panels of the international virtual symposium offered by the University of Regina, Canada, titled “Transnational Screen Media Practices: Safeguarding Cultural Heritage.” Additionally, she published a seminal book in August 2021, an edited and updated version of her Stanford University Ph.D. Spring Paper titled “Wakinyan Zi Tiospaye: Context and Evidence in the Case of Yellow Thunder Camp.”

Helene Hagan’s lifelong commitment to promoting cultural diversity, understanding, and appreciation serves as an inspiration to all. Through her relentless efforts, she has not only preserved the cultural heritage of the Amazigh people but also enriched the global tapestry of humanity with their stories, art, and traditions. As we continue to navigate an increasingly interconnected world, Helene’s work stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the transformative power of cultural exchange and celebration.