Welcome to Bonai Baa. Yuaki!
Hagade nemmenee?
We are a family generated business, based out of the Carson-Tahoe area. Our products are the result of combining traditional and contemporary practices, utilizing natural products derived from medicinal plants of the Nevada Great Basin and beyond.
Our philosophy is to promote wellness through quality, natural and gentle products that promote healing of your mind, body spirit. Tsaa nesengwan (to feel good)and baa utu (to give water) is the way of our people. It is our responsibility to make sure that we take care of each other and ourselves by ensuring everyone’s ability to feel and think in a good way.
We come from an unbroken line of traditional plant healers and basket weavers. Our family’s traditional practices have survived as a result of mousey characters who have retained the memory of our foremothers and have passed down that life-sustaining knowledge down the line to the best of their abilities. In this way, we have shared our baa (water) that keeps our minds, bodies and spirits strong to maintain resilience in this forever changing world.
Our logo and business name is a reflection of our family’s history. Bonai meaning mouse and Baa meaning water in the Western Shoshone language. Bonai Baa is a testimate to our people’s legacy and a reflection of our resilience. Bonai is a name often given to youngest daughter of a Shoshone family - to or whoever best fits the description. And Gaa is a name often given to the men of our family with my uncle being known as Guna Gaa “Wood Rat”, my great-grandfather being Gaa Nayngi “Rat Ear” and my great-great-grandfather being called Gaa Waach (AKA Chief Kawich) meaning “Rat Wonderer”. We come from a long line of Bonais and Gaas.
Melanie Grace Smokey
- Mother, Teacher, Healer, Naturalist and Education Curator @ Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum
Washoe & Western Shoshone
Jay Martin Kawich
- Owner, Healer, Teacher
Washoe, Western Shoshone & Navajo
What Sets Us Apart
People-First Approach
Everything we do is built around understanding your needs and helping you succeed—because when you thrive, so do we.
Long-Term Relationships
We’re not just here for the now. We love creating lasting relationships with our clients and growing with them over time.
Proven Process, Flexible Execution
We bring structure where it counts and adaptability where it matters. Our methods are clear, but always responsive.