I was chosen to attend the American Indian Science and Engineering Society National Conference (AISES) in Orlando, Florida. I would first like to thank you very much for this amazing opportunity to represent the Walmart Foundation, the American Indian College Fund, Salish Kootenai College, and the Big Valley Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians.
Ian Stand (Sac and Fox Nation) is a senior Indigenous and American Indian studies major at Haskell Indian Nations University. He comes from the San Francisco Bay Area and is a student-athlete who competes with the shot put and discus on the track and field team.
Making a connection to your culture can be a struggle to the say least, but once you find it it can be be one of the most fulfilling things of your life. I know this because it's a path I have begun and will continue to follow. Although it might not be for everyone,...
It is estimated the Menominee Nation had owned nearly 10 million acres which comprised of eastern half of Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and even a small part in northern Illinois. After several treaties with the United States Government, the first being in...
Over the past month I've been stressed with the load of late homework because I'm a professional procrastinator, and cramming studying for finals. I had completely forgotten about my personal duties. The anxiety weighed heavier on me than in previous semesters, but at...
Meet Ulrick Francisco, a social services major from Sells, Ariz. attending Tohono O’Odham Community College. Ulrick will join us for the next year as a contributing blogger on the Think Indian Blog. Ulrick was inspired to earn his degree in his hometown through...
On Friday, the Fund’s staff was given a rare treat: the opportunity to hear from both a TCU president and TCU student in one day. The presentation highlighted their challenges, successes, and overall vision for their tribe’s future. Sharing these words were President of Little Big Horn College, Dr. David Yarlott, and a first-year business student, Riley Singer.
The flu season this year started early and is hitting the U.S. hard. American Indians and Alaska Natives, including college students, are at high risk for getting the flu and developing serious complications. The time is now for people to benefit from getting the vaccine.
When many American Indian students study at mainstream institutions, they experience culture shock. For many, it is the first time away from a close-knit community. For others, it is their first experience away from the reservation. Transitioning to a life on a large campus can feel alienating and unwelcoming. Iva, a member of the Blackfeet nation who had lived in the reservation her whole life and a graduate of Blackfeet Community College in Montana
Growing up in an urban environment was not easy for us. A lot of nights we weren’t sure whether or not we would eat dinner. It was in the Eastside of London Ontario, Canada where the struggle of survival and the knowledge of the “real world” began. We were not exposed to our culture other than at powwows; we were not familiar with our traditional languages, nor did our family participate in ceremony. As adults we understand the power of ceremony, culture and prayer; this is something that we agree is beneficial if it is present every day.
