Native American Studies, College of Arts & Sciences, The University of New Mexico
Chambreigh Onesalt, Diné, from Oaksprings, Arizona
B.A. in Native American Studies with a concentration in Leadership and Building Native Nations and a minor in Architecture
“My fondest memory with NAS was how it felt like family. Every instructor felt like my aunt, uncle, grandma or grandpa. NAS feels like family.”
“The most I have learned as a NAS student is how important our relationship is with one another, human and non-human. NAS provides resources to connect and give back to each other and Mother Earth.”
Chambreigh was our first student in the NAS Shared Credit Program, where she was able to get started on her M.A. in NAS a semester early. After graduation, she will continue completing her Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Native American Studies.
Chambreigh says, “I would like to thank everyone that has gotten me to this point. Before NAS, I was an architecture major. NAS took me in and I am happy and thankful for the education I received in Mesa Vista Hall & on Zoom.”
Congratulations, Chambreigh!!
Marquita Nez, Diné, from Tohatchi, New Mexico
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Family and Child Studies with a concentration in Human Development and Family Relations and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Native American Studies with a concentration in Indigenous Learning Communities
“I have enjoyed meeting and cultivating professional relationships with various students in neighboring tribal communities. My fellow peers and I established a bridge of common interest for helping and effectuating social changes to have a profound impact in the sphere of education, advocacy, and policy making. These discussions were my fondest memories because I was given another perspective of seeing what has worked, and has not worked in different tribal communities, and I was able to utilize that information to transform social institutions to better fit Indigenous perspectives.”
“As a Native American Studies student, it was important to understand that Indigenous communities needed solutions that catalyze existing resources to harness community power towards tribally led solutions. Understanding that in order to reverse the harmful tools and systems created by Western approaches, I needed to remember to respect and validate the experiences of all individuals from different cultural backgrounds. I learned that Indigenous Peoples have the power to identify, cultivate, and develop frameworks that can focus on tribal needs.”
After graduating with her double majors in Family and Child Studies and Native American Studies, Marquita will continue her academic pursuits in completing a M.A. in Family and Child Studies at the University of New Mexico. Her future plans also include attending Law School and “continuing my advocacy work in community justice to address social issues and problems in my tribal community.”
“Thank you to all my friends, mentors, and professors. I would not be here today if our paths did not cross. I appreciate your wonderful insight and criticism which contributes to my life story and gives me the strength to navigate into the future. I am grateful for your never-ending guidance.”
Congratulations Marquita!!
Raeann La Flame, Puyallup, from Copalis Beach, Washington
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Native American Studies with a concentration in Leadership and Building Native Nations and a minor in Psychology
“My fondest NAS memory isn’t just one. It is the relationships I have developed with my peers and professors. It became an extended family of sorts.”
“My biggest takeaway is the importance of personal narrative and listening. We have much to learn from each other’s stories and experiences. We have to take the time to listen to one another.”
Raeann completed our fully online B.A. in Native American Studies degree program. After graduation she plans to apply to a Masters in Counseling program to work with Indigenous communities.
“Thank you all for creating a safe and challenging space for me to grow as both a person and a student. It has been a pleasure to share the last two years with you all.”
Congratulations Raeann!!
Dorothy Garbani-Cicero, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians from Redding, California
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Native American Studies with a Concentration in Leadership & Building Native Nations and a minor in Psychology
“My fondest memory is when I realized that I was not in this program alone. We were all in this together. All of us had a shared common goal to work hard and use our education to make a positive change in Native communities. I also enjoyed seeing the growth in others as well as in myself in our understanding of the complexity of Native American Studies.”
“What I learned the most is that I have so much more to learn. I also now have a greater understanding of just how much Native nations and communities need our support.”
Dorothy was a part of the fully online Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies degree program. After graduation she plans to pursue a degree in Federal Indian law and environmental law. She says, “I want to work with Tribal Nations and members to help ensure access to healthy ancestral fishing, hunting, and harvesting areas. Helping to make sure that Tribes are the primary caregiver of these sacred areas. Creating healthy and balanced Tribal communities.”
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire NAS faculty for all of their support and their dedication to help every student meet their educational goals. I also have to thank my fellow peers. I have learned so much from everyone’s experiences and personal reflections in our studies. I am so grateful to be finishing my time at UNM knowing I will always be part of the UNM NAS community.”
Congratulations Dorothy!!
Jasmine Uchme Gollette, Acjachemen Nation - Juaneno Band of Mission Indians from Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science with double minors in Native American Studies and Communications
“My fondest NAS memory was taking classes that had discussion in them. Being able to hear my peers and professors’/instructors’ perspectives and insight on topics we discussed in class, helped me better understand the topics we were talking about.”
As a NAS student, she learned most “about the history, ongoing struggles, knowledge, culture, etc. about different Native nations that are not only in the United States but in the world!”
After graduation, Uchme will be applying to the M.A. in Native American Studies degree program at UNM. She “hopes to get into the career field of education to work with Native American students to help them achieve academic success and attend college.”
“NAS has helped me want to become more involved in knowing my tribal background. It has helped me become more aware of the issues we are still continuing to face today but also how we can come together to face those issues and overcome them.”
Congratulations Uchme!!
Starlyn Jones, Navajo Nation, from Standing Rock, New Mexico
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Family and Child Studies with a concentration in Human Development and Family Relations and a minor degree in Native American Studies
“My fondest NAS memory would have to be taking Native American Studies 1150 as my first Native American class when I transferred to UNM-Main from UNM-Gallup. I didn’t know what to expect and decided to just take it. This class really intrigued me so much that afterwards I decided to minor in it.”
“I learned that there is still a lot to be done to enhance the livelihood of future Indigenous lives. Unraveling the colonized mindset and building Native Nations is crucial to resiliency. Our ancestors had to make important sacrifices for future generations. All we can do is talk about the past and use that to push us forward in creating safer and healthy environments for Native Americans altogether.”
Starlyn’s future plans include applying to the Family and Child Studies Master’s degree program and hopes to enroll Fall 2022. She also “hopes to one day be a family therapist and open up a practice on the Navajo Nation that is budget-friendly for low-income families across the reservation.”
“I want to thank you for giving me proper education, support, and motivation. The classes I took and the lessons I learned from each one will forever impact me as an Indigenous scholar making my way through this world. Thank you for leaving footprints for future scholars.”