It’s time to meet Aniya, a sophomore with big dreams of becoming a fashion journalist. For Aniya, Aaniiih Nakoda College was the perfect place to jumpstart her future career, providing the supportive and enriching environment she needs to achieve her goals. Take it away, Aniya.
– Thanks, Alex. Growing up, I was introduced to K-pop music, and I was in awe of their fashion and style. Ever since, I found my interest in fashion journalism, and Aaniiih Nakoda College was the perfect place to start my education. Here, I’ve saved financially and stayed close to my family, which is very important to me. My whole life, I’ve been surrounded by Indigenous fashion, and it’s always interested me. It’s important to me because of my Nakoda heritage. Sometimes individuals on campus will wear ribbon skirts or shirts for ceremonies, powwows, or just every day. It represents who we are as Indian people. My favorite piece is an elk tooth necklace my auntie made me. She’s a fluent Nakoda speaker, so it was heartwarming because it made me feel connected to our Nakoda people. Every year, ANC hosts Native American Week where our community collaborates to talk about our heritage, from plants and medicines to beading and dancing. There are so many talented people here. Like my cousin, she beads jewelry and is an amazing ledger artist. I used to dance woman’s fancy shaw, which represents a butterfly. This is my favorite style because it made me feel care-free. My time here is not only keeping me in touch with my heritage and my people, it’s also helping me achieve my goals. I hope to live in New York, working as a fashion journalist for “Vogue,” and then one day be their chief and editor. Aaniiih Nakoda College helps students prepare for the future, but the best part about going here is the people. They’re very understanding and caring. You are not just a number to them. This is a great place to discover your passion. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Aniya. It is awesome to hear how you’re using your culture as an inspiration for your career, sharing the beauty of your art and tradition with the world beyond the reservation. ANC encourages students like Aniya to pursue their dreams, allowing them to spread their wings and fly. Thanks again, Aniya.
Meet Eleesha, an alumni from Aaniiih Nakoda College’s nationally-accredited Nursing Program. She attended ANC’s Grow Our Own Nursing Program, an initiative that incorporates Native perspectives on health and wellness and emphasizes culturally-safe care. This program focuses on providing whole-person care. It is amazing. Eleesha, please take it away.
– Alex, Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to take care of others. I just wasn’t sure at what capacity. I thought at first maybe I wanted to be a doctor, but nursing fell into my lap and aligned more with what I wanted to do, which is direct patient care. I enrolled at ANC for a health science certificate, and in my second semester, their Grow Our Own nursing program was accepting applications, so I applied and thankfully was accepted. The Grow Our Own Nursing program is dedicated to empowering students to attain their nursing license and provide holistic care while maintaining and upholding the cultural lifeways. It’s meant to help our people become nurses so we can then provide care to our people. Here we’re not only receiving a great education, but also getting hands-on experiences with real technology. From the onsite clinicals around the state to the SIM labs right here on campus, I learned so much that helped me prepare for my future. My professors and fellow classmates offered support every step of the way. During lectures, we collaborated with each other and all had different points of views, which allowed us to become well-rounded nurses. The Grow Our Own nursing program takes two years, and once completed, students are awarded an associate’s degree in nursing. I’ve now been a practicing nurse in Montana for two years. I’m proud of the foundation that Aaniiih Nakoda College provided me. There’s so much difficulty accessing medical care in rural communities. Through the creation of the Grow Our Own nursing program, ANC is increasing the diversity of nursing and improving the health outcomes of everyone on and off the reservation. Alex, for letting me share my story.
– Thank you, Eleesha. It is clear that ANC’s nursing program has equipped you with the skills and knowledge needed to make a significant impact in your community. Through your efforts and those of your fellow nursing graduates, you are helping to create a healthier community here at Fort Belknap and beyond. We are all wishing you the best of luck in your career.
Meet Morgan, a recent graduate from ANC with an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. She fully embraced the learning opportunities both in and outside of the classroom here. She participated in every club available at ANC, showcasing her commitment to both personal and professional growth. Morgan, you are on. Please take it away.
– Alex. Everyone. When teachers ask you that question, what do you wanna be when you grow up? I knew I wanted to do something business related. I took a six year hiatus from school after graduating high school and decided to move home to further my education. Growing and learning in an environment that integrates our culture into the curriculum is such a great feeling. We learn to speak our Aaniiih and Nakoda languages and talk amongst each other throughout the campus. Aaniiih Nakoda College has internships that put students in positions that will help them utilize their degree. Our college also participates in AIHEC, which stands for American Indian Higher Education Consortium. This is where tribal colleges from around the US gather to participate in cultural activities such as hand games, archery and knowledge bowl. Another amazing opportunity I had while attending Aaniiih Nakoda College was the chance to travel to Namibia, Africa, with fellow classmates. We spent a month doing grass line research and met so many amazing new people. This campus also offers so many resources to help you succeed in your educational journey. They offer tutoring in classes that students may be struggling in, student support services and free counseling for those who may need it. My experience here has inspired me to continue my education to earn my bachelor’s degree. I’ve now graduated from Aaniiih Nakoda College and am enrolled in a four-year institution, but I love this college so much that I wasn’t ready to leave. So now I work here at Aaniiih Nakoda College full-time as a financial aid assistant. I decided to stay and utilize the skills and help other students just like the staff has helped me. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Morgan, it sounds like your experience at ANC, not only inspired you to continue your educational journey at a four-year institution, but also equipped you with valuable knowledge and leadership skills. These qualities will undoubtedly help you achieve success wherever your path leads. Thanks again, Morgan.
Meet Lori, an inspiring alumni who began her college journey later in life. As a non-Native student, she found ANC to be an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome. Now, as a permanent member of the ANC family, Lori contributes as a faculty member teaching Business and fostering the same welcoming atmosphere she once experienced. Lori, the floor is yours.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. I first came to Aaniiih Nakoda College about 15 years ago. I was a non-traditional student with a young family and a job, and I had just moved to the area. It was here at ANC that I first found a community to welcome me in. The instructors were engaging and welcomed questions and conversation. Even though I was older than many of my fellow students and not a Native American, I never felt excluded or other than. Clubs like Phi Theta Kappa and Red Lodge Society reinforce the values that are woven through every part of this school. Not only am I a proud alumni of ANC, but I’m also a faculty member. I’m the business instructor and faculty advisor for our local chapter of American Indigenous Business Leaders. As able advisor, I get to help students develop their potential and take education beyond the classroom. At ANC, the student always comes first. Everyone here truly cares about the wellbeing and success of every student on campus, and it doesn’t stop there. I attribute much of my success in my educational career and my work life after college to the staff and instructors all the way up to the president. There’s no place like Aaniiih Nakoda College. As an alumni turned faculty member, it is truly my greatest pleasure and proudest achievement to be able to provide those same resources to my students and hopefully be the mentor that I was so fortunate to have when I was a student here. Alex, there’s no place I’d rather be. Back to you.
– Lori, you are a pivotal figure in so many students’ lives. Your role as the Faculty Advisor for the American Indian Business Leaders Club has been invaluable, and it sounds like you’ve been instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging for all students. Thank you for sharing your story. Take care.
Danny is a sophomore studying Aaniiih and Nakoda Language. ANC is the only place in the United States where students can immerse themselves in the Aaniiih language, connect with traditions and knowledge keepers, and enrich their understanding of their cultural heritage. Danny’s dedication to her studies is helping to preserve and revitalize her language for future generations. Danny, you are up.
– Alex. Education is important to my family and I, so I knew that I wanted to go on to get an education. I just didn’t know where or for what. What I did know was that I wanted to go somewhere I felt supported and connected to my community. For me, that was right here in Fort Belknap, Montana, at Aaniiih Nakoda College. The Aaniiih and Nakoda language courses are what led me here. Initially, I had no idea what I wanted to major in, so I began in carpentry and welding, which was really cool, but after my first semester, the Aaniiih Nakoda language was officially offered as a major, so I transferred into that program. Since transferring, my education and language teachers have helped me grow so much as a professional and as a person because of their influence. I’ve also grown a lot through the many clubs and extracurriculars offered here at ANC. I’m currently president of the Student Senate and an active member of Phi Theta Kappa. In the past, I’ve been secretary of Archery Club and Red Lodge Society. I’ve even been captain of the Knowledge Bowl team. Participating in clubs and extracurriculars opened up many opportunities, such as taking on leadership roles, building friendships, learning new skills, and travel. There’s always something to do, and each club contributes to getting students in the community involved, whether that’s helping with the annual Luminary Walk, Spring Fling, or the Halloween Haunted House. I came here unsure of what I wanted to study, but soon I’ll have my associate’s degree in Aaniiih language, a unique program that’s only offered here. ANC has given me the tools and support that I need to continue on to my next adventure, to finish my bachelor’s degree at a university. Back to you, Alex.
– Danny, as the President of the Student Senate, you are already making a significant impact among your peers. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next. Thank you again for sharing your story.
Let’s meet Sonny, a senior Ecology student pursuing his Bachelor’s degree at Aaniiih Nakoda College. Focused on studying environmental issues that impact his community’s land and water, Sonny is taking full advantage of the unique research opportunities available at ANC to make a meaningful difference. Take it away, Sonny.
– Thanks, Alex. I didn’t know where I wanted to go for college or what I wanted to do, but I knew I liked science in high school. Aaniiih Nakoda College had just offered this ecology program so I figured I’d give it a try. Plus it was near home, and I’d save money, so was the right decision. I really like how ANC implements Indian ways in the classroom. When I first came here, I didn’t know much about my people, but now I know a lot more, and that’s important to me. I also know more about the earth and the environment because of the ecology program. In the classroom, I’ve collaborated with other science programs to expand my knowledge. Outside of the classroom, I got hands-on experiences doing important research in my field. We take trips to places like the Milk River to collect water samples, grass samples and bug samples, and my internships at ANC were also very hands-on. The Buffalo Center was fun because I worked with different keystone species like bison, prairie dogs and bees. They are a main part of our ecosystem, and removing them would be drastic. That’s why the work at the Buffalo Center is so important. My other internship was with the Water Center. A long time ago, people mined our little rocky mountains for gold and it impacted the water quality in a bad way, so we’ve researched water samples and macro vertebrates to help determine water quality. This internship prepared me for my future and my current job. Everyone at Aaniiih Nakoda College is supportive and helpful. I’m excited to continue working in hydrology and being at the Water Center gives me access to learn more. Water is important. It’s limited, and we can’t mess this up. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Sonny. By gaining the knowledge needed to protect and preserve your community’s natural resources and being guided by your cultural values and traditions, you are making a significant impact. Your commitment to the environment and your community is truly inspiring. We know we’ll see big things from you. Thanks again.
Meet Iyážo Hotubi Wiyá, a sophomore majoring in American Indian Studies and Aaniiih and Dakota Language. By embracing her Indigenous lifeways and language, she hopes to share her knowledge while continuing to deepen her connection to her culture. Please take it away.
– Alex. I first started college as a single mother who wasn’t truly connected to our Indian way of life. I thought I wanted to leave my hometown to further my education. Fast forward eight years, and I’m back home attending a Aaniiih Nakoda College as a first generation student. My ancestors guided me back home, and through our language I found a sense of belonging. As Indian people, we have experienced substandard education, which is deeply tied to our historical trauma. ANC is a tool to rectify hundreds of years of that, rebuild our communities and ensure a brighter future for our next generations by providing quality post-secondary education and a community rooted in cultural revitalization, ensuring individual and community development to succeed in American society while keeping our Aaniiih and Nakoda lifeways alive. I interned at the White Clay Immersion School, which teaches our Aaniiih language and values. That experience helped me build a foundation to revitalize our culture through teaching and being a voice for our children. Another really special program here is ecology. Through our Water & Buffalo Center, students get hands-on experience working on conservation efforts for the reservation. This is so important because we think of the buffalo similar to us. They were almost extinct, but they are still and so are we. ANC provided a healing space and journey for me. This is the only place in the world where I can learn my language, allowing me to reconnect with my ancestral identity. Our language is our identity, our way of thinking and living. It is not just a culture. I’m grateful for Aaniiih Nakoda College for being a vital source for our people. Back to you, Alex.
– Iyážo Hotubi Wiyá, thank you for being a shining example of resilience and strength. ANC has offered you a place to heal, to grow and build self-esteem, fostering a strong sense of cultural identity. Your journey is an inspiration. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Thanks again.
Let’s meet Katelyne, a senior in the Ecology program. She’s currently an intern at the Buffalo Center, ANC’s research facility that collaborates with renowned organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the Smithsonian Research Institute. The Buffalo Center provides students like Katelyne the opportunity to work and learn alongside professional biologists, enhancing her educational experience and preparing her for a successful career in the field. Take it away, Katelyne.
– Thank you, Alex. When I initially enrolled at Aaniiih Nakoda College, I enrolled in the liberal arts program, but a friend of mine suggested to enroll in environmental science, so that same day I switched my major. It changed my life forever, and it was the best decision that I’ve ever made. I’m currently interning with the Buffalo Center where I work with bison and other amazing species. On our reservation, we have two separate herds, one at Snake Butte and one at People’s Creek. Both bring lots of research opportunities and partnerships with organizations, like the Smithsonian and the World Wildlife Fund. I’ve learned so much from being mentored by established experienced researchers who share their techniques with us. Many people come here to work with our incredible ecosystem, so I collaborate and make friends with people from all over the world. My research has taken me to Africa where we studied calories and conditions, and to Costa Rica where we determine their water quality through macro vertebrates. I even had the opportunity to share my research at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. Being there representing ANC and showing that tribal colleges are important too made me feel proud. I’m currently working on my senior research project researching bison diets. By looking at their diets, I can see if the land they’re grazing from is healthy and find out how they’re eating during drought. The buffalo are very important to our culture. They’ve always been there for us. I love Aaniiih Nakoda College, because the research I do on my home is for my home. The things that I get to do, my ancestors were already doing years ago, they just didn’t call it environmental science. When I’m out here on the prairie or in the mountains, I can’t help but feel close to them. Education will pave the way just as the buffalo did for us many years ago. Back to you, Alex.
– Incredible, Katelyne. The opportunities you have through ANC and the Buffalo Center are truly one of a kind, allowing you to gain practical experience alongside professionals in the field. We are so excited to see the positive impact you will continue to make in your community and beyond. Thanks again.
Let’s meet Wozek. She earned her degree in American Indian studies here at ANC. Today she serves as the project director for the White Clay Immersion School, where she teaches the Aaniiih language to school-aged children. Wozek’s education at ANC inspired her commitment to giving back to her community, motivating her to educate the next generation of Aaniiih language speakers. Tell us more, Wozek. Please take it away.
– , Alex. My experience at Aaniiih Nakoda College started when I was about seven years old, attending the White Clay Immersion School housed here on campus. We worked with other college departments as part of our curriculum, which sparked my desire to pursue my education at ANC and continue this work. Attending college here is a special experience because you receive quality education that you wouldn’t receive at a mainstream university. All academic curriculum weaves Aaniiih and Nakoda values and practices in some way. Not everyone gets the opportunity to know who they are culturally, but this campus gives you a sense of place and community. We’re surrounded by cultural designs and photos of our ancestors. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come as Aaniiih and Nakoda people and to keep pushing to difficult times. This inspired me to go into American Indian studies with the hopes to help shift the narrative of stereotypes and inaccuracies provided through American history in schools. I’ve taken advantage of our Aaniiih Nakoda language degree program, which helps create more teachers for our languages. I utilize these classes to help strengthen my speaking and teaching abilities at the Immersion School. As the White Clay Immersion School project director and Aaniiih language teacher, I’m directly involved with teaching students cultural lifeways through real-world practices like smudging, jewelry making, and, of course, using the language. We also have learning opportunities outside the classroom, like our annual language forum and chokecherry picking. Through our students, we are helping maintain and revitalize the Indigenous lifeways of our people. I’ve received many cultural and leadership opportunities through ANC, which has instilled great pride within myself. One of our core values is , generosity, being generous with success through helping others. Through this, I always knew I wanted to use my education to give back to my community. , back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Wozek, your work embodies the values of cultural preservation and community empowerment, ensuring that the rich heritage of the Aaniiih nations continue to thrive and inspire the next generation. Thanks again, Wozek.
Please meet Logan, a senior who found his academic path and personal growth through UMass Dartmouth’s support services. Logan will share how resources like the STAR Center, faculty mentorship and peer support, have shaped his success both academically and personally. He’ll also highlight the importance of mental health and belonging in the university community. Logan, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. How do y’all? When I first came here to UMass Dartmouth, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study, but in one trip to the STAR Center, the Student Transition and Academic Resource Center, I found people who believed in the beauty of my dreams and found a path that I was excited about. Now, in my senior year, I’ve come full circle and I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work in the STAR Center. As a peer mentor for the STAR Center, as well as the sociology department and the honors college, I have truly surpassed my limits that I had once experienced and I now find myself in the role of helping and guiding others towards honing their own success stories. While I spend my time studying as a student of the College of Arts and Sciences, I know that there are services available to support each and every student on this campus. From the Counseling Center, to the STEM Learning Lab, every major, every minor and every mental health need can be supported here at UMass Dartmouth. I have grown into the person that I once dreamed of becoming. The diversity of opportunities has opened my eyes to new possibilities and a lifetime of success. Alex, back to you.
– It is great to hear how UMass Dartmouth student support services, create a nurturing environment for success. Your impactful journey, Logan, illustrates the power of community in helping students thrive. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact you’ll continue to make on your classmates and in the community. Thank you, Logan.