Meet Micah, a student in the MEL Johnson Center, the MEL, which is short for the Media ∂ntertainment Lab, as well as being a university facility. The MEL is also home to Northwestern Media, a national network that operates 16 media brands on 121 signals across 12 states. This sets UNW apart from other media programs in the state of Minnesota. Micah, tell us more.
– Thanks, Alex, I grew up homeschooled and then went to a Christian high school, so I knew that I wanted to continue being in a Christian environment for the rest of my education. University of Northwestern was always one of my top options as a student. The MEL, our campus media center is one of the places that feels like it has its own unique community. We’re able to challenge each other while also building each other up. Every year we have the annual Five16 film festival where we get to submit films and have a friendly competition for some of the awards, but what’s most fun is seeing each other’s work on the big screen shown in front of over a thousand people. The professors here have given us many resources to work with, including themselves. They’re all industry professionals who are teaching us how to tell stories and use film and video equipment, which we have access to rent here for free. This year, I’m one of the student leaders in our film workshop, a space where we as media students get to create and collaborate on small projects and larger films. One thing that sets us apart from other media programs is that we are very well connected with Northwestern Media and 98.5 KTIS, one of the top radio stations in the Twin Cities, and it’s right upstairs. Our collaboration with them has given many students, including myself, internships in radio and video, some even leading to full-time jobs after graduation. The key to being successful in the media production field is to show up and be willing to help out. That’s how we as Christians can spread the gospel by making connections with the people we work with. Well, that’s all for me. I got a trip to Italy. Actually how about Mars? Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Micah for sharing. It is so cool that you are able to use your spiritual gifts to make a kingdom impact through media production. The Five16 Film Festival is a campus wide event at Northwestern that students do not wanna mess. Thanks again.
Meet Janeese, an alumni with an Associate’s degree in Human Services. She transferred to the University of Montana to pursue a Bachelor’s in Social Work, exemplifying how ANC prepares students for seamless transitions to other universities. She took full advantage of ANC’s 2 + 2 program, which allows students to earn their Associate’s degree before transferring, setting a strong foundation for her continued education. You’re up, Janeese.
– Hey, Alex. Thanks for that introduction. I can remember being a high school senior and picking my top two college choices, but I felt staying at home was best. So there I was, a freshman at Aaniiih Nakoda College, ready to conquer the world, or so I thought. It unfortunately didn’t work out. It’s been eight years since then, and I had always told myself that when my children were old enough to attend school, I would go back, and I did just that. At Aaniiih Nakoda College, I love the sense of community, belonging, and, most importantly, the encouragement. Our staff and instructors are so helpful and make it clear that they care about us and our education. Not to mention ANC focuses on preparing students for their careers. Many of the programs here in corporate practical experiences like internships and hands-on training you can’t get anywhere else. This allows students to apply what they’ve learned out in the real world. ANC also partners with four-year universities through its 2 + 2 program where students can spend two years here to earn their associate’s degree and two years at another college to earn their bachelor’s degree. So I graduated from ANC with my associate’s degree in human services and now transferred to the social work program at the University of Montana. Thanks to ANC, I’m able to pursue my bachelor’s in social work after saving a lot of money my first two years. When I first started college, I never thought that I would pursue higher studies, but thanks to my wonderful advisors, I have now become a student of life, which gives me the confidence to use the education that I have received for a brighter future. That’s my story, Alex, back to you.
– Janeese, thank you for sharing your journey with us. It’s wonderful that ANC has helped you feel prepared to broaden your educational horizons, and your determination, it’s truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see where your journey leads you next. Thanks again.
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.