Success Stories
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Michael
Assiniboine
At eight months old, Michael (Assiniboine), was removed from his mother's home and cared for by a foster family, which later adopted him. His adoptive family noticed there was something wrong with his hearing. He was diagnosed as hearing-impaired. At 2 ½ he could finally hear with the help of hearing aids. Michael attended the Montana School for Deaf and Blind for 12 years. Students there were told they could succeed in any career they chose—the only difference was their chosen method of communication. |
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Quinn
Blackfeet
Quinn is deeply involved in her reservation community on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, with a large extended and immediate family rooted there. She lives on 11 acres of land with her parents and five siblings, which is also inhabited by a variety of animals. In addition to her connection to the land and its creatures, Quinn is involved in traditional aspects of her culture, including making traditional bead work and traditional clothing for her family |
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Randy
Tulalip
Randy received the prestigious Cartwright Scholarship from the American Indian College Fund and graduated from Northwest Indian College with honors. He also served on a national student congress for American Indians. A member of the Tulalip nation, Randy is fascinated by legal and business issues, and plans to study law to become a tribal lawyer specializing in fishing rights. |
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Richard
Oglala Lakota
Richard started his college career by leaving the Pine Ridge Reservation for Phoenix, Arizona, where he says his experience at a technical college gave him confidence and made him more independent and knowledgeable.
Richard went on to earn two associate’s degrees at United Tribes Technical College, where he graduated with honors. He was also the first and still the only individual to get ASE student certified right out of college. |
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Robert
Crow
Robert knew he had to turn his life around. Graduating from Little Big Horn College made it possible for him to help himself and others in his tribe as a licensed addition counselor. Robert works in Crow Agency, Montana, where he incorporates his own experiences with alcoholism and his education and training at his job in the wellness center there to help others fight the disease that plagues many Indian communities |
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Russell
St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
Russell has earned a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice from Minot State University, a master’s degree in management from the University of Mary, and began his journey at UTTC. (He later earned his Ph.D. through the Mellon Foundation Faculty Career Enhancement (Doctoral) Fellowship). He credits his tribal leaders, family and friends for their support as he made a geographical change in his life to be among other Indian people. |
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Sabrena
White Mountain Apache
Sabrina has strong feelings about the importance of education. “Education is the key. I see poverty and debt casting a shadow over my tribe,” she said. “I want to become an accountant so that one day I can be the treasurer of my tribe." |
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Salome
Tlingit
Salome (Tlingit) was separated from her mother at a young age. Her father was destitute, and she grew up homeless. Despite her uprootedness, Salome says she has always had an inquisitive nature, and entered the Institute of American Indian Arts to seek stability through education, despite not having graduated from high school. She earned high academic honors, and graduated with an associate's degree. |
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Savanna
Crow
Savanna (Crow) was raised in the traditional way amongst her people. Crow is her first language, and she keeps her culture alive by participating in the ceremonies of her tribe, including hand games and dancing in the traditional Crow style. |
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Shera
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa
Shera is a first-generation college student. As a young woman in high school, she showed academic and civic promise. She was involved with the Future Business Leaders of America and the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she volunteered at the summer youth camp at her church as a mentor. |
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