Students Talk About NAS
Sharing Their Perspectives
“There was so much to learn in Native American Studies, especially in regards to education that was not taught in middle school or high school pertaining to Indigenous history, atrocities, self-determination, and self-governance.”
Albert Abeita Sr. (Pueblo of Isleta)
1st Graduate, M.A. in Native American Studies, UNM
BA, Native American Studies, UNM
Concentration in Indigenous Learning Communities
BA, Criminology
“I feel that I have gained a type of consciousness and by this I am not claiming to have gained the knowledge of my elders, but I feel that I have begun to scratch the surface of what it means to be a critical thinker.”
Lorilei Chavez (Kewa Pueblo)
BA, Native American Studies, UNM
Concentration in Leadership & Building Native Nations
History Minor
“I have learned that we are not alone on our path to protect and sustain our Indigenous identity. There is a great deal of knowledge and support that can be found within the community. Both the NAS community and our traditional communities are proud of what we have accomplished as scholars and excited to see what we will contribute to the next generations.”
Caitlynn Mayhew (Diné)
M.A., Native American Studies, UNM
BS, Biology, UNM
Native American Studies Minor
Chemistry Minor
“Through NAS I learned about the issues that Indigenous Peoples face, and how our strength prevails. I have become empowered, enlightened, and honored by the lessons I've learned over the course of my college career.”
Nathan Jopek (Pueblo of Laguna/Polish White)
M.A., Native American Studies, UNM
BA, Native American Studies, UNM
Concentration in Leadership & Building Native Nations
Sociology Minor
“I have learned that any one of us can make a difference in our communities and that our Indigenous knowledge is just as important as Western academia.”
