“We respectfully acknowledge that the University of Arizona is on Indigenous land and territory. “
Most emails from the University of Arizona include this statement in fine print at the end. The regions referenced are: Tohono O’odham and Pasqua Yaki tribes. In addition to having this kind of tagline at the end of the email, the UA also has: web portal called “Native American Advances, Initiatives, and Research” Installation of permanent flags respect indigenous peoples, various economic benefits for certain tribes.
Universities have many technical initiatives in place to honor indigenous communities, but the way to know if they’re actually making an impact is to ask the people this directly impacts. I am thinking. — UA Indigenous faculty and students.according to UA Fall 2022 Census, 2.4% undergraduate and 3.5% of students Indigenous people. The total population of Arizona is made up as follows: 6% indigenous people, according to the same census report. Despite this being an overall low demographic on campus, the university is on tribal land and recognizes that this demographic needs to be recognized.
I spoke with students and faculty to gain insight into what Indigenous people associated with the university think.
talked to Tyren Yazeeis a member of Dine (Navajo) it’s mostly inside Arizona border. When the university announced Arizona Native Scholarshipoffers free tuition to tribal members in Arizona, which was great news for many.
“It was all Navajo Times,” Yazzy “We all thought this was big news.”
according to Emma Hallin her article, “Universities make tuition free for native students. Will more students graduate?” Such grants and tuition compensation would be a huge step forward for Indigenous communities. A big help for college students paying tuition is the contribution their families can make. 2020 surveywas reported.51% of native students Family contributions were expected […] 0%. “ Therefore, nothing is the main source of financial assistance. This fact, like many others, thoroughly proves that finances are a significant barrier in the lives of Indigenous peoples.
Therefore, in terms of financial aid, UA is generously extending a helping hand to indigenous communities. But that’s just the surface level.
As Yazy pointed out, tuition is just one of many fees students must pay. This is true and all additional fees are covered if you take at least 12 units. Earn up to $1,000 or more In addition to tuition. While $1,000 may be a manageable sum for some, it can be a deal breaker for many Indigenous students whose families cannot donate.
In addition to what UA says it does for funding, the university is proud to be an inclusive campus.
“Universities committed to diversity and inclusion strive to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous communities through educational provision, partnerships and community service.”
This statement can be found at: It’s at the bottom of the university’s native outreach website. Although the educational provision is evident through the economic benefits that universities provide, there are several other factors within this that are worth considering.talked with Alexandria Decoramember of Potawatomi Nation, Forest County, Wisconsin And I am a UA student.of Decora’s In this case, her education is funded by the tribe as she is not eligible for benefits.
“[The university’s values] Really leaning more towards Greek life. ” Decora Said. In conversations with her classmates, Ms. Decora said she was told they “didn’t know Native Americans were civilized” and that their lifestyle resembled that depicted in old western movies. Told. Despite the diversity and inclusiveness of the campus, there seems to be a lack of knowledge about indigenous peoples among students.
UA has partnered with the following partners: pasqua yaki tribe similarly Tohono O’Dum Nation, And the economic interests unique to indigenous communities are influential. According to reports in June 2022 AZ Mirror article by Shondiin Silversmith, Tohono O’dam Nation Chairman Ned Norris Jr. Said, “This program helps ensure that Nation and other Tribal students have world-class educational opportunities at the University of Arizona near them. “
Money obviously helps a lot, but according to UA Indigenous students: Other than the money you can run on campus.Indigenous Cultural Fair UA Mall, Aboriginal support teams will be more accessible, creating more opportunities for community building Here are some of the ideas students had, whether indigenous or not.
University of Pittsburghfor example, will host Indigenous Cultural Festival For that powwow We also give lessons about indigenous arts.
Money is a big help, but a sense of community is essential to the capacity of indigenous communities to prosper. “I am an immigrant living in my own country” Yazzy “I don’t just represent,” he said. When I leave the reservation, I am representing my community. “
discover new Indigenous communities on campus, Host and organize cultural events to better educate UA students about indigenous peoples Community is a must.
UA has money, but does it have morals?
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Olivia Malone is a freshman at UA, majoring in Law and Journalism with a minor in Family Studies and Human Development. She enjoys the outdoors, making music, and traveling.
