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Native American Programs Many Nations. One Community.

Letter from the Executive Director

group in front of knowledge rooms in the Cultural Center
by Barbara Aston, Executive Director of Tribal Relations

 

Life is full of beginnings and endings.  Since June, we have welcomed four new staff to Native American Programs.  This newsletter features Tony Brave, our new Outreach Coordinator, and Joelle Edwards, our new Retention Specialist.  I think that after the first of the New Year, we can drop the “new” before Tony and Joelle’s names.  From their first days on the job, they both jumped in with great enthusiasm, creativity, knowledge, and a lot of heart to reach out and serve our potential and current students.  » More …

Letter from the Director

squirrel outside French Admin builidng
by Barbara Aston

 

As I sit at my desk here in French Administration, my window looks out on several trees, evergreen and crabapple trees.  The ground and trees are lightly blanketed with a skiff of snow.  The crabapple trees are bare of their leaves, but still retain their small dried fruits on their limbs.  I watch as a squirrel grips a branch while it pulls at one of the dried crabapples.  » More …

New Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center Recognizes Nez Perce Tribe

Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center
by Barbara Aston

 

On August 17, 2017, members of the WSU community gathered in the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center (ESFCC) for a pre-opening ceremony of blessing led by Nez Perce Drum Waahp Qaqun and Mr. Nakia Williamson, Director of the Nez Perce Tribe Cultural Resource Department.  Mr.  Williamson also served as a cultural consultant to the architectural firm, GGLO, and a contributing artist for the ESFCC.  » More …

Letter from the Director

by Barbara Aston

 

Congratulations to our 2017 Washington State University graduates! What a privilege it is to read their stories, their challenges, their accomplishments, and their advice to other students.  In their stories, you will see the diversity of our students and hear their voices. They represent many tribes and educational pursuits.  Some came in as freshmen right out of high school, some as high school graduates with dual college credits, some as transfer students, and some as graduate students.  » More …

Letter from the Director

by Barbara Aston

 

Who are we as Native people?  We know that our students, staff, and faculty represent diverse tribes, backgrounds, and experiences.  The academic setting is an environment that challenges each of us in our identity as Native people as well as our values and world views. » More …

Letter from the Director

 
by Barbara Aston

 

October 21, 2016, President Kirk Schulz hosted his first meeting with the WSU Native American Advisory Board on the Pullman Campus.  One of the highlights of the meeting was the formal signing by the Quinault Nation of the Memorandum of Understanding between Washington State University and regional tribes.  » More …

Letter from the Director

By Barbara Aston

 

For most of our week here on the Palouse the earth has been blanketed with snow and the trees covered with frost.  The snow cushions our footsteps and absorbs the usual sounds of our comings and goings, of our hurried gaits.  » More …

Letter from the Director

by Barbara Aston

 

Our newsletter continues to grow right along with the adventures and accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff!  Since our last newsletter, WSU has welcomed their 11th President, Dr. Kirk Schulz. We look forward to getting to know President Schulz and introducing him within the Native community. » More …

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