PITZER’S NATIVE AMERICAN

SUMMER PIPELINE TO COLLEGE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH WESTERN UNIVERSITY

PITZER’S NATIVE AMERICANSUMMER PIPELINE TO COLLEGE

Pitzer College and Western University of Health Sciences are proud to sponsor Pitzer’s Native American Summer Pipeline to College. This program supports Native American students’ transitions from high school to college, in a two-week on-campus program for students grades 10 through 12, that focuses on the humanities and health sciences while building the necessary academic skills for college. Pitzer’s Native American Summer Pipeline to College is designed to motivate students to complete high school, build critical thinking skills, and strengthen their self-esteem. Native American Scholars and Elders contribute cultural knowledge and traditional ways of learning within the academic environment. During the Pipeline, students meet speakers and staff members who will serve as supportive contacts throughout their future college application process, and university and post-university journeys.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH WESTERN UNIVERSITY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PHOTOS TAKEN BY PIPELINE STUDENTS

Luna GalvanDiné

Hello my name is Luna Galvan. I was born in Upland, California. My birthday is September 27th, 1996. I’m the youngest out of my siblings, I have 3 older brothers and 1 sister. I’m a Junior at Upland High School. I’m in track. I’m also in dance. I’m Navajo and Mexican. My dad is Navajo and my mom is Mexican. I plan to graduate high school and go to a four year University. I plan on becoming a pediatrician. I’m glad to be here and experience all the new things about the medical field and college life.

A Significant Achievement (college essay excerpt)

A significant achievement that has a special meaning to me is that I got my grades up over the past two years. It means a lot to me because I used to have a difficult time maintaining my grades, but then I realized it’s not really hard, I just have to stay focused, study and get help. It also makes me feel proud because I‘m not a teenager who goes out to big parties, has a child, or who drinks and smokes. I like to stay focused on school because it’s very important and it can change your life in the long run. I still have fun with my friends but school will be my top priority because it can be so easy to give up and do nothing with your life or struggle and work hard to succeed and get what you want to out of life and be happy.

I am Sierra Jauregui. I’m from the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. The Pechanga reservation was established by order of the President of the United States on June 27, 1882. I am going to be a junior at Pomona Catholic Girls High School. My favorite sport is volleyball. I’m excited for this experience especially because my roommate is Brittany Calderon, my long-lost cousin. We already have a great bond!

Outgoing and Laughable (college essay excerpt)

Outgoing and laughable people tend to have a lot of fun. An outgoing and laughable person would best describe me. I love to have fun and be friendly with other people. Making people smile and laugh always brings me joy.

Sierra JaureguiPechanga Band of Luiseño Indians

Christa McGowanIowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska

Hi my name is Christa and I am from the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. The reservation that my family is from is in Kansas, my grandma was born there and so was my mom but she only lived there for a few months and then moved to California. I was born in Covina, California and I am 17 years old. I have 2 brothers, Johnny who is 14 and Tommy who is 18.

If you look up my tribe on a map you can see that there are 2 reservations for the Iowa Tribe, one in Kansas/Nebraska and the other in Oklahoma. They are known as the Northern and Southern Tribe. The reason for this is because when settlers moved us from the state of Iowa to Oklahoma there were two chiefs. They were twin brothers named White Cloud and No Heart. White Cloud wanted to move back north to Iowa and No Heart wanted to stay put. The Tribe ended up splitting up and White Cloud moved north. He got stopped half-way and was put on the reservation in the bottom right-hand corner of Kansas and the upper right-hand corner of Nebraska. My tribe’s name is the Ioway but you can also say Iowa.

Hello everybody, my name is Jane Knows His Gun. I have traveled all the way to California from Billings, Montana. It is a very big change in both climate and people but I am able to adapt. I come from the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Native American tribes of Montana.

Throughout my life I always knew I wanted to attend a four year university. Most of the time I thought I would never make it only because people put me in the category of an under achiever. That however is untrue; I found myself working as hard as I could to keep my grades up and be involved in as many extra curricular activities as possible. Some of these activities include basketball, volleyball, cheer, dance, track, softball, and various clubs. I grew up with two older brothers, a younger sister, and an older sister. I am very proud of who I am and all of my hard work has paid off. I will be attending the University of Redlands this coming fall and I am so excited to have gotten accepted to this great school.

Fifteen Minutes of Fame (college essay excerpt)

So many people in this world would want to be famous for something so insignificant. If I were allowed the chance to have fame for at least fifteen minutes it would not be for something as little as being a movie star or a famous pop star. To me that kind of fame means nothing. There would be a reason for my fame, a reason for everybody in not only our country but the whole world to be happy about. This fame would be very significant and for something that I could be proud of for the rest of my life. It would affect those who knew nothing about me and it would cause a change in the world for as long as anybody lived. Joy would be spread throughout the world and people would be dancing in the streets. The change would range from little children to even to elders. Lives would be opened up to so many more opportunities and families would be brought back together. People would not have to stress anymore and they could believe that anything is possible, even the impossible. What is the fame for? I would have my fifteen minutes of fame for curing cancer.

Jane Knows His GunCrow & Cheyenne

Shane JohnDiné

My name is Shane John; I am from Shiprock, New Mexico. I am a new to the Native Pipeline. I come from a family of four including myself, I have three older sisters, one of whom is adopted, and one little brother. The city I live in is one of the biggest places to find Uranium. Many companies try to get there hands on it because of that. Sadly, they go to struggling families and get the land form them with cold hard cash. Our family has been asked fives times within the past two years to sell. Every time they come back they keep raising their offer. It is tempting but we still say no.

Hello my name is Brittany Calderon and I am from Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, which was established by executive order of President Arthur on June 27, 1882. I am currently attending Mater Dei High School as a sophomore in Santa Ana, CA. I am a dancer. I am very excited to be in this program and have already met a lot of nice people and am rooming with my long lost cousin Sierra Jauregui and I couldn’t be happier!

Special Ed; Important Issue (college essay excerpt)

The issue that is important to me is teaching Special Ed because, first off, my younger brother is autistic and second, since I was about 5-years-old, my grandmother would take me to her classrooms. She is an aid for Special Ed students, and I would play with the kids and observe how they would act when something went wrong, or how they would interact with me. Now that Autism runs in my family, I am very motivated to help disabled children. I feel like it is what God put me on this Earth to do.

Brittany CalderonPechanga Band of Luiseño Indians

Tamela ParkerDiné

Ya’at’eeh! I am Tamela Parker of the manygoats clan, born for the walks-around-me clan. My maternal clan is of the bitterwater people and my paternal clan is of the edgewater clan. My maternal family is from Tonalea, Arizona and my paternal family is from Pine Springs, Arizona. My parents currently reside in Flagstaff, Arizona and I currently live in Boston, MA with my husband William Stein. I have six brothers, all of whom live across Arizona, with the exception of my brother Nathan who lives in California. In desending order, their names are Cato, Keedo, Ruben, Nathan, John, and Neil. I am second to youngest in my family. My mother’s name is Ellen Lefthand and my father’s name is Roger Nez Begay. My Clans in Navajo*: Ya’at’eeh, Clarita yinishye. Shi ei Manygoats ei nishll doo honaghaahnii bashishichiin. Aadoo bitterwater ei dashichei doo tabaahi ei dashinali. Ahehee!

Each morning we meet at 7:15am under the Grove. We greet the sun and moon who shares the sky. We light the sage and carefully place the sacred pipe and rattle, the sweet grass and the tobacco on the rug woven by Diné grandmother, Alice Denali from Faith mountain Arizona. We bring our songs, our drums, our clappersticks. We make our circle and the women who are on the moon stand behind us to keep us all stronger. We sing and drum, we pray and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, the horned toad, the humming bird, wolf deer and bear. We give thanks to the natural world, the Mother Earth, wind, water, and sacred fire.

I would like to thank the Creator for bringing us all together and for giving us the strength and courage to be here today. I will definitely cherish this opportunity I have been given. I would like to acknowledge and give great thanks to Scott Scoggins, Gayle Kelly, then mentors and all the sponsors for their support, dedications and teachings. Lastly. I would like to thank you all for being here and for all of your support.

I love to play sports, meet new people, and I love to make art. I am Cahuilla Indian. One of my great ancestors was called “FigTree John” because he was known for planting the first fig tree in the Coachella Valley. He was my grandma’s great-great-great-grandpa. His real name was John Razon. He was from the Torrez Martinez Indian Reservation. My autonym is Mau-Wal-Mah Su-Kutt Menyil, which means “Among the palms, deer moon”.

If We Ever Meet Again… (college essay excerpt)

They say we met when I was younger. They say you were like a brother. I don’t think they would have traded you for any other. I wish I could have spoken. All the hearts that were Broken. If you were to return I hope you were to bring some kind of potion. If we were to speak I would tell people that we have spoken. But all I would tell them is that the answer has awoken. If I could meet anyone I would be my Uncle Steven “Black” Jimenez. My family says that I remind them of him. He was a great bird singer. He was very well respected and social. I would ask him if he can show me all the ways that he knew. If he could teach me everything that was passed down to him. I would see why this man was loved by so many. If you are the man that everyone says you are I just hope one day that can be me. Many questions would be on my mind. I am just searching for one answer though. The answer on how you became this person. We could talk for hours, maybe start off as strangers then move on to friends. Once you feel comfortable we can be family once again. I will learn about your childhood while you were present in mine. I would see if you had any future plans to see what we had in common. We can have so many conversations on sports that you loved, although we might have some rivalries. Me and you would go out and play some catch just for some bonding. I would really like to have this dream come true.

Fabian PugalTorres Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians

Nicholas LozanoPechanga Band of Luiseño Indians

My name is Nicholas Lozano, I love animals, I don’t speak unless spoken too because a powerful voice must be maintained. I am a part of Pechanga a branch of the Luiseño. Our people lived in kiisha’s, we grinded acorns into Wii ‘wish (acorn mush), and just survived. The great oak was never a part of the reservation before it used to be on the land of a man. One day people sought to take it out for their installations. But we fought for the tree and made the land around it apart of the reservation.

Miyaxwen, my name is Elka Medina. I m a desert Cahuilla Indian and I come from the Torres Martinez reservation in Thermal, California. I love baking and MMA. When it comes to these to things, if I am participating in something related to it I am completely engaged and focused. It’s hard to criticize me or distract me when it comes to these two things. They are things that I can honestly say that I’m good at and I have a passion for. I am constantly trying to improve my performance. I watch TV shows, read books, and ask questions in order to be the best at what I love to do.

Elka MedinaTorres Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians

Jessica ChangDiné, Apache, & Native Hawaiian

My name is Jessica L. Chang. I am Navajo, Apache, and Native Hawaiian. I’m 16-years-old and came from Chino Hills. My Birthday is on May 29, 1996. I love to sing, draw, and play guitar, Piano, and the Native American Flute. My family and my friends are what propelled me through this world ever since I joined this program I have been active, social, and more involved in Native Activities. My parents are Hawaiian and they teach hula, ever since they started I was less interested in my culture and never got a chance to join. Last year my mom signed us up for this Native Pipeline Program that I didn’t even know about, I didn’t want to go because I thought it was a waste of time. I went anyway because of my mom, I was scared, nervous, and upset that the people over there were going to be mean, I was wrong… Throughout the two weeks I’ve been making new friends and soon started participating in Native activities such as dance, making clapper sticks, fry bread, and going to other colleges. When it ended I was upset but still excited that I’ll see them again next summer. My best friends Christa, Amber, Elka, Manny, Fabian, and Alejandro have always been there for me since last summer and they still do today. I want to thank my parents for showing me that what we have in our blood is important and we should take the initiative to continue our culture.

Our relatives are the living plants that surrounds us and gives us Oxygen while we give them Carbon Dioxide. We need them and they need us that’s why were connected with each other, we’re alive, we breathe, and we have a spirit.

When we wake up, we make sure to greet the Sun and Grandmother Moon for providing us light on our Mother Earth. Without the Sun our relatives will die and so will we. Without Grandmother Moon we’ll live in a world of darkness, we pray for her and thank her for giving us light during the night.

Diné, Apache, & Native Hawaiian

I am Mia Quintero and I am from the Pomo Tribe of Northern California. I’m 16 and attend Sherman Indian High School, class of 2014. I plan to graduate from high school and attend college afterwards to study in the medical field. I want a career in the medical field to help other people. I have a huge family that I love and many friends who are always there for me. I live with my mother, her husband, my two brothers, and my little sister. My two best friends are Ashley and Louis. You can usually find me hanging out with friends or spending time with my family. My favorite things are texting, shoes, and lip gloss. I love to socialize with others.

Mia QuinteroPomo

Amber GrubbCherokee

My name is Amber and I’m Cherokee Indian. When I first started this program I had no knowledge of my history other than the famous Trail of Tears, hungry for more information, fortunately there are plenty of opportunities at the pipeline to learn about your culture. I hope to know all of you better by the end of this program and never stop learning.

Growing Up (college essay excerpt)

My most life-changing moment was wen I was at the age of 6 years old. I started out my first time in a banning unified school district. Starting off my fifth grade year was hard but losing my mother that year was even harder, that year I made a choice that was my life changing moment.

I was constantly made fun of because instead of wearing cute and admirable clothing I wore overalls and my hair tied back. I eventually shut myself from the outside world but at the same time the outside world kept trying to enter mine. I remember getting absent from school a lot and my father was disappointed but understanding. I knew that I had to change.

I began sitting up straight in class, started to participate in activities and socialize with other people but most importantly I had to be a role mode for my younger sister. To show her that she can be strong when there is chaos all around us.

My mother’s birthday is on July 1st, and me and my younger sister grab a single white rose and place it beside her name. My mother would have been 48 this year.

My name is Jana Lyn Kalamaula Chang and I am Navajo, Apache, and Native Hawaiian. I love art and music. I can’t live without my music and art. And I respect other people and my family.

Hawaii, was home to the first people that lived there We called it home and it belonged to us. To this day it is still, our home and it will always be our home.

I honor my people, my heritage, my mind, my body, and my soul on the islands of Hawaii.

Jana ChangDiné, Apache, & Native Hawaiian

Michael DerbyPechanga Band of Luiseño Indians

My name is Michael Derby. I live in Vista, California. I am 17 and part of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. Great-great grandchild to Flora Munoa and relative to Councilmen Munoa.

My Native American heritage has made me see many hardships as a minority. Most days I feel simply like a walking statistic because of the many problems Native Americans face. With alcoholism being a serious problem for many native youths. The struggle for an identity was not much a problem for me but the sacredness of that identity was. Many Native Americans are looked down upon, ignored, or stereotyped poorly. I was very defensive of my culture as a child, being very annoyed with the way Thanksgiving is taught at elementary as a great holiday rather than a horrible remembrance in our nation’s history.

Though, my heritage did not need come without enjoyable aspects. I do not live on the reservation but my family had tried to stay involved as much as possible with the community. This summer I was involved with a youth program at the rez that taught our new generation some of the old traditions of our people. We were taught how to make atlatls and huts made of willow. In the last few days I had made a tomahawk without assistance.

My name is Kayleen. My tribes are Seneca, Ohlone (I believe my family was adopted into this one), and Tubotolobal. My clans are the Turtle Clan, Bear Clan, and Eagle Clan. Because we housed a small tribe family in our house when I was a baby, I was given my Native American name in their sacred Sundance arena, and I was named “Good Hearted Woman”. Even though I’m kind of hyper and random that meaning is pretty true about me. I always try to make everyone smile. My middle name is Shanahdoah, which is not only the name of a river, but also means ‘daughter of the sky”, and was where I was named after my Uncle Shanahdoah.

On another note, my favorite Native American song is Yama Coote, Yama Coote Yay, because it sounds like “Yummy Cookies, Yummy Cookies, Yay!” and who doesn’t love cookies? Am I right?

Kayleen KnappSeneca, Ohlone, & Tubotolobal

Ashley ArizagaPala Band of Mission Indians & Yaqui

Hi, my name is Ashley Arizaga. I am going into my senior year at Chino Hills High school. My family is very important to me, without them I don’t know where I would be. Before I came to this program, I was very unaware of my culture. All I really knew was that I am from the Pala Band of Brothers tribe and also from the Yaqui tribe. I always knew I was some kind of Native of American and always took pride in it.

When I found out about this opportunity I was beyond excited and a little too happy. As soon as I heard that this program had to do with culture and the medical field, there was no way I could turn down this opportunity. Since I was little I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field and help people. When I was little I would take care of my father; I would change his bandages, made sure he took his medications, and would try and cook for him. I first want to become an Army nurse; I feel that it is a great way to serve my country but to also continue to help others. After becoming an army nurse I want to become an emergency room nurse, not just any nurse, the head nurse. As I get older it’s becoming so surreal that I am getting closer to my dreams. I believe that the medical field needs more Native Americans in the working field. With knowledge, determination, self-discipline, and with the right support, I know that I can fulfill my dreams.

My name is Alex Sanchez, Jr. and I am Méxica. I will be attending Long Beach City College in the Fall 2012.I will study Business and Music to pursue my dreams to own my own music studio.

This whole experience was amazing I met many people and learned many things. Working at the garden, making drums, the songs and dancing that I have learned was fun and I hope I can share those teachings with my family. It is weird how I see Alejandro and I see my uncle within him. I feel his presence there and many things that Alejandro does are just like him. They both are the life of the party and I miss my uncle may he rest in paradise. This place is great I haven’t had this much fun in a while and I like to thank everyone that is here they changed who I am inside.

Alex Sanchez, Jr. Méxica

Angelina SwansonChippewa

Hello my name is Angelina Swanson. My tribe is Chippewa, from Michigan. I got the Chippewa from my maternal grandfather’s side of the family. My mom and me have never met my grandfather. I don’t know anything about my tribe, which is why I am in the Pipeline Program. I hope to learn amazing stuff about my tribe.

Life Changing Moment (college essay excerpt)

My most life changing moment was moving to my hometown, Hesperia High Desert. I was about nine years old when I moved from San Diego, where I was born. I moved because my mom needed help from her family.

The reason why moving to mother’s side of the family changed my life is because somehow I learned to express my feelings and open up to people in my family. I love communicating and making new friends. My family helped me out a lot, and I love them for that.

Hello my name is Jerred, I am from the Oglala and Lakota Tribes located in South Dakota. I am attending college this fall at Fort Lewis. I am a person who keeps to himself unless you ask about me.

10 years of your life starting at 5 yrs (college essay excerpt)

The ten years of my life started out by living on my reservation. I grew up around my grandpa and grandma at the age of five until 15 years of age. My grandpa and Grandma always taught me respect and knowledge about my culture and traditional ways. When I turned 16 I moved out and went to live with my mother who wasn’t so traditional and very off balance with her cultural ways. I still managed to maintain my Native American heritage and always went to my Grandmas and Grandpas for advice. Then one summer I thought to myself and said, I need to get off this rez and do something with my life. That’s when I heard about Sherman Indian High School. So I applied and later that summer I got accepted and flew to California to attend Sherman. Sherman was a boarding school for Native Americans form across the Nation. I eventually graduated from Sherman in 2012. This ten years I experienced of my life taught me much knowledge and a different way of thinking of my life and culture. Now I plan to go to college this Fall 2012 at the University of Fort Lewis to study and eventually go back to my reservation to help Native youth like myself with education assistance and teach them more about our Native American Heritage. I am proud of graduating high school.

My mother, grandma, and grandpa influenced me in my life by encouraging me with my education and traditional ways and showing me lots of love and support. My future plans are to attend college and study kinesiology. My goal and passion is to go back home to help youth at the Physical Education Center on my reservation and to learn more about their culture, traditional ways, and nature.

Jerred GallegoOglala & Lakota

Alysha WhiteDiné

My name is Alysha and I was born in Tucson, Arizona. When I was five, I moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and currently I am a Junior at Volcano Vista High School (Home of the Hawks). I study classes such as Drama, Film Production, Creative Writing, Computer Graphics, and Set Direction. I have made a mock-umentary and a documentary for my Information Technology and Honors English classes. I love being a part of the Film Production that happens in Albuquerque, and I have even had the opportunity to three movie/television sets (The Avengers, Odd Thomas, and Breaking Bad). My favorite actors are Steve Carell, Robert Downey Jr., and Jimmy Fallon and my favorite movies are comedies.

I am going to graduate from Volcano Vista in May 2014, and when I do, I plan to go to New York University to study Film Production such as Screenwriting, Directing, Producing, Acting and Editing. Ever since I was young, I have been dreaming of someday working at NBC Studios, for the show Saturday Night Live. Hopefully, I will achieve that later in my life. I am currently busy with a script for a movie that I hope will someday be on the big screen.

I am really excited to be here in this program to improve my knowledge of medical studies and media studies.

examples in our midst.”

To be a mentor is one of the most powerful and responsible positions one can assume. It is clear to me that I was privileged to teach and train a very dedicated and courageous group of young mentors. I want to personally and publically thank each of our Native Pipeline Mentors for their willingness to listen, learn and practice; to demonstrate integrity, inspire confidence, to constantly go outside their comfort zone to grow, and to be ever willing to offer their preparedness and their good will to serve. To Camryn, Mariah, Nick, Alejandro and Manny, you lead with humility and kindness, acumen and courage, and we are all better human beings for having your

Nyaweheh ScanoGayle Anne Kelley

examples in our midst.”

Camryn ZappaterraMenominee

Hello, my name is Camryn Zappaterra. I was a mentor for the 2012 Pitzer and Western University Native Pipeline Summer Program.

During our two weeks together I watched, learned and grew right along side the students. I was so impressed with each student’s growth, and unique strength! I would like to share with the Pipeline Students that prior to this program I was worried for the future and the lack of leadership skills I saw in youth. The exceptional Pipeline Students changed my viewpoint and now I am excited for what the future holds with you—the up and coming Native leaders of tomorrow. Each Pipeline Student holds the integrity, intelligence and resilient spirit to lead. Thank you Pipeline Students for changing my heart and giving me hope in the leaders of generations to come.

A piece of wisdom I would like to share is the key to leadership and success is not perfection, but resiliency... The ability to get back on your feet when you fall, wipe off the dirt, smile and keep going; keep growing with a strong heart and mind! Or as Confucius said, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

And remember as Winnie the Pooh said to Christopher Robin, “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”… because you are!

Greetings relatives! My name is Alejandro Zermeno. I am from the Nahua Nations of Central Mexico. I am a senior student at California State Polytechnic University Pomona, majoring in sociology with an interdisciplinary minor in multicultural leadership. As an indigenous spiritual warrior, I continue my journey towards serving the creator as best as I can. With the protection of my ancestors and the guidance of the Great Spirit, I walk the red road. I am a student and a teacher. My responsibility is to help protect the traditions and ways of our ancestors, to preserve our indigenous culture, and to share the knowledge that is acquired from the teachers, elders, and spiritual leaders.

The reason I became a mentor at the Pitzer Native-American Summer Pipeline to college program was to continue my spiritual journey by learning and sharing knowledge of our peoples’ history, culture, traditions, and language. I feel it is my responsibility to do what I can and support the cause which focuses on bringing awareness and educating our people, as well as helping the Native youth get into college and take advantage of educational opportunities. Education is very important in order to gain access to the necessary resources that will help our people thrive. I was sent to the Pitzer Native American Pipeline to act as one of five native youth mentors, as well as to learn knowledge and meet new relatives (students, teachers, and spiritual leaders) that have contributed to my spiritual growth and consciousness.

Pitzer’s Native American Pipeline was an amazing experience, the knowledge that is acquired within two intense weeks of academics courses on Native American issues, blogging, photography, critical writing and research skills development), documentaries, and ceremony, was an experience like no other. As mentors in charge of facilitating students, was very challenging but rewarding. The connection that was made with these wonderful students, mentors, staff, and professors was a really great experience and was the highlight of my summer vacation. These students are very sharp and they all have great potential to become great leaders, teachers, and elders. I feel that our indigenous culture is very well alive and thriving and I can see it in every one of these students. Even the ones that didn’t know much of their culture before the Pipeline -were very interested in learning more about their culture and the indigenous way of life.

I am very grateful and blessed to have been a part of this wonderful spiritual adventure for the second time, and I feel this connection will last a lifetime. For as long as I am alive, I will always be a part of the Pitzer Native American Pipeline to college…Aho!

Alejandro ZermenoMéxica

Mariah TsoDiné

Ya’at’eeh Inner Swans!

I just wanted to let you all know what a privilege and honor it has been to be one of your mentors. I’m so proud of all of you. Whether you realize it or not each and every one of you has inspired me in some way and helped me heal. I will carry the memories from this program with me and draw great strength from them.

As you move forward I want you to remember what education means to us as a people. Historically, formal education has been our enemy, a colonial tool for assimilation. Even as the role of education has changed to serves as a potentially powerful doorway to new opportunities, there still exist a vast array of barriers. I believe in order to overcome these barriers to help us all heal from past atrocities we must come together as a community and support one another. Remember our pipeline family is here for you, and will always be here as a resource and source of comfort. Please remember not to let hatred or bitterness dwell in your heart for too long; it will make you sick. I’ve seen too many people eaten up by, and the thought of it eating you up pains me. Guilt can do this too. Don’t let the idea of not being traditional enough or not knowing enough tie you down. If you don’t know certain things in all likelihood that’s your fault, so don’t carry that unnecessary burden. I’ve come to learn that guilt is one of the most cunning agents of oppression, so please don’t let it bind you and limit your potential. Yes, it is important for us to maintain our cultures and life ways, but be aware that sometimes the way that things are deemed ‘cultural’, or ideas that determine who we should marry or date in the interest of preservation, are actually wolves in sheep’s clothing and only serve to further subjugate our people by internal means. I know that is vague but just be mindful that such trickery exists that you may not be ensnared in it. Remember that people are not the enemy, but rather the ideas used to justify acts of violence or cruelty are real adversaries. The moment you start blaming a people or person you will only reproduce cycles of violence and true healing will forever remain elusive. I’m not saying that a simple ‘forgive and forget’ mentality is the answer, because there is still that element of justice and need for recognition of wrongs in order to not just right past injustices but also current ones that are structural and systematic. At the end of the day though, I believe that forgiveness is the only way to move forward.

Ahe’hee’Thank you

Mariah

My name is Nicolás Romo. I am Junior at Pitzer College. I am studying Political Studies and Sociology. I have served, for two years, as a mentor for Pitzer’s Native Summer Pipeline to College program. It continues to be an honor.

Pitzer’s Native Pipeline to College program was truly life changing. Firstly, it allowed me to be of service and learn to cherish the challenging moments of which life consists. Further, it taught me the nature of service, for it means to deeply care and take action as an expression of an unwavering commitment to serve in the name of increasing opportunity for our youth in the hope of contributing towards a more just world. In the time we spent together I discovered the values that have guided my journey thus far and they were challenged, only to become stronger and more apparent. For this, I thank all those who have come before me, for those who struggled for me, and to those who continue to pave my way.

To the students, I honor your dedication to challenging yourselves to fulfill the amazing capacity that is your potential. With tradition and a deeply rooted connection to your histories and families you will be well equipped to take on the challenges that you may face. It will keep you strong and focused. This should be remembered, as you must continue your education.

Knowledge is power. Coupled with an allegiance to your teachings about the importance of family, community, and service, you will be able to make lasting positive change. Thus, it is important that you continue to study so that you can grow. Continue to be curious, ask the hard questions, and be unrelenting on your journey for truth and justice.

Remember that ceremony is every day. Thank the moon and the sun for rising. Their commitment to service is unmatched. Strive to do as they do. Bring warmth to the cold, bring light to the darkness, and be a positive force in the world so that we can all grow.

I extend my gratitude to Scott Scoggins, Gayle Kelley, Gina Lamb, Western Medical School, Pitzer College, the mentor family, and all the students. I thank you parents for being active participants in your children’s futures. These are the seeds that will help them to grow.

Nicolás RomoMéxica

Manny CisnerosArikara

Hello, my name is Manuel Cisneros Jr, I was a mentor-in-training for the Native Youth Pipeline to College Program of 2012. What I want to share with all of you is to be yourself. Be spontaneous, proud, caring, and passionate. Take a stand for what you believe in, you will not regret it! Furthermore, what impressed me most is how independent the students are capable of being. For example, some taking their first step into college. Or simply making that initiative to travel whatever distance some had to travel just to be apart of the program, kudos to you! Also, to those who overcame personal barriers, you are becoming so strong! Many more obstacles are going to come your way and I know you will all conquer along your journeys. Moreover, I would like to just thank the students for being understanding of my position, and respecting me.You guys are the most amazing group of individuals I have come across so far. Not a day goes by where I don’t get reminded of the Pipeline, we are with each other every day.

Robertjohn KnappSeneca, Ohlone, & Tubotolobal

in knowledge.”

“Robertjohn Knapp came to share all his sacred items that he has been given over the years. It was a really fun experience in all and very heavy

Mia Quintero

Storytelling, Spiritual & Cultural Advisor

Robertjohn Knapp is a ceremonial leader, husband, father of six and grandfather of another six children. He is Seneca through his father’s side (Turtle Clan), and an enrolled member of the California tribes Tubatalabal-Kawaiasu and Ohlone Bear Clan. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served in China, Korea, and Japan during the Cold War Era. Robertjohn was an organizer of Indian education during the 1960s and has been an active participant in the North American Elders and Youth Circle for 30 years. He has been a pipe carrier since the early 1970s and a senior Sun-dancer for over 30 years. He has testified on U.S. Congressional Committees, Canadian Parliament, and at the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development on behalf of Native Americans. He has also been integral in the revival of the Bear Dance ceremony in California. Robertjohn shares his traditional knowledge with all who are open to learning. He likes to remind us: “You only have one decision in life—stay awake, or go to sleep. If you’re awake, then you can not deny the truth.”

Julia BoganyTongva

“Honor to everyonethat participated in the Pipeline, whether you were the parents, the baby sister, or baby brother. We teach each other… we teach through education and we are never too old or too young to learn. The words I leave you with, is to remember that we are learning constantly everyday. The opportunities that Pitzer has given our young people are important to us as tribal communities and we thank Pitzer for the gift to our people.”

Julia Bogany

Tongva History & Clapperstick Workshop

Julia Bogany is a member of the Tongva Nation/Gabrielino Band of Mission Indians and is their cultural affairs consultant. She has been a teacher, director, and activist for over thirty years fighting for equal rights for all Native Americans.

Julia Bogany

Cindi Moar AlvitreTongva

Tour of Yangna Village & Historic Tongva Sites Talking Circle

Cindi Moar Alvitre is a mother and grandmother and has been an educator and activist for over three decades. She is descendant from the Tongva, the original inhabitants of Los Angeles & Orange Counties, and the four Southern Channel Islands, and served as the first woman chair of the Gabrieleno/Tongva Tribal Council.

“We had a bonfire had a talking circle and bonded with Olivia & Cindi. It was a great experience!”

Fabian Pugal

kinds of Sage.”

“We also got the chance to visit the L.A. State Historic Park and Yangna Village. It was really fun. We learned more about the plants, like the different

Jana Chang

Tony CerdaCostanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe of Ohlone People

“Last night we had a sweatover at our ceremonial grounds with the pipeline students. It was very moving and very touching to see these young people that are going to school right now, and they are planning to keep on going to school to become educated and keep our cultural heritage alive. That’s very important, because without our cultural heritage what do we have? They keep teaching people in schools in California that we are extinct, and that we don’t exist anymore, and yet here we are…and we have our cultural heritage that we live right now, today. So the most we can do is try and help support these young people to get an education that helps them understand the importance of keeping their culture alive.”

Tony Cerda

Rumsen History & Traditional Sweat Lodge

Tony Cerda has been elected chairman of the Ohlone Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe every two years since 1992. He descends from Sumu, the head chief who boarded the San Carlos, the first European ship in San Francisco Bay, and led the delegation who negotiated with the European visitors in 1775. During his tenure, Chief Cerda has been an active advocate and Tribal consultant for the preservation of indigenous ancestral lands throughout central California. The Ohlone tribe, composed of 2,000 members living in exile in Pomona, holds monthly sweat lodge ceremonies, hosts an annual powwow, run a tribal health and wellness program, and provide Rumsen language classes.

“Last night we had a sweat

Tony Cerda

Barbara DrakeTongva

“My favorite plant was the lavender bush because it smelled so nice and calmed me down right away.”

Alysha White

helped harvest!”

“In The last couple of days we had went to help in the garden to help our elders to work on the garden of medicinal plants and many other important plants. We also had some salsa we

Tamela Parker

Tongva Native History Garden

Barbara Drake is a member of the Ti’at (canoe) Society of the Gabrielino (Tongva) tribe and has served as secretary of the Tribal Council. She is a member of Mother Earth Clan, a group of Native American woman educators who give cultural presentation on Southern California Indians in schools, museums and other venues throughout the region.

was the lavender bush because it smelled so nice and calmed me down right away.”

Alysha White

Geri KeamsDiné

“The storytelling class with Geri Keams was very interesting. We all made up stories within 25 minutes and they ended up being great.”

Luna Galvan

Native Storytelling Workshop

Geri Keams, is a Diné, Navajo, born and raised in the Painted Desert of Northern Arizona. She is a teacher, actor, storyteller and author. She co-starred with Clint Eastwood in “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and served as a consultant on Disney’s animated feature, “Pocahontas”.

“The storytelling

Luna Galvan

Adelina Alva Padilla Santa Ynez

no matter what.”

“This morning we had a special ceremony. Adelina Padilla came and spoke to us. She told us her story, it was kind of sad but yet very powerful. She spoke to us about the things she went through in her life. Yet she always had hope and never gave up. It inspired me to always appreciate the things in my life and my family. It also inspired me to have hope in everything

Sierra Jauregui

Pipeline Students called upon Adelina to help them prepare in a sacred way to work with cadavers as part of their health and science classes at Western University.

Adelina Alva Padilla is a Spiritual Elder of the Santa Ynez Chumash Nation. Adelina has traveled the world as a guest of many nations and peoples for her wisdom and healing. She is also featured in several documentaries and books about the wisdom of the Grandmothers and is devoted to her original instructions as a tribal elder and medicine person. She has received several awards for her humanitarian service. Adelina is devoted to helping the people and doing the Creator’s work.

Deron MarquezSan Manuel

Alysha White

Tribal Government Workshop

As the former chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Deron Marquez has been deeply involved in issues facing Native Americans over the last two decades. In that time, he has recognized three distinct issues that all tribes face daily: the need to improve local government relations; the need to educate employees and tribal members; and the need to ensure the integrity of current and potential business partners and vendors.

didn’t know before.”

We had a workshop with Deron Marquez to talk about Tribal Government. That was a nice way to end the night, because I got to learn about Tribal Government and the schedule, which I

Alysha White

Sarita McGowanIowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska

“I was suprised when I got to my dorm and saw some beautiful material to make a shawl laid on my bed. I’m almost finished!”

Elka Marinez

One of a kind!” “The drum making was awesome! It was the first drum that I have ever made and it is

Shane John

Traditional Shawl & Drum Making Workshop

Sarita is walking the Red Road and has incorporated tradition and spirituality in her daily life for over 6.5 years now. Sarita is involved with Native ceremonies, including those in Fort Belknap, Montana, and Gallup, New Mexico. Sarita dances the Northern Traditional Women’s Buckskin; she has made all the pieces of her regalia and beadwork herself. She aspires to be a community service member helping those in recovery and currently volunteers at the California Institution for Women prison and volunteers at the LA County Mental Health American Indian Counseling Center.

Keoni ChangNative Hawaiian & Diné

Traditional Hawaiian Drum & Dance Workshop

Keoni Chang supports and advocates cultural alliances and fosters meaningful relationships with the Pacific and Native American indigenous communities. Keoni assists the Indian council by serving the Pitzer native pipeline to college program where he mentors and teaches high school students in a short classroom setting the importance of leadership and education.

“I never realized how much my Hawaiian culture means to me and my family, I know that I carry something very special and I should continue learning more about it and understanding it. I want to show my Grandparents what I can be, and what I can accomplish. I want to learn my language and teach it to my children and my grandchildren.”

Jessica Chang

Hawaiian culture.”

“It was so amazing learning a Hula routine from Keoni Chang because he holds the Hula so close to his heart and it was nice learning something about

Sierra Jauregui

“I never realized

Jessica Chang

Sierra Jauregui

Red CloudHuichol

“Red Cloud was amazing! I was waiting for his performance and was so glad to see and hear his words in person.”

Tamela Parker

and inspiration.”

“As I was watching DJ Hydroe scratching on the tables and Red Cloud spitting, I was reminded of what I want to do in the future. I would like to be a music producer. I’m going to buy a table and start my career as I leave the pipeline with new knowledge

Alex Garcia

Spoken Word Workshop & Musical Performance

MC Red Cloud, from the City of Hawthorne, is an indigenous legend with a highly exalted live performance track record. A California Native and Huichol Indian (Jalisco, Mexico), MC RedCloud began his underground supremacy when his freestyles were heard over the radio airwaves, as he defeated numerous opponents on Power 106 with Felli Fel.

Crystal LightningCree

“It was amazingmeeting Crystal Lightning and seeing her perform.”

Michael Derby

Spoken Word Workshop & Musical Performance

Crystle Lightning is everything that her given name implies: a clearbolt of penetrating energy. A Plains Cree/First Nations Indigenous woman, Crystle began her show business journey at the tender age of four in Edmonton Alberta, Canada. By the age of nine, Crystle and her family relocated to Hollywood California where she immediately landed her first lead role in the blockbuster hit: 3 Ninjas- Knuckle Up.

them turn tables!”

“Crystal Lightning was an inspiration! She is an actress and DJ which I thought was really cool because DJing seems really fun. One Day I would like to learn how to DJ because I am very interested in spinning

Tamela Parker

“It was amazingMichael Derby

Tamela Parker

Charles WhiteAnishinabe (Ojibway)

Dare mighty things.”

“I think this is a great program where both students and educators learn to participate and be inspired by various tribal traditions and career opportunities. When I see the light in the students eyes when they realize they too could be exploring the solar system for real, and not just a fantasy, it inspires me to show and tell them as much as I can.

Charles White

NASA

Charles White is a Knowledge Technologist and Enterprise Systems Analyst at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the past 25 years. Charles is presently on special assignment using his NASA Knowledge Management experience to assist the Space Command of the United States Air Force.

Charles has served on several flight projects that have sent robotic spacecraft probes throughout the Solar System, including the first rover on Mars known as Mars Pathfinder that landed in 1997. It consisted of a lander, renamed the Carl Sagan Memorial Station, and a lightweight wheeled robotic Mars rover named Sojourner’.

He aided multiple space missions including the Mars Exploration Rovers “Opportunity” and “Spirit” by managing the Laboratories Matrix Mathematics enterprise software that is used for design, science evaluation, and navigation.

Josie MontesApache

Ceremony, Drumming & Talking Circle

Josie Montes has been Sponsor for the Inter-tribal council at Sherman Indian High School and teaches a Native Voice class which consist of traditional/contemporary music and improvisational drama. She shares her knowledge of native crafts, such as bead & leather work, hand drum workshop, drum circles, talking circles, native jewelry and basketry, songs and storytelling, Regalia making, powwow protocol, powwow dances, and for medicinal plant gathering the importance of it, uses and honor. Josie Montes has been Sponsor for the Inter-tribal council at Sherman Indian High School and teaches a Native Voice class which consist of traditional/contemporary music and improvisational drama. She shares her knowledge of native crafts, such as bead & leather work, hand drum workshop, drum circles, talking circles, native jewelry and basketry, songs and storytelling, Regalia making, powwow protocol, powwow dances, and for medicinal plant gathering the importance of it, uses and honor.

together singing.”

Ms. Josie came and sang with us. She has a beautiful voice and it was really great that all of us were standing in a big circle singing along with her. I have never been around these cultural songs and it was really powerful to see that all us were standing there

Jana Chang

Jana Chang

Western University has partnered with Pitzer’s Native Youth Pipeline to provide a series of workshops in Health Science, Health Careers and Wellness specific to Native American communities. Workshops include Diabetes intensive, Nutrition, Podiatric Medicine, Neurology, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and tour of the the Gross Anatomy Lab. The aim is to introduce Native American students to possible careers in health and encourage youth to be health advocates in their home communities.

Exce

rcis

e &

Fitn

ess

During the medical courses at Western University the pipeline students learned the mechanics of movement as well as the importance of an excercise routine.

Podiatric Medicine

The pipeline students were introduced to the basics of Podiatric Medicine and were also instructed on the ways to administer foot examinations.

Diab

etes

The pipeline students learned about Type I and Type II Diabetes and its cultural relevance to the Native American community as well as how it can be prevented.

Nutrition

During the medical courses at Western University the pipeline students learned the importance of good nutrition and its importance in everyday life.

Scott ScogginsDirector of the Pipeline Program

My name is Scott Edward Orellaña Ingles Scoggins and I am proud to be of Pipil Nahuat, Pocoman Maya, and Scottish ancestry. I was born into a family that was deeply invested in various political and social movements in Latin America and the United States. This background instilled an internal drive, desire, and sense of duty to work towards social justice for all. I’ve implemented multicultural education programs that challenge, inspire, support, and motivate young people to pursue higher education. My current work specifically connects Native American Indian youth to higher education opportunities that will enable them to take on leadership roles within their tribal communities.

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in International Intercultural Studies and Pitzer College and a Master of Arts degree in Collaborative Educational Leadership at Fielding Graduate University.

Over the past two decades, I have been building bridges between the Native American communities in California, Canada and prestigious academic institutions. As a Cultural Liaison, I have been able to assist in the development of numerous programs that both assist the Native American communities and provide much needed academic collaboration.

As Director of the Pipeline Program, I was able to bridge Pitzer College and Western University of Health Sciences who are proud to sponsor a program that supports Native American students’ transition from high school to college. This two-week on campus program for students grades ten through twelve focuses on the humanities and health sciences while building the necessary academic skills for college. Pitzer’s Native American Summer Pipeline to College is designed to motivate students to complete high school, build critical thinking skills and self-esteem. Native American Scholars and Elders will contribute cultural knowledge and traditional ways of learning within the academic environment.

Pitzer College & Western University of Health Sciences

Scripps College

Gayle Anne KelleySpecial Advisor to the President of Scripps College

Leadership Educator, Mentor Training, & Cultural Sensitivity

Gayle holds degrees in Education and Administration. Recently, she served as a visiting lecturer at the Scripps Humanities Institute participating in their semester long Native American Forum She is involved in curriculum development, planning and mentor training in the Pitzer Native American Pipeline to College and is a member of the Advisory Board of Western University of Health and Sciences Native American Career Ladder.

Ms. Kelley has traveled extensively, studying the history, traditions, myths, and prophesies of the world indigenous cultures, and serves as a volunteer member of the United Nations Committee on the Declaration of Human Rights for Indigenous Peoples.

Her expertise in Native American Affairs has made her a well-respected and trusted consultant and liaison for tribal nations. She was responsible for helping to bring 2000 Native Americans to the White House to participate in President William Clinton’s Inauguration and continues to work with many Native American communities and leaders in areas of education, economic development, social justice, and family services.

At the John F. Kennedy School of Government, MS Kelley held the position of Development and Communications Specialist for the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development and Honoring Nations.

She has also produced two documentaries, The Walk, a 750 mile walk from San Diego to Sacramento, highlighting issues of California tribal sovereignty and unification and A Circle of Women film contrasting indigenous thinking with western ideology in areas of leadership, governance and values for survival.

Dr. Elizabeth RegaAssociate Professor of Anatomy

Diabetes Institute, Anatomy Lab & American Indian Health Career Ladder

The Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Development and a tenured Associate Professor of Anatomy at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, Dr. Rega teaches human gross anatomy and musculo-skeletal biology to medical, dental and podiatric students. She directs the Pomona and American Indian Health Career Ladders, which bring together students from grades 6-12 and their parents and teachers to explore Health Professions career pathways and science in hands-on activities in monthly Saturday Academies and collaborative multi-week Summer Academies.

Elizabeth received her M.A. and PhD from the University of Chicago in physical anthropology. As a research scientist, she has published numerous scientific articles and popular articles on dinosaurs and other fossil animals, as well as ancient humans, and has conducted fieldwork on three different continents. Her specialization in human and non-human primate anatomy has led her to be a frequent consultant to the animation community.

With Walt Disney Feature Animation, she has an extensive history of providing an anatomical and anthropological perspective to inform the development and animation of characters. She consulted on Lion King, worked with animators to improve the accuracy of the physical features of major characters in Pocahantas, and extensively developed in collaboration with lead animators the cranial/facial/body anatomy and locomotion of humans in Mulan.

Elizabeth has been a recent and frequent consultant to Walt Disney Imagineering in California & Florida on the morphology and history of racial depictions and ethnic diversity in film, animation, and entertainment.

Western University of Health Sciences

Pitzer College

Gina LambAdjunct Professor of Media Studies

Photography, Design, and Blogging Workshops

Gina Lamb is a Los Angeles artist /activist/teacher who has worked collaboratively with inner-city youth for the past 20 years to foster their voices/vision through independent media arts production. Documentary and experimental videos have dealt with race, gender identity, class and immigrant issues and have been presented internationally in museums, galleries, film festivals, conferences, and broadcast on television. As an advocate for media literacy in education she served for four years on the National Alliance of Media Educators. Honors include a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, an “Anonymous Was A Woman” Award, a ‘Madrina’ Award from Organizacion en California de Lideres Campesinas, and grants from the Rockefeller Foundation, The City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, the California Arts Council, and in 2012 the California Council for the Humanities. For the past twenty three years Lamb has taught Media Studies at Pitzer College with an emphasis on community engagement and media activism projects. Students in her course Media Arts for Social Justice participate in ongoing media collaborations with many local non-profit organizations.

Shelva HurleyWriting Specialist

Writing Workshops

Shelva Paulse Hurley is a Ph.D. student in higher education. She has worked for the McNair Scholars Program assisting minority undergraduate students interested in pursuing a doctorate degree after graduation. She also worked at Riverside Community College teaching a course on the history and contemporary political issues in South Africa. Shelva recently published a chapter titled “Self Construal and the Culture of Higher Education” in Empirical Research in teaching and learning: Contributions from Social Psychology, Blackwell.

This analysis explores how the interdependent cultural theme of communalism informs university students’ educational experiences in South Africa, Barbados and the United States. Recently she spent time working on a project in South Africa, Ghana and Ethiopia investigating the utility of an analysis of communal cultural continuity in educational settings and how this may help understand educational outcomes. Shelva would like to be a faculty member after graduating.

Shelva played a critical role in helping Pipeline students write finished and worthy college essays for their college applications that they could be proud of.

Claremont Graduate University

Pitzer College

Elizabeth ShulterbrandtPipeline Administrative Assistant

Administration, Scheduling, Coordinator of Special Events

Elizabeth Shulterbrandt is a recent graduate of Scripps College, having graduated with a B.A. in Political Science. Originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, she now resides part-time with her parents in Atlanta, GA. She is of mixed heritage: black and white. Elizabeth’s first interaction with Indian Country was via her thesis, The 5W’s of the White House Tribal Nations Conferences, interviewing Chief Cerda of the Ohlone.

Elizabeth currently works with Scott Scoggins for the Pitzer’s Native American Summer Pipeline to College Program and volunteers as the Media Intern for the Ohlone Tribe. She plans to attend graduate school for education, with a focus on Native education.

THANK YOU

FUNDERS+San Manuel Band of Mission Indians+Jay Chiat Foundation+Mudd Foundation+Edison Foundation

PITZER COLLEGE+Community Engagement Center+Summer Programs+International Programs+Intercollegiate Media Studies+Career Services+Dining Hall

WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

SCRIPPS COLLEGE

POMONA COLLEGE

INDIVIDUALS+Alan Jones+Tessa Hicks+Daria Nuñez+Andrew Kimball+Erich Steinman+Micah Klairich+Edwin Alexis Gómez

STAY CONNECTED TOPITZER’S NATIVE AMERICAN SUMMER PIPELINE TO COLLEGE

WEBSITE | www.nativeyouth2college.org

STUDENT VIDEOS | www.youtube.com/nativeyouthpipeline

PHOTOS | www.flickr.com/photos/mediacommunity

STUDENT DIGITAL BOOKS | www.issuu.com/nativeyouth2college

FOR MORE INFORMATION & APPLICATION

Scott Scoggins

EMAIL | scott_scoggins@pitzer.edu

PHONE | 909.706.5948