I grew up on the Hoopa Indian Reservation in Northern California for the first part of my childhood, then I moved to Karuk territory, specifically the Katamiin region, when I was in sixth grade. The town is very remote. Although the city’s sign says it has a population of 250, I swear I’ve never seen 250 people there before!
Both of these places shaped who I’ve become and how I identify myself. I loved growing up in both areas, as I feel a spiritual connection to both the Hoopa Reservation and Katamiin. To put it in perspective, Katamiin is also known to the Karuk people as the auuyich, or “center of the world.” And when I think of the Hoopa area, I think of family because of the generations of families I have there: great aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
As a child, I used to go fishing with my grandpa, Reggie, and my dad, Ron. Becoming a fisheries biologist feels like my calling since my childhood. My parents are a large reason why I decided to further my education and keep with my aspirations. They are an example of hardworking individuals who can do what seems like the impossible: they have supported six children on a single income — a truly spectacular feat. I’m a senior now at Humboldt State University (HSU), and they still support me to this day, and keep me strong when things get hard.
When school gets frustrating, a call home is the perfect remedy to my troubles. My grandparents play a big role here. They show a strength, determination, and stubbornness that is reflected in me. Ethel, my 87-year-old grandmother, has passed down her recipes to me, so I don’t waste my money and I don’t starve while I’m busy with my studies. She is probably the most excited to see me walk during graduation. Having her witness my graduation will be a dream come true.
There were also other mentors who found me during internships, whom I know will be happy to see me graduate. One mentor, Toz Soto, whom I met when I was interning at the fisheries, inspired me to pursue the fisheries biology major. He was my mentor during my senior project and also attended Humboldt State. He and the professors at HSU have kept me motivated when times are difficult.
I just need to keep being determined and focused on the bigger picture.
Before HSU, I attended Happy Camp High School. The friends I made there influenced me to stay on the right track. If I didn’t hang out with the good friends I did, I’m positive I would be logging or trying to find some seasonal job. Luckily, I’ve worked fishery jobs or internships every summer since 2010. Each experience was a great opportunity to learn, network, and build on what I learned from previous jobs and internships.
When I got to college, I had a hard time getting into the fisheries biology major. Luckily, I found solace in becoming a Native American studies (NAS) major, at least temporarily. I made sure to take every NAS class, from language to conservation of natural resources. Being in science, a lot of the time NAS classes don’t fi t my educational plan. But when I do take them, I feel like I am finding a part of my identity that has been dormant. It is a different feeling of getting to know the science, and it is a natural learning process when I take Native American studies classes.
Looking back on my NAS classes and history of my people, fisheries biology is important to me as a major because it’s important to my people. We are fishing people, and all our battles with the government and other entities revolve around fishing. We are battling right now to take down four dams on the Klamath River, and I feel my degree will help me effectively make that a reality. I believe fisheries are my niche, and an inherent responsibility that I must fulfill.
My values keep me level headed in these situations: practice makes perfect for myself; I just need to keep being determined and focused on the bigger picture. I’m able to open up and introduce myself to people, and I think this is what has gotten me far in academia. If I had to give advice to other Native students who hope to go to college, it’s to keep hold of your dreams, create a five-year plan, and stay focused. Also, learn to cook your favorite dishes! Not only will it be cheaper, but it keeps that “home” feeling strong while you’re away at college.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention AISES as an organization. AISES has played a large role in my development. I’ve been an AISES member since 2016, and AISES has opened a door that I never thought existed. I didn’t know about conferences before AISES, but AISES allowed me to present my research on the national level, which was a phenomenal experience. The networking created so many opportunities that I didn’t believe were possible for a person in my field. Being surrounded by intelligent and beautiful people who share the same ambitions as I do is truly a blessing.
