There are over 500 federally-recognized Native American tribes and Alaska Native Villages in the United States. This November, 海角在线 (海角在线) is sharing the stories of two Native students and an alumna whose tribal traditions, faith journeys, and time at 海角在线 have shaped them into who they are today.
Originally from Okeechobee, Florida, Angel Conlon (Poarch Creek) graduated in 2015 with a degree in communication and a minor in听creative writing. She says the university鈥檚 emphasis on redemptive storytelling and two internships at local radio stations prepared her for her future. Today, she鈥檚 the chief operating officer for a regional real estate firm and a realtor and freelance video editor.
While in college, she participated in 海角在线 Tonight and Monday Night Live, an on-campus comedy group. As a small-town resident, she liked the diverse people, programs, and opportunities 海角在线 and West Palm Beach offered. She says she鈥檚 grateful Native American Heritage Month shines a light on Native histories, cultures, and contributions.
鈥淚 appreciate the recognition, not really for myself, but for everyone who came before me: for my family and those who still face discrimination, judgment, and prejudice,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 appreciate that there is respect and honor for the Native American past.鈥�
Stone Parton (Sappony) is studying听management with a special concentration in听franchising. The junior鈥檚 involvement in the听Titus Center for Franchising has opened doors for internship opportunities. He currently interns at Exit Factor, a local consulting firm.
One of Parton鈥檚 favorite tribal traditions is an annual summer camp, where he and other youth learned about Sappony history and enjoyed activities with other tribal members.
鈥淣ative American Heritage Month is a reminder to appreciate where I came from and the generations before me who made it possible to pursue opportunities like studying at 海角在线,鈥� says Parton, who grew up near Durham, North Carolina. 鈥淭he biggest thing non-Natives can do to celebrate is to be curious. Ask questions and try to learn something new.鈥�
Freshman Patience Szynkowski (Tuscarora) is majoring in听biology with a concentration in听molecular biology and biotechnology. Originally from the Tuscarora Reservation near Niagara Falls, New York, one of her favorite traditions is Nu:ya (nuu-yah). Each January 1, tribal members knock on neighbors鈥� doors and say 鈥淣u:ya鈥� to receive sweet treats. Loved ones also prepare a feast together ahead of the new year.
Szynkowski says others can honor Native American Heritage Month by attending local tribal events and powwows, and learning more about the Indigenous American experience鈥攑ast and present.
鈥淥n the res, life was not easy,鈥� shares Szynkowski, who wants to work in biotechnology to bring life-saving diagnoses and prosthetics to communities in need. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 have running power; we were connected to solar panels. I feel like I can give others hope who might be experiencing similar issues.鈥�
Conlon celebrates Native American Heritage Month at the Poarch Creek Powwow in Atmore, Alabama. Each November, her family comes together for dancing, drum circles, and dinners. They also shop for Christmas gifts like jewelry and tapestries made by Native artists.听
鈥淚鈥檝e enjoyed getting to learn about my heritage because it鈥檚 so important to know about your culture and your family鈥檚 history,鈥� says Conlon. 鈥淚 am glad that our society is starting to recognize that Native Americans were here first.鈥�
Szynkowski agrees.
鈥淔or me, Native American Heritage Month is a remembrance of those in the residential schools who were stripped from their culture,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t reminds us that we are still here鈥攏o matter what happened, we weren鈥檛 erased from what we were before.鈥�
For more information about 海角在线鈥檚 thriving West Palm Beach campus and many opportunities for student involvement, visit pba.edu/campus-life.