A Paid 12-Week Internship Experience
A 12-week hybrid program offering a space for Indigenous students to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness on college campuses. We seek to work against barriers in higher education by increasing Indigenous visibility and providing culturally relevant programming to our community.
ISMP is an opportunity for participants to develop and refine non-profit oriented professional skills, supported by culturally relevant resources as well as other Indigenous staff and peers.
We are currently hosting our first cohort, and are excited to welcome more students in the future.
ISMP is a compensated program that provides professional and material support (see details below), anchored in one-on-one and group weekly mentoring, guided by an Individualized Development Plan.
We do not expect prior expertise in applicants.
We are looking for those who may not have had other formal opportunities to build the skills offered in this program; this is a chance to work with UIC mentors to develop projects with room for self-direction and agency, and a time to develop and refine skills (see opportunities below for specifics).
These nonprofit-relevant skills are powerful tools for rebuilding Indigenous homelands, as well as revitalizing cultural spaces; this is for you, and for community. We are very excited to welcome our first cohort.
It is designed for self-identifying Indigenous women and people of additional genders affected by misogyny, ages 18-24, who are enrolled in post-secondary education in the greater Lenapehoking (so-called tri-state: New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut) area.
The 12-week virtual program for a five-person cohort offers a space for Indigenous students to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness on college campuses—we seek to work against barriers in higher education by increasing Indigenous visibility and providing culturally relevant programming to our community.
Fall 2023
Trini is Afro Indigenous of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey people from rural Virginia. She currently attends New York University but is based in Piscataway land (DC).
She is a multidisciplinary student of the world with her studies and work centering community-based research and translating the cultural experience of Black and Indigenous gr
Trini is Afro Indigenous of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey people from rural Virginia. She currently attends New York University but is based in Piscataway land (DC).
She is a multidisciplinary student of the world with her studies and work centering community-based research and translating the cultural experience of Black and Indigenous groups transfigure beyond often forsaken, soiled parameters into actual, tangible policy. She is passionate about discussions of CSA and SA among Black and Indigenous women/femmes and has aspirations of advocating for survivors of war crimes and human rights violations at an international level. She is a dedicated poet and essayist.
While much of her work would be academic, she has aspirations for cross-lingual modes of creative writing and storytelling.
Yá’át’ééh! My name is Jaren Wyaco and I am Diné from Tségháhoodzání (Window Rock), Arizona. I am Kinłichíí’nii (Red House) born for Tł’ogí (Weaver-Zia).
I am a recent graduate of Dickinson College in what is now known as Carlisle, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. I currently study at Columbia University’s Mailman S
Yá’át’ééh! My name is Jaren Wyaco and I am Diné from Tségháhoodzání (Window Rock), Arizona. I am Kinłichíí’nii (Red House) born for Tł’ogí (Weaver-Zia).
I am a recent graduate of Dickinson College in what is now known as Carlisle, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. I currently study at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in the field of epidemiology and health policy and management.
In expanding my knowledge, I am excited to work with Urban Indigenous Collective and engage in shared knowledge in the ISMP program to advance public health efforts and research in Indigenous communities.
Imanalla! My name is Ashley Guarquila-Cachago, I am a 19 year old Indigenous youth, part of the Kichwa Diaspora who was born and raised in Lenapehoking Territory (New Jersey). I am proudly part of two Kichwa Nations. The Kitu Kara of Pichincha Province, and the Kañari of Cañar Province, both residing in the Highlands of the Ecuadorian And
Imanalla! My name is Ashley Guarquila-Cachago, I am a 19 year old Indigenous youth, part of the Kichwa Diaspora who was born and raised in Lenapehoking Territory (New Jersey). I am proudly part of two Kichwa Nations. The Kitu Kara of Pichincha Province, and the Kañari of Cañar Province, both residing in the Highlands of the Ecuadorian Andes.
My passions include protection of ancestral territory, preservation of traditional Indigenous knowledge, and implementing culturally safe environments for Indigenous peoples, especially youth. I am currently working on my Associate of Science (A.S.) in Professional Studies at Bergen Community College. Once I have completed my Associates, I wish to continue my education and pursue a bachelor's degree in either Earth and Environmental Science or Sustainability, with a possible minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies.
Yupaychani (Thank You) to the Urban Indigenous Collective for giving me the opportunity to work alongside so many strong and resilient natives working hard to make a difference, I am excited to learn all I can.
Fall 2021
Arachelle Harrison (she/her) is a Comanche Nation citizen with Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee, and white ancestry. She is currently in her last year of her undergraduate mechanical engineering degree at Columbia University.
Arachelle will design a community garden that UIC hopes to launch within the next year. She will also support UIC's growth in collaboration with our Grants Manager.
Emma is a Master of Architecture student at Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, + Preservation and completed her undergrad degree in Environmental Design Architectural Studies with a minor in Art at Texas A&M in 2020. She plans to become a licensed architect, design professor, and researcher with an emphasis on social is
Emma is a Master of Architecture student at Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, + Preservation and completed her undergrad degree in Environmental Design Architectural Studies with a minor in Art at Texas A&M in 2020. She plans to become a licensed architect, design professor, and researcher with an emphasis on social issues, community needs, and the arts.
Emma will design UIC's community health and wellness center with the consultation and support of our online community.
Sage A-He-Bah Addington is a 21 year old Diné (Navajo) artist.
Sage has had two solo art shows and has worked as an educational assistant, substitute teacher, and Indigenous curriculum developer. They currently attend The Cooper Union and create work focused on cultural dissonance and personal history.
Sage will research and design a socia
Sage A-He-Bah Addington is a 21 year old Diné (Navajo) artist.
Sage has had two solo art shows and has worked as an educational assistant, substitute teacher, and Indigenous curriculum developer. They currently attend The Cooper Union and create work focused on cultural dissonance and personal history.
Sage will research and design a social media campaign related to MMIWGT2S to bring further awareness to the issue and call in allies to provide concrete support to our communities.
Yá‘at’ééh (Hello)! My name is Zeriyah and I am from Window Rock, AZ on the Navajo Reservation. I am currently a senior at Columbia studying Psychology & Native American studies with the hopes of attending law school one day. It’s such an honor to be apart of this cohort and I can’t wait to get started.
Zeriyah will develop a template
Yá‘at’ééh (Hello)! My name is Zeriyah and I am from Window Rock, AZ on the Navajo Reservation. I am currently a senior at Columbia studying Psychology & Native American studies with the hopes of attending law school one day. It’s such an honor to be apart of this cohort and I can’t wait to get started.
Zeriyah will develop a template for briefs on legislation + court cases related to MMIWGT2S + Indigenous issues. She will also build an online resource center about Indigenous research methodologies.
October 14th, 2024 | 7:00 PM to 12:00 PM
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with an unforgettable night of joy, connection, and support for Urban Natives. Immerse yourself in a multi-floor journey through the teachings of the Medicine Wheel with spiritual readings, cacao activation, and more!