Indigenous scholars mentorship program

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 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 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. 

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 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 for briefs on legislation + court cases related to MMIWGT2S + Indigenous issues. She will also build an online resource center about Indigenous research methodologies.