Student Perspectives: USC’s Native American Student Assembly
Hau, Mitakupi Wanbli Wiyuski emaciyapi ksto.
Hello, my name is Amia Roach-Valandra but my name in my Lakota language is Happy Eagle Woman. I am from the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota and enrolled in the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. I am currently in my third year, studying Health and Human Sciences. At USC, I am a Community Engagement Leader with the Office of Admissions and the Co-Director of Cultural and Community Outreach for the USC’s Native American Student Assembly (NASA).
At USC, I found my community with NASA! The Native American Student Assembly is a space on campus for all undergraduate and graduate students interested or identifying with Native American culture. NASA offers support through uplifting events and encouraging students with their academic pursuits at USC. There is, also, continuous support through Native faculty, staff, and alumni. This cultural group is a space where students go to build connections, get involved with the surrounding Native community, and ultimately find community at USC. Each year, NASA continues to grow and progress at USC.
Most of this community building takes place during NASA’s bi-monthly general body meetings (GBM) or in the Native American and Pasifika Islander Lounge (NAPL), which is located on the 4th floor of the Student Union. The lounge is very welcoming and is a space where students go to study, chat with friends, or simply relax from the busy lifestyle that can come with college. Along with NAPL, there are multiple cultural centers and lounges which gives students the opportunity to connect with multiple communities on campus.
Personally, one of my favorite events NASA hosted would be “Rez Ball”, which is a basketball game between USC faculty. We also have professional development events, career development events, or laid-back events like “Beading Circles.” One big accomplishment we had this year was hosting our very first Pop-Up Powwow! It included campus as well as community involvement, and it was an awesome experience to see the rich native culture on campus. There were multiple drum groups, a variety of dancers, students, faculty, and alumni.
As of right now, we are in the middle of planning for Native American Heritage Month in November! NASA is planning various events to celebrate and honor the rich Indigenous heritage and culture. This includes wellness workshops, speaker events, Traditional Bird Singing performances, and more! We are excited for these upcoming celebrations and events! It is going to be a monumental month for NASA, as well as Indigenous communities in general.
We would love to continue to grow NASA at USC and encourage students to join! This small but mighty group tends to be more family-orientated and tight-knit. Please, come and join our Trojan family! To learn more, follow NASA on Instagram: @uscnasa.
Written by: Amia Roach-Valandra, Community Engagement Leader