Native students continue culture and traditions at NSU

Michael Landrum

TNE Writer

There are six active Native American students at NSU that focus in preserving native culture and

tradition in their own unique way. Each organization provides different aspects of education and

social activates on campus. Each organization is focused towards the same goal of making sure

each student has a support system they can rely on throughout their educational experience.

“Before I joined Phi Sigma Nu, I felt I was left out and had a hard time finding a place to fit in

on campus and among my fellow students,” said Taylor Goodrich, Tahlequah junior. “Being

active within the native originations provided me the opportunity to continue my tribal traditions

on campus and help teach others about my culture.”

Professional and educational organizations such as the American Indian Science and Engineering

Society provides Native American and Alaskan Natives, the opportunity to excel in the science,

technology, engineering and mathematics field known as STEM. AISES gives scholarship,

internships and job placements within jobs that have the need for educated Native Americans.

The Native American Student Association is the oldest social organization for native students on

campus. NASA students are able to give back to the community by continuing to support and

educate others by demonstrating different tribal cultures in including games such as stickball

from both Cherokee and Choctaw aspects.

“NASA has provided me with great opportunities to help within my community culturally and

has let me continue to keep my tribal traditions alive at NSU,” said Sky Wildcat, 2015-2016

Miss NASA.

The Cherokee Promise Scholars learn aspects of Cherokee culture and participate in service

learning. CPS students are provided financial assistance through Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee

Nation has developed CPS to help enhance the fluency of Cherokee culture within its

jurisdictional area.

“Our goal as Cherokee Promise Scholars is to enhance the Cherokee culture here at NSU,” said

Shayla Mouse, Cherokee Promise Scholar.

For more information about the native students organizations at NSU, visit

http://offices.nsuok.edu/centerfortribalstudies/Organizations.aspx.

Published 4/20/15

Cutline: Melissa Sam passes on her crown as Miss NASA to the new 2015-2016 Miss NASA

Princess, Sky Wildcat during the Miss NASA reception. Miss NASA will be representing NSU

and NASA at various cultural events round Oklahoma and throughout the United States.