Native American Students at ISU

TRIBE

Founded in June 2021. Nitakechi Muckintubbee (Choctaw and Chickasaw) a sophomore history education major and chief executive of the Organization of Indigenous Autonomy (OIA) created the RSO TRIBE (Teach, Revive, Indigenize, Beautify, and Equalize).

TRIBE gives back to Indigenous students as a means of celebrating their culture as well as an opportunity to learn more about the history behind their roots.

“It’s a lot of finding these people who are Native American, but don’t talk about it a lot because they think it might be weird to ‘come out’ about their culture,” Muckintubbee said, “A lot of people feel that way; they don’t want to lose friends or be stereotyped because they’re Native American. That’s something that we all face in marginalized groups.”

– Muckintubbee 2021

SACNAS

Established in February 2019 at Illinois State University, Society for Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is a national organization that strives to increase the diversity of scientists in professional fields, in obtaining advanced degrees and careers, and serving in positions of leadership.

“It’s a really big problem, specifically for underrepresented students,” she said. “It tends to be a problem because you’re surrounded by a community that’s very distinct from you, and you just don’t feel like you belong there.”

– Marroquin-Flores 2019