This year AKA Welcomes Aryn Fisher, Conzuelo Lopez, and Kurri Harris. Keep on reading to learn more about their work and interests!
Conzeulo Lopez
Hello, my name is Conzuelo Lopez, I’m 23 from the Northern Cheyenne tribe in Montana. As a child, I grew up in Mexico where I learned to read and write in Spanish. I came to the reservation later in life where I spent the rest of my teenage years. I graduated high school from Sherman Indian boarding school in Riverside CA. I then attended Haskell Indian Nations University for 2 years. I then transferred back home and currently graduated from Chief Dull Knife college with my associate's degree. I plan on going back to Dull Knife in the Fall of 2017 to finish up a few math classes to transfer out. My long-term goal is to continue with my bachelor’s degree and attending a University, possibly Bozeman.
Currently thinking about getting a minor in business management, just because I think my community lacks businesses and could be a good way to improve our community economy. In the long run, I plan on pursuing a bachelor's in Criminal Justice, my mind has never wandered far from wanting to be a detective or crime scene investigator. I’m a fluent Spanish speaker who can read and write in Spanish. I’m currently learning how to speak Cheyenne and plan on attending all 5 courses in the Cheyenne language. I believe language is a very strong aspect of life to know.
In my spare time, I like to spend it with my wonderful 2-year-old son. I enjoy going to the gym and being outdoors. I usually spend my summers working, this year I will be working construction hopefully. It is a good source of income and a great experience. I always like to keep myself motivated and active. I love playing sports and enjoy taking my son to parks. I love to cook and make new things. I’m a strong believer in education and hope to help my community in some way. I want to make a difference in my tribe and help them to succeed in the future. I’m excited to be a part of this program. There have been too many tragic accidents happening on our reservation and I think something needs to be done about it or change needs to happen.
Kurri Harris
My name is Kurri Harris I am from Lame Deer, Montana and I am both Northern Cheyenne and Crow. I am a third-year Native American scholar at Mount Saint Mary’s University. I was studying Psychology but recently changed my major to a self-designed major with a focus on education, culture, and community. In the past three years at Mount Saint Mary’s, I have taken courses dealing with Psychology, Nutrition, Health and Disease, Criminal Justice, Sociology, American Sign Language, and of course the Theology classes recommended. This summer I will be attending Chief Dull Knife College and taking 9 credits to fulfill the culture part of my major. Not only will I be taking summer courses I will be also interning for the TiPI Program which will help me with getting to know my community and helping me build skills that I can use after college.
After I graduate I would like to come back to Montana and find a job that will allow me to assist in projects to help communities whether it be my own or another reservation. If possible I would like to also work with the youth to help them achieve goals that they have set for themselves and again assist in events that will help them stay active and healthy.
Aryn Fisher
My name is Aryn Fisher, I grew up in Southeastern Montana on our family ranch which is located on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. I am an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. Currently, a senior majoring in Community Health at Montana State University. In the Spring of 2018, I will graduate with a BS in Community Health, as well as a certificate in Gerontology. I am so excited to spend another summer working with Dr. Kelley as an evaluation intern. The last two summers I was an intern with the TiPI program and now I’m working on the Cottonwood Connection program. Working with Dr. Kelley has helped me tremendously in school as well as finding a career I am so passionate about. I have also interned with a Certified Lactation Specialist in Bozeman, MT which sparked my interest in focusing on infant/mother nutrition on Native American Reservations. After graduation, I hope to obtain my MPH degree and continue to work on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.
At AKA we believe in supporting the community through education and opportunities to create positive change. Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” We believe this at AKA and hope that you can see the change! Until next time. AKA.
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