In other news, I had the chance to talk to Tara Jones, a freshman from Fairbanks, Alaska, who is part of the Inupiaq Eskimo tribe of Northern Alaska. She received a scholarship from the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation to attend the STEM conference (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) over Fall Break that educated attendees on how to incorporate Native American culture with chosen careers and how to encourage other Native Americans to pursue careers in the STEM fields. The conference also addressed the issue of underrepresentation of women in these fields.
| "I want to be an example to other Native Americans." |
"The scholarship paid for everything -- plane ticket, hotel, and the conference registration fees," said Jones. "The conference opened with a traditional American Indian ceremony, where they bring in the tribal flag post with the American and Christian flags while playing traditional music. It was a great experience."
Jones, who is a mathematics and theology double major pursuing a teaching certification, wants to be a high school math teacher or youth pastor and work on a reservation after college.
Jones, says she did not come from the best environment before she was adopted, as her birth parents struggled with alcoholism. She is passionate about becoming a math teacher "so I can be an example to other Native Americans. Others can pursue careers and not get addicted to drugs or alcohol."
She's particularly passionate about the Teach for America program, which guarantees applicants their requested locations on reservations. The Teach for America program was present at the STEM conference.
Jones said, "It's a really great conference to go to. You don't have to be a STEM major to go. The other girl that received the scholarship with me was an art major. [The conference] is just a great way to figure out how to incorporate your (American Indian) culture with what you're doing and not lose it."
Jones said that it is important for American Indians to hold onto their traditions and values and to not be ashamed to show it. "Respect for others, the land, your elders, and the sacrifice of animals," said Jones, "are the values that we as Native Americans need to keep when working in these fields."
She is also interested in creating an American Indian presence on the Whitworth campus to provide mutual support for other Native Americans. Jones said that she wants to encourage others to pursue their careers and retain their cultural heritage.
For more information on the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, check out their website here.
Feel free to send Tara Jones an e-mail for more information here.
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