Mucho gusto! Let's get to the fun stuff first. I love journaling, dancing in the gym, and being outside in some sunshine. I am from Tucson, Arizona and a '28. I am a proud first generation and low-income student who comes from a loving Mexican and Native American family. Aspiring law student, an early riser, and bubbly personality are all some ways to describe me. So before you leave, welcome to Dartmouth! I am Dezstany and I hope you join me on this journey into the woods!
Academic Program
Government or Native American and Indigenous Studies
This course was one of the reasons I chose to apply early decision to Dartmouth! I know, how could one course even influence such a big decision? Hearing Professor Duthu describe cases regarding the dispossession of Native tribes, the cultural tensions that many Native youth experience because of the effects of the Doctrine of Discovery, and economic development issues amongst many Native reservations made me edge out of my seat with excitement. The description did not disappoint because although it is one of my earliest classes, I always find myself running to class to learn something new. Professor Duthu presents in a way that wakes you up, makes you laugh, and encourages you to ask some pretty tough questions about tribal regulations. It has been extremely interesting how "bullets of the past are hitting present targets", meaning that many federal policies that happened decades ago still have very noticeable impacts in Indian Country (land in which tribal members own or previously occupied). I love being able to schedule office hours for any leftover questions. Would definitely recommend it!!
Before I continue, I would like to honor the Abenaki people for all the love, time, and work they have invested onto the land in which Dartmouth stands on. Indigenous Peoples' Day, formally recognized on the second Monday of October is a special day for Dartmouth. The charter for Dartmouth explains how the institution was created "for the education and instruction of Youth of the Indian Tribes in this land". For the first 200 years, Dartmouth did little to none to accomplish this. However, in the 1970s, Dartmouth decided to act on their mission statement; one of the major ways in which Dartmouth is honoring this principle is through the Indigenous Fly-In Program (IFI).
IFI is extremely important as this is how I discovered Dartmouth only one year ago. The application is open to seniors in the spring and students have until July to submit it— when accepted, the admitted students come and visit Dartmouth (for free)! The format of the fly in allows Indigenous students to form a community even before submitting the Common Application, which made me feel confident deciding to apply Early Decision on the flight back from the program.
Furthermore, the Indigenous Fly-In includes personalized tours of campus, a panel where prospective students can ask current native students questions, admission workshops, a financial aid seminar, and so many opportunities for core memories and a good time. Personally, I was a little afraid to admit to myself how much I fell in love with Dartmouth through the fly-in. The early decision application was due in less than a month and I had none of the supplementals started. Chalking the front of Baker Berry Library with the name of my tribe, the "Tohono O'odham Nation" felt so welcoming and impactful. Walking through the library at midnight as Native students made their presence known immediately as Indigenous Peoples Day started. Gathering together on the Green surrounded by each other and the stars above as we shared cultural traditions and practices was something I knew I would never be able to experience at any other institution. Thankfully I was able to confidently submit my application because of all the support current Dartmouth students showed me, such as looking over my essays and answering any leftover concerns I had.
This time around, I was super excited to host a student and be on the other side of the program this year! Not only me, but also some of my amazing friends outside of the Native community were thrilled to host students for the fly-in—showing how supportive the overall Dartmouth community is.
All the Indigenous students from North Carolina! Shoutout to Ben Cashwell, a '28 who owns the brand "unrecognized"—which spreads the word and power within Indigenous communities. Would definitely recommend a piece!
As a Native American student, I am honored and proud to say that Dartmouth continues to support our ancestors and ourselves throughout our entire academic journey.
My dear friend and fellow '28, Eloisa Roach, making a beautiful shirt for Orange Shirt day!
This can be seen through our remembrance of all the Native children that were lost to boarding schools by wearing orange shirts on September 30. It was really beautiful that Dartmouth students wore orange shirts to honor all of those that suffered before us.
Dartmouth also celebrates our culture in some more fun ways, which can be seen in our weekly matches of rez ball (basically Native basketball)! We meet on the courts every Friday.
Some more academic ways in which we connect with our culture are just as important too! I got dinner today with Professor Duthu, head of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Program, and the Native American community at the Native American House as we talked about what it means for us to spread our Indigenous voices at Dartmouth, and the importance of adding our perspective to the spaces we are in. Professor Duthu is an alum of Dartmouth, and was one of the first group of Native students after Dartmouth's reestablishment of their charter to educate Indigenous youth. I love being able to take classes about Native American history as I was never able to do so in highschool.
Professor Duthu is a professor I truly have loved getting to know more about and connect with. I asked him what he would say to prospective Native students who are considering applying to Dartmouth but afraid to do so and he said the following:
I think one of the most compelling reasons to select Dartmouth as your college is the opportunity to build life-long relationships with faculty, fellow students and alumni who are deeply committed to Native American/Indigenous Peoples and to robust expressions of tribal sovereignty. Our Native American and Indigenous Studies Department offers a rich and diverse selection of courses, as well as the opportunity to engage in off-campus internships or independent study programs that will enrich your knowledge about Indian Country. In this place, you're the architect of your educational journey and destiny. I hope you'll give it a try!
- N. Bruce Duthu (United Houma Nation) '80, Samson Occom Professor and Chair, Department of Native American & Indigenous Studies."
A common worry I heard during the fly-in from prospective students was the fear of being so far from home. The Native American House (NAH) is a space on campus that reminds me of the comfort of home and is always filled with great energy. Some of my favorite places are the blue room where our Beading & Crafting Circle meets! First Years can apply for housing within the NAH as well. I love running into Steven Abott, the live-in advisor for the NAH because he always cracks jokes and ends our conversation with one of his iconic fist bumps.
I know this blog was a little longer than usual and I appreciate those who stayed with me all the way through. There is so much more to say about the Indigenous community at Dartmouth so please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. To my fellow native students, never forget that you deserve your spot in the places that are lucky enough to have you. We will be waiting for you to join us as an upcoming '29 this fall!
Learn about the different programs Dartmouth offers prospective students to explore campus life, learn about Dartmouth, and enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Hanover!
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
