Celebrating Native American Heritage Month at Haskell Indian Nations University
In November 2024, the AIBL Chapter at Haskell Indian Nations University brought to life a vision that began with one powerful idea. As a club member, I, Angelina Giago, wanted to create an event to celebrate our traditions, showcase our strength, and inspire the HINU community. Over three days, weContinue Reading
Ledger Artist Chris Pappan
In late November 2024, well-known Ledger artist Chris Pappan visited Lawrence, KS, to host a three-day ledger art workshop with the locals and a few Haskell students at the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas. Pappan is an artist of Osage, Kaw, Cheyenne River Sioux, and mixedContinue Reading
2024 Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference
From November 7-10, 2024, students from Haskell Indian Nations University’s School of Business had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference at the Westin and Sheraton hotels in the Crown Center District of Kansas City, Missouri. Students in attendance were me (Kanyon Alexander), RandiContinue Reading
Empowering Young Woman at HINU : Native Action Network Women’s Leadership Academy
The Native Action Network (NAN) Women’s Leadership Academy in Washington State is an annual event that aims to inspire, empower, and connect Native women from all walks of life. With a mix of workshops, breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and panels, the forum is designed to uplift participants and ignite theirContinue Reading
Beyond the Absence: Healing and Hope in the Face of Absent Fathers in Native communities
This article is dedicated to the loving memory of my e-do-da, Matthew Jacob Fields. Data gathered in 2022 showed that 18.3 million children in the United States, or roughly 1 in 4 children, lived without a father in the home. Fathers are absent from approximately 80% of single-parent homes, whereinContinue Reading
Don’t Touch My Hair
As Native Heritage Month passes, Indigenous voices and stories continue to thrive among our people. Hair, in many cultures, plays an integral role in how it correlates to an individual’s identity. Various tribal communities view hair as a means of strength, a way to showcase your marital status, a nurturedContinue Reading
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland Visits Haskell Indian Nations University
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, Haskell Indian Nations University hosted a special event with Bryan Newland, the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. The meet-and-greet occurred at the Tommaney Library from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., where students could engage with Newland and ask questions. Lunch was provided for the firstContinue Reading
President Joe Biden Issues Historic Apology to Native American Communities for U.S. Boarding Schools
In a groundbreaking statement, President Joe Biden has issued a formal apology to Native American communities, acknowledging the painful legacy of U.S. boarding schools that forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families and cultures at the Gila Crossing Community School, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Laveen, Ariz. The apology marksContinue Reading
Native Elegance: Weaving Tradition into Modern Fashion
On December 14, 2024, the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas will host an exciting Native fashion event at the campus in Lawrence. The event will run from 4 to 6 p.m., with doors opening at 3 p.m. at 1301 Mississippi Street Lawrence, KS 66045. This eventContinue Reading
Food Review: Lucky Seb’s
Upon arriving at this establishment, my friends and I were welcomed to a warm, ambient environment with a slight modern elegance. Lucky Seb’s is a fusion restaurant well known for its dumplings and their delectable handhelds hot off their grill. You can find this restaurant on the corner of 23rdContinue Reading
Meet The Club
Wyomee Cooke (She/Hers) (Diné) Yá’át’ééh! My name is Wyomee, and I am a senior pursuing my Bachelors in American Indian Studies. I am Diné coming all the way from Crystal, NM; but I reside in Thoreau, NM. I am passionate about being creative, whether it’d be with my words orContinue Reading
3rd Annual Haskell Day at EPA: A Continued Commitment to Opportunity
On November 12, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 office welcomed students from Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) for the 3rd Annual Haskell Day at EPA. The event brought together students and EPA leaders to build connections, explore career opportunities, and deepen the partnership between the two organizations.Continue Reading
Haskell Heritage Month Round Dance: Side-step Special
L to R: Ishta Wabaunsee 3rd, Ysabellah SongHawk 2nd, Sara Bointy 1st place Side-step Champion Top 6 Dancers Lady Judges and the Champs YsaBellah SongHawk and MC Tokeya RichardsonContinue Reading
Haskell Alumni: Uriah Little Hoop Visits and Shares Ceremonial Sweat with Students
Uriah Little Hoop 11/13/2024 Oglala Sicangu Lakota and Dine Tribes Alliance, Nebraska Uriah Little Hoop kicked off her presentation at Haskell Auditorium by speaking in Lakota and acknowledging the Haskell seminar class, whose members had just presented their Haskell Legacy projects. She then shared her personal journey of cultural discoveryContinue Reading
Meet the Club- Travis Tafolla
Through The Eyes of Travis Tafolla Since arriving here at Haskell, I have met countless people who uplift me and encourage me to be a better person. I’ve been attending Haskell for about 2 years now, and it’s been quite the experience. When I first arrived here, it was challengingContinue Reading
Haskell AISES Chapter: Empowering Indigenous Students in STEM
Haskell Indian Nations University is celebrating the remarkable achievements of its American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) chapter, highlighting its members’ dedication to advancing STEM education and fostering Indigenous representation in science and technology fields. From October 3-5, 2024, the club was able to attend the AISES national conferenceContinue Reading
Early to Rise, Early to Vote
Oklahoma’s in-person early voting occurred this past week, just days before Election Day– starting on October 30, 2024, and ending on November 2, 2024. The turnout has been reported to have surpassed the 2020 election, with record-breaking numbers of 292,684 early voters who attended in person. As for mail-in ballots,Continue Reading
USDA October Cooking Class: Blue Corn Mush
\ Photo coverage by: Alysah Carpenter The Indigenous community and its diverse tribes have cultivated numerous essential foods that have supported their resilience and prosperity over the years. Among these, blue corn stands out as a staple food cherished by many tribes. Blue cornmeal, a finely ground meal made fromContinue Reading
Heartland Book Fest
Written by: Trina Tsinnie On Saturday, October 12, 2024, A few Haskell students attended the Heartland Book Fest. The Book Fest took place at the Kansas City public library. Tommy Orange and Deborah Jackson Taffa discussed their newly published books with Librarian Cindy Hohl. Orange is an enrolled member ofContinue Reading
Indigenous People’s Day at Wyandotte County Musuem
Indigenous People’s Day was proudly celebrated in the Bonner Springs, Kansas, community on October 19th, 2024. The Wyandotte County Museum hosted this event, highlighting Tribal cultures across America. Honoring this year’s holiday included Indigenous education, music, food, art, and, most importantly, pride.Continue Reading
Haskell Indian Nations University’s Intertribal Day
This past Thursday, Stidham Union was filled with educational and career-based organizations for Haskell’s students on October 24th, 2024. Each association operates within Tribal Business and was welcomed to campus to provide their resources and career opportunities.Continue Reading
Spooktober Favorites
This year, a multitude of top-rated films have come out, ranging from “Dune: Part Two” to “Anora,” and several scary movies have taken the lead. The 2024 horror movie insights chosen in this article encapsulate diverse social adversities. “I Saw The TV Glow” slams into the psychological horror genre asContinue Reading
Bridging Cultures: The Journey of a Muslim Indigenous Student in Education
Islam is one of the three major Abrahamic religions centered on the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, whom Muslims regard as the religion’s final prophet. Those who practice Islam are called Muslims, and they number an estimated 1.9 billion worldwide. It is believed that Islam originated in Mecca,Continue Reading
Meet the Club – Brandon Colbert
Brandon Colbert (Muscogee Creek/Seminole)Writer, Photographer, Media Enthusiast Hensci estonko? (Hello, how are you?) My name is Brandon Colbert, and I am a sophomore at Haskell Indian Nations University. I am proud to hail from Eufaula, Oklahoma, representing the Muscogee Creek and Seminole tribes, and I belong to the Nokose (Bear)Continue Reading
Meet the Club- Student Representative Alysah Carpenter
Hello! My name is Alysah Rose Mykal Carpenter. I am proud to be a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe of Oklahoma, with my Cheyenne heritage coming from my father and my Arapaho roots from my mother. Embracing both sides of my heritage is a deeply meaningful aspect ofContinue Reading
Meet The Club – Kyla Williams
Kyla Williams (Sac & Fox of Oklahoma, Muscogee Creek, Absentee Shawnee) Aho, Kyla Williams neteshith. Owîkiwa Okonohômîheki, othâkîwa kêhi kepâtethiwa thâkiwâtowêweni. Hello, my name is Kyla Williams. I live in Oklahoma City, am Sac and Fox of Oklahoma, Muscogee Creek, and Absentee Shawnee, and am slowly learning the Sauk language.Continue Reading
Meet the Club- Secretary Trina Tsinnie
Yá’át’ééh, my name is Trina Tsinnie, I am from the Navajo Nation tribe. I live in a little village on the reservation called Lechee, but Lechee is next to a town that is about 5 miles away called Page, Arizona. I moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 2015. I started attendingContinue Reading
Meet the Club: Senior Reporter
Hello! My name is Lauryn Callis, and I am a senior reporter for the Indian Leader here at Haskell. I am a business major, and I specialize in photojournalism, interviews, and video production. My tribes are within the Muscogee and Cherokee Nations of Oklahoma, with roots tracing back to Nigeria andContinue Reading
Louise Erdrich Visits Haskell
The Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning author Louise Erdrich visits the Haskell Auditorium at Haskell Indian Nations University on Saturday, October 12th. Louise tells the audience about her newly published novel “The Mighty Red” (Erdrich, Louise. The Might Red. HarperCollins, 2024.) The discussion of the acclaimed novel was anContinue Reading
Meet The Vice President
Yá’át’ééh shik’éí dóó shidine’é. Shí éí Tara Roanhorse yinishyé, bilagáana nishłį́ tsi’naajinii bashishchiin bilagáana dashicheii tó dích’íi’nii dashinalí. Ákót’éego diné asdzáán nishłį́. Hello, my friends and my relatives. My name is Tara Roanhorse and I am serving my second term as vice president of the Indian Leader. In this role,Continue Reading
Meet the Treasurer
Angelica Henson (Comanche/Kiowa) Kee ohn day daw, everyone! My name is Angelica Henson (she/her). I’m Kiowa and Comanche, 21 years old and a junior at Haskell studying pre-med. I’ve already received my Associate Degree in Natural Sciences and am on my way to earning a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science! I’veContinue Reading
Curtis Favorites and Rates
Curtis Hall is known as the most convenient, quick and easy gathering place, the heartbeat of Haskell’s home campus. We asked a few “Curtis warriors” and The Haskell Indian Leader staff what their favorite university meal is. “I love the baked potato bar. Rate:10/10,” said Tory G. “My favorite CurtisContinue Reading
Haskell Back to School Powwow!
On September 28, 2024, Haskell Indian Nations University welcomed students, athletes, clubs, and community members into the fall semester! The Lawrence community filled the Haskell Powwow Grounds with honor to remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) victims across Tribal Nations. Head Lady Dancer Allison Levering and family sponsored a Red Dress SpecialContinue Reading
Meet The Club: Emmalee J. Fields
Osiyo and Salam Alaikum, hello, and peace be upon you! I am a first-generation college student studying for my bachelor’s degree in Indigenous and American Indian Studies, with an associate’s in Media Communication. With these degrees, I hope to make my way into the Bureau of Indian Affairs one dayContinue Reading
Meet The Club: Editor-in-Chief
Meet The Editor-In-Chief Allison Levering- Winnebago/Omaha Tribe of Nebraska Hanac, Hinikaragiwi! Hoocak Rasra Maakewinga Hiingire. Maixete rasra Allison Levering ga Hiingire. Huc Hikikarac wa’u’jena. Nisoc eja Haci howajena. Hello everyone! I greet you all with a warm heart. My name is Allison Levering, and I’m a 20-year-old sophomore at HaskellContinue Reading
Haskell Day of Reconciliation
Photo coverage By: Allison Levering Written by: Allison Levering Co-Writer: Emmalee Fields LAWRENCE, KS On the evening of Monday, September 30th, 2024, The Haskell student body gathered at the sacred fireplace lit by guidance counselor Manny King near the auditorium and was led in a prayer and invocation by Dr.Continue Reading
Native American Voices, Why We Vote
June 2, 2024, marks the 100th anniversary of The Indian Citizen Act. However, in 1924, while Native Americans were finally recognized as citizens of the United States, they did not have the same rights as other Americans. Their right to vote was challenged for many more decades; tactics like pollContinue Reading
Haskell Indian Nations University AISES Chapter Heads to National Conference
From October 3-5, 2024, the Haskell Indian Nation’s University AISES chapter will participate in the annual national conference in San Antonio, Texas. A dedicated group of nine students will represent Haskell, eager to engage with peers and professionals in science and engineering. Founded in 1977 by Native scientists, engineers, andContinue Reading
I’m Leaving Free
Dear love, I’m leaving, they set me free. Free with another chance to do right. Even though I might be out of sight. In your heart, I will be, as far as the eye can see. Your love I’ll carry with me, ’cause that’s how it’s supposed to be. Don’tContinue Reading
Farewell My Friend
Farewell, my friend, hopefully we’ll meet again. I’ll miss you when you’re not here. Just promise me you’ll be safe while you’re out there. Cause the world can be cruel. Keep praying to God. He knows what to do. He’ll help you get your life back together. With him, lifeContinue Reading
Please Don’t Mind
I hope you don’t mind, but you’re always on my mind. I had no clue what to do since I first met you. Just being with you, I don’t feel so blue. Like a blind man, I couldn’t see the beauty that was to be. I close my eyes justContinue Reading
Capturing Tradition: Welcome Back Powwow Through the Lens
Emmitt Brazille/The Indian LeaderContinue Reading
Saturday Night Lights
On the chilly evening of September 28th, 2024, on the Haskell Indian Nations University Powwow Grounds, the Haskell Welcome Back Powwow commenced. The event, free and open to the public, began with Grand Entry at 6 pm. From then on it was a rush of colorful regalia and the beautiful,Continue Reading
Someone Not True
My mind is slipping away, thinking through the day. Can’t even sleep; my thoughts are too deep. Bad thoughts in my head as I lay in bed. Can’t think right; they play in my head on sight. As I walk alone, to be on God’s throne. If we were toContinue Reading
True Love Always
Love you today, as I always will. Cause it’s true love always; it’s just God’s will. I met you through your brother; Even helped you deal with your mother. Through all the pain and sadness. We always bring each other happiness. I’m glad God brought us together. For our loveContinue Reading
I Always Get Weak
I always get weak every time we speak.Getting lost in your eyes while I caress your thighs.I would rather die than tell you a lie.For I will say, you take my breath away.I put my fingers through your hair as you look at me and stare.Holding your hips as IContinue Reading
I’m Here For You
You tell me you’re fine, but I know it’s a lie. You know you can call me anytime, ‘cause I don’t mind. Anytime you need to or to just go for a walk– I am here for you. Here for you, no matter what you go through. So, if youContinue Reading
My Friends
My friends, I will always miss you, but I must go and make my way. For the day has come to be free. Very happy I met you, believe me, this is true. Do not forget me, as I won’t forget you. The time we spent together will last forever.Continue Reading
I Close My Eyes At Night
As I close my eyes at night, Saying I love you feels so right. Holding you as we sleep, No longer will I have to count sheep. With your beauty glowing gracefully, Just like a river flowing peacefully. Cause even though I’m with you I can’t ever stop thinking ofContinue Reading
Thinking About You
I woke up thinking about you. You’re like a dream come true. Giving me happiness and joy, Like a child with a new toy. Hearing your voice in my head, Gives me hope for what’s ahead. ‘Cause your heart is full of light, That makes the future feel so bright.Continue Reading
They Came Home
On Sept. 21 and 22, 2024, the Haskell Indian Nations University, Southern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes hosted a Bison Harvest and Cookout on the university’s powwow grounds. The exciting event was postponed from last year to now, but it was definitely worth the wait. It was open to the public,Continue Reading
My Momma’s Son
My momma’s son can’t be replaced by none.Momma’s pride and joy ’cause I’m your boy.Making your light shine as they cut me from the vine.Put me in your arms, where I knew I was safe from harm.Stopped all of my crying cause I acted like I was dying.Dying to beContinue Reading
Letting People Know
The warmth you bring, just like the weather in Spring. Giving each other butterflies, as time passes us by. Laying side by side in the middle of the night- Talking about life, and the future that could be. Looking up at the stars or staring into each other’s eyes. JustContinue Reading
2024 Haskell Indian Nations University Art Market
On Sept. 7-8, 2024, the city of Lawerence, Kansas, gathers to see local vendors, Native dances, and various Indigenous cultures represented through art at Haskell Indian Nations University’s Powwow Grounds.Continue Reading
The 25th Anniversary of Prairie Park Nature Center
On Sept. 14, 2024, Haskell Indian Nations University’s USDA Extension Program taught the Lawrence, Kansas community about corn husk doll-making at Prairie Park Nature Center, where the history and significance originated from the Cherokee Tribe, and each individual was left with their own handmade dolls. Continue Reading
Got So Close Together
You said you missed me so much, All because your heart I touched. Never thought we’d be so close, But the future can never be foretold. Started out with some laughs, Just to make the time pass. Now we care about one another, Cause for us, there is no other.Continue Reading
Haskell Students Check Out Coffin Complex for New Clubs at Highlight Night
Coffin complex is bustling with the noise of eager new and returning Haskell students for Highlight Night, Tuesday, Sept. 10 — opportunities offered by on-campus clubs or local Lawrence organizations. Highlight Night occurs semesterly on campus. Since the university’s reopening during the COVID-19 epidemic, the activity night was held atContinue Reading
Celebrating Culture and Creativity: The Haskell Indian Nations University Art Market
On September 7 and 8, 2024, the Haskell Indian Nations University powwow grounds in Lawrence, Kansas, became a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and artistic celebration. The two-day event showcased a rich tapestry of tribal artistry and creativity, drawing attendees from near and far to experience a unique blend ofContinue Reading
Summer Coding Camp
During the beginning of Summer courses at Haskell Indian Nations University, various activities and workshops, such as the weaving classes, are taught. One of these new sessions this summer was the coding camp, which took place in Blue Eagle Hall in the evenings on three separate Thursdays. Brian Wika, aContinue Reading
Native Threads: Celebrating Fashion and Art in Indigenous Cultures
On Sept. 1, 2024, The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas opened a new exhibit called “Native Fashion.” This exhibit shows Indigenous fashion’s wide variety and creativity with pieces from the 19th century. Guests will have the opportunity to see everything from traditional outfits and high fashionContinue Reading
Jail Poem
Listening to the rain, drowning all my pain. So much sorrow, praying I see tomorrow. Feeling remorse, after I took the wrong course. Stuck in jail, can’t even afford bail. No letters, to make me feel better. Can’t even sleep, cause there’s never enough to eat. Very easy to getContinue Reading
Protecting the Wakarusa River Valley: The Fight Against Wetland Development and Baker University’s Land Sale
“It’s just wrong, you know? It’s, like, decades and decades of just stomping on Haskell and twisting the knife, as far as no justice for indigenous people in Lawrence,” said Courtney King. According to a university statement, Baker University has been approached by a private investment firm interested in purchasingContinue Reading
Wetlands: Preserve, Protect, and Prosper
The wetlands are a place that holds significant meaning to many, while others are unaware of the importance that the land provides for human and non-human species. This land flows with water and is filled with native plants, trees, and animals residing in the area. It has been here beforeContinue Reading
Opinion: Open Letter to Haskell Indian Nations University, Bureau of Indian Education, and the Native Community from Haskell’s Cross Country Team
Statement from the staff: This opinion piece reflects only the cross country members who have signed and written the letter, not the entire team. For privacy, the names of the signed student-athletes have been edited out, and the other student-athletes mentioned. “Some people have been asking, ‘Why have the HaskellContinue Reading
Historical Erasure and People of Color
“Visitors shouldn’t feel confronted; they should feel welcomed,” said a spokesperson for Colleen Shogan of the National Archives when asked about being accused of censoring the exhibit. Accountability in America seems to be a topic that is deemed confrontational, yet for most people of color, it is our history.Continue Reading