Hau Mitakuye pi,

 

My name is Isabella Twocrow (she/her). I am Oglala Sioux and a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation. I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I am in my fourth year studying Learning and Organizational Change (LOC) in the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) with a minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies. I am also the Student Coordinator for Native American and Indigenous Student Outreach in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. I have met a few prospective students already via college visits and panels, and I hope to continue to be a resource for you all.

 

Exploring My Indigenous Identity On Campus

At Northwestern, I’ve found people who care and nurture the intersection of my Indigeneity and status as a student on this campus. A few events that have shaped who I am today include the Big 10 Native Conference, last year’s Indigenous artist-in-residence, and every class I’ve taken about Native and Indigenous studies. I am a part of the Native American and Indigenous Student Association (NAISA) where I’ve found my closest friends, plan and engage with social events on campus, and center my creativity and passions through monthly beading circles and craft nights. I’ve also worked as a research assistant for professors affiliated with our Center of Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR). When I graduate, I hope to work in education policy to ensure equitable access to higher education for Native students as well as manage the Indigenization of education curriculums across Turtle Island.

 

Advice For Native Prospective Students

First, as I always say when meeting any of you, take a breath. College applications, even thinking about college, is exhausting. During my college search, I worked 24/7 to find a school that, beyond academics and rigor, cared about my well-being as a Native student. This is exhausting and throughout the rest of this letter, I want you to remind yourself that you are capable and worthy of anything you put your mind to. I have your back here at Northwestern, and I am proud of you for embarking on this journey. 

 

Northwestern’s Dedication To Affordability and Accessibility 

Choosing to enter higher education as an Indigenous student isn’t always an easy choice—especially when it comes to deciding on the institution. As a low-income student, Northwestern seemed like the last option for me until… I started doing my own research about the academic, cultural, and fiscal opportunities here. I wish I could write you a ten-page letter describing the opportunities here for you at Northwestern, but I encourage you to check out our websites highlighting affordability and access for every student and Northwestern’s dedication to enhancing Native inclusion. Know that we’re here for you! 

 

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

I want to wish you all a gracious Native American Heritage Month (NAHM). This month is very special to me because it means being in community and ceremony with my relatives and friends. This is a month we all get to breathe and hold space for each other. At Northwestern, we have many events planned throughout November, including 30 Days of Indigenous, NAISA painting “The Rock”, Sand Creek Commemorations, the First Nations Film Festival, and social media campaigns. 

 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding Northwestern, our Native community, or the application process. I am here at Northwestern for you. You can email me at isabellatwocrow2023@u.northwestern.edu and please follow NAISA and CNAIR on Instagram! 

 

Mitakuye Oyasin. 

 

Best, 

Isabella Twocrow ‘23 (She, Her, Hers)

Oglala-Sioux and Ho-Chunk

Coordinator of Native American and Indigenous Student Outreach