New Mexico In Depth (https://nmindepth.com/author/amurphy/)
In the American Indian Program at NMSU, Aileen Cruz found support that helped her adjust and persist – something experts say is key to helping Native students finish college.
An injury during his junior year in high school forced Donald Pepion to hang up his spurs and focus on education. That was the first of a couple of key moments that propelled him to a different life.
Renee Begay’s decision to follow the Christian God contradicted her family’s beliefs. But it set her on a path to becoming a prominent figure in a national ministry movement.
I’ve recently reported on farmers in Southern New Mexico who are connected to the land and have a certain (higher) respect for food and the soil. Isn’t that something Native Americans are supposed to have? Here’s my vision for my hometown of Crownpoint, N.M.
COMMENTARY: The Lone Ranger was stereotypical, the way Hollywood Indians always are. We’re still wishing and waiting for a big, powerful movie that does justice to Native people.
I’ve never really explored the food that comes from the Navajo reservation, where I’m from. On a recent trip home I got to experience a sheep butchering for the first time. WARNING: Photos in this post are graphic.
What got me through school? I couldn’t stand the thought of letting my parents down, or my mentors, or those who gave me scholarships.
COMMENTARY: In the American Indian Journalism Institute, I learned that my stories are valuable and they are needed because Native Americans are still here and we still have stories to tell.