These native students at BSU shared observations about their experiences and goals and why they were drawn to Bemidji State.

“The Council of Indian Students was asked to do a lot this year, but I think it’s really cool that people come to us for things like the Blue Ox Marathon or PBS fundraising. I’m glad people think of us.”

— Naomi Johnson of Cass Lake, majoring in community health, 2016-17 president of the Council of Indian Students and recipient of the 2017 Roger Aitken Leadership Award for native students at BSU

“I’ve lived all over the country. I feel at home when I’m around my people and when there is a cultural competency.”

— Sterling Knox of Minneapolis, majoring in humanities, with a philosophy emphasis, and — like Naomi Johnson  —  a participant in the McNair Scholars Program that encourages diverse students to pursue post-graduate study.

“I’m completely and utterly interested in and passionate about politics and creating social change, and showing that it’s OK, diversity is OK, different backgrounds are OK, everybody’s OK.”

— Christian Taylor-Johnson of Cass Lake, majoring in political science and pre-law, who was among students who in September joined the Dakota Access Pipeline protest at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.