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Washington State University
College of Education

Getting to Know You: Sequoia Dance-Leighton

 

Sequoia Dance-Leighton – Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education

Tribal Affiliation: Sequoia is a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes from Fort Hall, Idaho and a direct descendant of the Assiniboine- Red Bottom Band (Fort Peck, MT)). She currently resides as a visitor on the homelands of the Nimiipuu People. Her mother is Tamara Trahant and her maternal Grandfather was Neil Trahant.

Year in school: 2nd year PhD student

Why are you studying Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education? What do you hope to do with this after you graduate?

I believe there is a lot of work to be done to create positive learning environments for students within our Education System. I have chosen to pursue my work in the Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education because it is a space to be both critical and imaginative of learning spaces that we create. My research is focused on Indigenous Education and Wellness within Indigenous Ed. As a Graduate Research Assistant, I am currently focused on working with tribal communities to explore Culturally Relevant Indigenous Science. In my own research, I hope to create models and resources that re-story the way in which we teach and employ wellness with our Indigenous youth, especially in the education system. I don’t know exactly where I will be when I am complete this program, but I hope to be primarily working with tribal communities on building capacity, resources, and education on Indigenous Wellness systems.

Why did you choose WSU?

I attended my undergraduate degree here at WSU. I chose to come back for my PhD because of the location and the program. I live as a visitor on the homelands of the Nimiipuu People (Nez Perce Tribe). My husband is Nimiipuu and it is important to us to work within our communities so that we can learn with our communities and the land that we are on.

Another reason I chose WSU because of the CSSTE Program. I was familiar with some of the scholars that had completed their journey in the program and I knew that it was a good fit for me.

What’s been your favorite part of the WSU experience thus far?

I think working with some of the amazing people in our program, like Dr. Stephany Running-Hawk Johnson and Dr. Amir Gilmore. It has been incredible to see the work that they do. It is been great to see their passion to help students and also celebrate our thoughts and ideas, while challenging us to see through different lenses!

What’s been the biggest challenge so far?

The most challenging has been adjusting to the pandemic. I am thankful for all the measures in place to help keep students and myself safe, and it was a different environment starting a PhD program so disconnected from my fellow cohort mates and all the faculty.

As a college, we’re starting to focus more on our people being agents of change. What makes you an agent of change?

Being an agent of change to me means being an advocate for Indigenous students, myself included. It is important to recognize the validity in the stories of our Indigenous students and educators and the importance of the knowledge that we bring to the table. The education system has a lot of work to do to create a safe, enriching, and engaging space for students of color. It is my goal, as an agent of change to advocate my best for Indigenous students, educators, and knowledges to be represented respectfully.

This month is Native American Heritage Month. Why is your heritage so important to you and how do you work to ensure celebration, equity, and inclusion of it?

It is important to me to know my language and culture because it was once stripped away from my great-grandmother and family. My culture is who I am and helps explain the way that I see the world. It is my responsibility to continue to learn it and share it so that it is not lost for future generations. I am a first-generation, Shoshone-Bannock Woman, PhD student. This means that I have to carefully balance learning through culture and through the education system. My culture informs my work as much as the communities and individuals that I work with. This continues to remind me to move through the work that I do with intention and respect. The work that I do with other Indigenous Scholars here at WSU, as well as with tribal community members, continues to push for representation and equity in education, and beyond, by fore fronting Indigenous Knowledges, valuing our stories, and building spaces to continue to teach and learn our cultural values, languages, and traditional practices.


Favorites

Restaurant in Pullman: Tin Tan Tacos

Book: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

TV show: Rutherford Falls

Coug sport: Volleyball

Vacation spot: The mountains <3