Chuh, Skeehchoouyun nuwisuwôk, my name is (plant person) Ashlee Hamilton. I am apart of the Mohegan tribe, my pronouns are she/her. I am a senior majoring in Plant and Soil Science with an interest in Environmental Horticulture and a concentration in Sustainable Agriculture. Outside of school, I love tending to my many gardens while learning how my native ancestors practiced growing crops. I also love going to farmers markets, sun tanning, going on hikes, fishing, and crocheting as well as spending time with my family, friends and my boyfriend. I plan on working for my tribe after college on our ancestral lands and grow crops to support food sovereignty such as three sisters according to my elders and ancestors example. 

I have been a member of NAISA since my freshman year and served as the Treasurer for 2 years. I am grateful to be on the E-Board as Co-President and I am excited for what this school year will bring! Since I am a senior, I hope to promote diversity, and be an advocate for indigenous students here on campus. I am honored to work with the E-Board and members of our club while making memorable memories within NAISA! 

Ah’rrao-wah, my name is Kylene Chino. I am a proud citizen from the Pueblo of Santa Ana and the Navajo Nation. My pronouns are she/her. I am a junior intending to double major in Political Science and Human Rights. The lifelong connections I have made through NAISA these past two years empowered my motivation to work towards growing it more. NAISA has become a family for me since I am miles from home, but I hope to increase the voices of Indigenous students and represent them in a way where they feel like they always have someone rooting for them in their corner. I am looking forward to dedicating my time to this club and working with the students to build towards our goal of Indigenizing UConn. 

Hello everyone, my name is Sebastian April. I am Mi’kmaq and from Waterbury, CT. I am currently majoring in plant science with a minor in cannabis cultivation. I have been actively involved with NAISA since my freshman year. My introduction to the Native American Cultural Programs and NAISA stemmed from a USDA grant called New Beginnings, which facilitated my presence at UConn. Through this opportunity, I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by cultural relatives and forming lifelong friendships. of academics, I enjoy playing lacrosse, growing cannabis and other plants as well as reading. I am especially passionate about using my studies to support economic sovereignty for tribal nations through cannabis cultivation. I’m really looking forward to connecting with other students on campus and being part of this community. I aim to contribute to the community by sharing knowledge, fostering relationships, and expanding our network.

Hello everyone, my name is Diego Marks, I am the treasurer for NAISA this year. I am currently a sophomore studying Urban Forestry and Arboriculture. I’m from Bethany, CT and I am Nipmuc and Narragansett. Out of school and NAISA, I like to go hunting & fishing, and tinkering with trucks, cars, and tractors. I hope to meet some new people, and I hope to meet some new people, and hope others feel a sense of belonging in this community.