When Reinette Curry watched her infant son take his first steps in the University of Wyoming Union over 20 years ago, she never could have imagined that moment capturing a lifelong passion of supporting Native American youth as they take steps into higher education, and their adulthood.
This is the driving force behind her work at the Native American Education, Research & Cultural Center (NAERCC). With November 1 marking the start of Native American Heritage month, the director and her new staff are working on campus and beyond to bring together their community and increase visibility.
Opening its doors in 2017, the NAERCC is one of UW’s newest community centers, but has already distinguished itself through a dedication to serving students and the Native American community in Laramie.
“We want the Native center to be a hub for all Native affairs, all Native issues. That campus wide people would know they can come to us– we have so many resources and programs, so we can point them in a lot of different directions.” Director Reinette Curry (Northern Arapaho, Northern Ute) said.
This availability of resources and programs was not always a reality for students here at UW. As recently as last year, Reinette Curry served as the only staff member at the NAERCC.
“I was a student here for both undergrad and graduate school, so I have been here since the doors opened,” said Christie Wildcat (Northern Arapaho), a recent addition to the NAERCC office team.
“I can’t imagine the university without the center. It has been a place where the Native community can come together, and that’s something I just still wanted to be a part of.”
Native American Program Coordinator Cass Underwood (Northern Arapaho), also shared her mission at the center.
“It is about wanting to give back to people and supporting them in higher education. Most of our people come from poverty, and are first generation students. They have not had equal access in the way others have.”
This dedication to student success is shared by UW’s President Ed Seidel, who regularly meets with the NACC.
“[The NAERCC] is an anchor point for a community,” said President Seidel.
“It’s an important point to build community for our Native American students– that’s the most important thing we can do as a university to support the success of students; making sure everyone has a sense of community and belonging here.”
In an effort to meet those goals, the center has filled their November calendar with events highlighting Native American stories, perspectives, and achievements. This week has already seen speakers and scholarships luncheons, as well as a trip to CSU is scheduled Thursday to meet ‘Reservation Dogs’ actor D’pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.
“In the future we want to see more Native students and families from different tribes and different regions of the U.S. coming to the Native Center. We want to highlight lots of different tribes here.”
Director Curry and NAERCC staff hope to only grow the center in this and following months.
