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Native American Studies, B.A. | Class of
Sean Berry
Contact Representative (Probate)
Employer: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Job description: Duties of my position in probate include determining heirs or other persons or entities involving trust property, restricted land, and money entitled by law to receive them. I determine the validity of wills and devisees, whether claims against the estate will be paid from trust personality, and order the transfer of any trust or restricted land or trust personality to the heirs. For assigned probate cases I work with proper assembly and transmittal of all documents required while maintaining accurate probate filing and tracking systems.
About Sean
Why did you choose this program?
As a Karuk tribal member in California, it was important for me to strive for a career helping Native Americans. As a child growing up, I remember my father working for our local tribe in administration for many years and that greatly influenced me. When choosing the Native American Studies program at Humboldt State I envisioned it as an excellent opportunity for my career aspirations. I liked the variety of courses offered and different areas of concentration to choose from in the NAS program.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
This program would not only significantly further my education but it would help improve my work relations working with different Native tribes and people that I now do today with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It helped me have a better understanding of laws and statutes involved with Native Americans.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
I enjoyed the conversations/interactions with professors in the NAS program and obtaining new different perspectives. The NAS faculty is very supportive and friendly. At the same time, they are very helpful in challenging you on topics/issues that involve critical thinking.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
I would want them to know that NAS is an excellent program offered at Humboldt State with a great variety of classes offered to choose from. Potential areas of studies in the program may be of Federal Indian Law, Tribal sovereignty/citizenship, Native American psychology, Native American health, or history of California Indian tribes. There is great support from the NAS program with staff/professors and also (ITEPP) Indian Tribal Educational Personnel Program. ITEPP is a place on campus where you can go in order to get help and be comfortable. You can get advice there for class assignments, suggestions for research papers, help deciding classes for a semester, and much more! ITEPP lets you know when there are activities that you can participate in that involve giving back to the community such as the annual Elder's Tribal Gathering located at the Eureka Fairgrounds.