Joelle Montes

About Joelle

Why did you choose this program?

I chose NAS because it has become increasingly important to know and understand history. The need to address the state and well-being of Indigenous peoples and land is urgent. I sought to inform myself on these studies so that I could pass that awareness and knowledge to others.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

The best thing about NAS is the faculty and staff. HSU is exemplary by means of supporting Indigenous students on campus. With the various resources available for NAS, I felt like I received the most support than I did with the other majors I pursued prior. Never have I been able to connect with my professors and feel more passionate about the work than I did with NAS. With a strong Indigenous presence in the Humboldt area, it was amazing to contribute to projects and do work that I could visibly see promoting the well-being of the surrounding communities.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

At the very minimum, take one NAS course. This was all it took for me to realize that this is the work I want to do. Being able to comprehend and interpret history is underrated and will help bring a similar understanding to yourself and those around you.

I feel so strongly about NAS. Regardless of your identity, we all share one thing in common—that we occupy Indigenous lands. There are things we should know about the history of how we got to where we are at and where we could go. It goes beyond being ethically responsible to know about the land and people from it—it is a respect that can aid in healing years of turmoil within our relationships, nationally and personally.