Native American Club — Activities and EventsYou Might Be Interested In!

By Kylie Franklin

Native American Club at SUNY Niagara is welcoming students to join and attend meetings! The Club has many activities going on during the next two months (April and May) where field trips, volunteer opportunities, and events are planned. The club meetings are held on Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in room G121B. “I am happy to create a welcoming and warm space for people of color and descendants of Native Americans” says Jill Clause, the club’s advisor. “Anyone is welcome to come and sit at the table”

The club is a friendly environment for indigenous students and those interested to come and gather. From finishing homework to learning about Tuscarora culture, the club focuses on keeping its space educational as well as relaxing. Ms. Clause works with the students scheduling to the best of her abilities, trying to make it available to all its members. Ms. Clause is also more than willing to help any of the members and direct them to staff/faculty that can help with problems that fall outside her area of work. Ms. Clause enjoys discussing and teaching students about Haudenosaunee culture as well as helping students from other tribes learn about their culture.

The club’s advisor Jill Clause is from the Tuscarora Nation Turtle Clan and is a Reconnect Recruiter for SUNY Niagara, working with the school and tribe to help reach out to potential students or those interested in furthering their education. Ms. Clause’s goal is to assist members of Tuscarora Nation in getting a higher level of education. As an advisor, she creates a welcoming environment for all students and encourages anyone interested in the club to come to meetings. “I want to help our [Tuscarora] people get an education, and working with SUNY Niagara can help make the process of achieving that easier,” Clause states. During events held at the nation, Clause is typically seen as an ambassador for SUNY Niagara, reaching out to members with information about enrollment and the opportunities that come with it.

The club will be visiting Cornell University on April 17th, participating in aiding the “Walk the World Cultural Fair” on April 18th, and visiting Syracuse University on April 24th. Ms. Clause is also aiding students interested in internship opportunities, keeping club members informed of any potential opportunities that are compatible with their scheduling. At the “Walk the World Cultural Fair” there will be opportunities for club members to gain volunteer hours and experience helping others at the event, getting exposure to other cultures, stories, and food at the event. The club will likely leave around 7am for the trips to Cornell and Syracuse and return some time in the evening.

On May 5th during MMIW day (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) there will be a walk to raise awareness during and pay tribute that will take route around the campus. Participants are encouraged to wear red, as it will represent the MMIW red dress symbol which draws attention to the high rates of missing and murdered indigenous women. There will also be a speaker coming onto campus who will give educational talks on the ongoing crisis indigenous women face. During MMIW, supporters wear red t-shirts to show their solidarity and support.

Whether you have Native American ancestry or not, the club invites anyone interested to come down and check out what the club has to offer. During meetings, there are typically snacks offered to members. The club room is the perfect environment for studying, which Ms. Clause allows and encourages if needed members to do during the meetings.