By: Helen Tonso

 

Hidden on the third floor of the EMU is a small room for Native Americans and is the office of the Native American Student Union. “This room is quiet and always empty, I used to come here often,” said Cougar Cruzz, a graduate from the University of Oregon and an enrolled member of the Klamath tribe.

Cruzz is a full-time assistant to the Dean of Students at the University. He works closely with his supervisor planning future projects and setting goals for minority groups on campus. He enjoys this job because he is helping people embrace their culture. “Cougar is a strong person, who has an amazing story and background that can help others,” said Stephanie Tabibian, an old advisor.

Cruzz and his four siblings bounced around from foster home to foster home as children and were left to fend for themselves. School was not taught to be important, nor was learning his Native culture. “There was a time I knew things weren’t normal,” said Cruzz. “There was a time when we didn’t have food for all of us and didn’t have electricity and had to boil water for baths.”  He says vaguely, “I have my bad and good memories.” Cruzz continues by focusing and talking about his good memories as a child.

When Cruzz was 12 he and his siblings were taken in by their grandmother. She was the most stable person in his life, and taught him about his Native American culture, traditions and emphasized the importance of education. Cruzz explains, “My grandma would always tell me, my brothers and sister that if we wanted to have a better life, we would have to go to school in order to succeed.” His grandmother gave him hope and a positive view on life.

Cruzz decided to attend the University of Oregon after high school. Shortly into his journey he was faced with one of life’s toughest barriers: the death of a love one. Cruzz’s grandmother passed away during his sophomore year, followed closely by the deaths of his father and older brother.

For Cougar Cruzz pursuing a degree didn’t seem possible once again. But as a Native American foster child, going back home was not an option. Cruzz explains, “The best thing I think a person can do is stay busy with work and try and keep your mind off of it while still remembering them.”

Today Cruzz hopes to get a job for Lane county and attend graduate school. He recently submitted an application to Lane county for a position that works with minors. He expresses, “I want to influence not only my younger brother and sister, but other tribal members.”