By: Kenzie Campbell

Over the course of Winter term 2017, I had the opportunity of meeting several Native Americans in the Eugene community to learn about their personal lives and specifically their experiences in education. I learned about the Native history in Oregon that has effected the existing Native communities in Eugene today. Oregon’s history of boarding schools and property battles with Native communities has made it difficult for Native Americans to feel accepted and succeed in the American education system. I gained insight into the lives of students, teachers, and parents who I had the pleasure of meeting. I was able to listen and understand the struggles they have had to overcome in education. I hope you enjoy hearing these people’s stories as much as I did.