By: Kenzie Campbell

Jason Younker

Dr. Younker is a member of the Coquille Nation. He is the Assistant Vice President and Advisor to the President on Sovereignty and Government to Government Relations at the University of Oregon. He also helped start the funding for the Long House on campus for Native American Students to feel “At home” he says. He is one out of five Native American faculty at the University of Oregon, and he is an advocate for more Native faculty at the University of Oregon. He was more than willing to talk to me about his past experiences living on a reservation, going to boarding school, and eventually college. He is a true inspiration to the University. I was thrilled to learn his story because he had to much to say about his culture and future goals within Eugene’s Native community.