American Indian Awareness Week is a long-standing tradition for the Native American Student Association and the Center for Sovereign Nations at Oklahoma State University, but this year, it’s much more than just awareness — it’s a voice.

“It’s a chance to advocate for ourselves, because we’re not passive viewers of history; we’re actively participating,” said Jaden Waters, a CSN student leader.

The NASA and CSN will host events throughout the week, as well as a social media campaign, highlighting the importance of sovereignty among tribal nations in Oklahoma.

“We think it’s important to educate people about tribal sovereignty because it’s something you should know, especially if you're in Oklahoma,” CSN Director Sky Rogers said. “Sovereignty is a big concept, though, and we find that it's easier to break it down into little bite-sized pieces … so that the full picture of sovereignty starts coming together.”

To some, this is a completely foreign idea, but for Native American students on campus, it’s a way of life. Diving into the native culture in Oklahoma allows students to feel seen, heard and represented at the higher-education level.

“Every day, this is our mission,” Rogers said. “Yes, we’re calling it American Indian Awareness Week, but it’s 365 days a year for us.”

With a 97% graduation rate and above a 3.0 grade point average, the leaders at the CSN are setting a standard and raising the bar for what’s possible within their tribes. This week symbolizes that success; giving other students on campus opportunities to find connection and community.

“The (CSN) has been an amazing place for me to be able to thrive,” said Kellon Collington, sovereignty ambassador of OSU’s Native American Student Association and Miss American Indian OSU candidate. “That’s what we want to get across … We want every student, Native or not, to be able to be involved.”

Through involvement in the NASA at the CSN, students can expect to learn more about what giving back is all about and how they can make an impact on tribal communities. American Indian Awareness Week acts as a bridge to those opportunities.

“I think it's important to remember where you're from and how it helped get you to where you are,” said Tucker Captain, a student leader at the CSN. “Whenever you sit down and realize where you are in your life … it's just important to remember where you're from and how it shaped you into who you are today.”

Remembering the why behind what they do is how the students at the CSN operate. The activities, events and daily check-ins are much more than a resume builder — it’s part of who they are. By participating in these opportunities, they remain tied to the culture they’ve inherited, and it gives them space to continue building up the next generation.

“Because so many of these communities have poured so much into us … through scholarships, foundations, organizations, buildings or other things that have helped us along the way, I believe it's our duty to give back to them in some sort of way, whether it's direct or indirect,” said Kinsee Burkett, student leader at the CSN and NASA secretary.

With the CSN’s vision being purposefully student-led, Rogers finds joy every year in watching students lead, advocate and educate throughout the week.

“The growth of this program is going to be driven by students and OSU leadership,” Rogers said. “There’s a blue sky on what I think is possible here.”

Story By: Kenzie Kraich | kenzie.kraich@okstate.edu