I am an undergraduate at the University of Washington studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. As a student in Indigenous Leaders and Activists, I am researching the life of Billy Frank, Jr. as a capstone assignment for the class.
My interest in this course stems from my hobby of building 18th century long-rifles, and time appropriate gear and clothing for early American mountain men and women. In an effort to diversify my knowledge, I selected the course, Indigenous Leaders and Activists, to gain some perspective of American Indians. This course has helped my understanding of American Indians and other indigenous people and the struggles they face as their customs, and rights to their land and resources are constantly challenged. I have learned a great amount about past challenges of Indigenous people and current events that they continue to face. This course has expanded my knowledge and challenged my way of thinking.