Kiana Etsate-Gashytewa

N. Sandy Springs Rd. 21a

Zuni, NM 87327
Email: kiana.etsate-gashytewa@nau.edu or kte25@nau.edu
Phone: (505)870-2847

Arizona State University

Department of American Indian Studies
250 E. Lemon St
Address: Tempe, AZ 85281

Attention: Patrick J. Kenny

RE: AIS Graduate Program Application

Dear Graduate Selection Committee,

I am writing in regard to the application that I have submitted for entry into the Arizona

State University American Indian Studies’ Tribal Leadership and Governance Master of Science

Program. As a part of my application to this prestigious program, I would like to prove why I

will be an amazing addition to the AIS masters program. Through this incredible Master’s degree

program, I would like to concentrate in Tribal leadership, to focus on creating and curating the

next generation of Zuni Tribal leaders. I see this as a step not for myself but to enhance my

skills to give back to not only my Zuni community but throughout Indian Country. Governance

being a key factor where our skillset be needed not only in a Western Government but as well as

a Traditional government setting as well.

 I am a current Junior attending Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. My

anticipated graduation date is May 2020 as I will receive a Bachelor’s of Science in Applied

Indigenous Studies and Political Science.

Growing up on the Zuni Indian Reservation in New Mexico with my grandparents, being

surrounded with rich cultural heritage, teachings, and leaders, they have inspired me to be a

leader. I have demonstrated and continue to serve as a young Zuni leader by taking leadership

positions in student organizations like Connecting Higher Education Indigenously Club, the Miss

Indigenous NAU Organization, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, along with

the NAU United Diversity Council. These student organizations have helped me gain experience

to develop into a well rounded leader. I envision our young Indigenous students to become

leaders in their fields of study, interest, and in life as it will empower and project our voices as

Indigenous people and nations. Along with my experience, I believe that I can contribute to the

program by bringing energy, motivation, and leadership as a Pueblo womxn to Arizona State

University and the American Indian Studies Program.

Since being introduced to the world of Indigenous studies by the most influential Zuni

womxn I know, Miss Carlotta Martza, I was extremely passionate and in disbelief that there was

such a field dedicated to learning the histories and background knowledge for our Indigenous

populations, governments, and laws. I realized I could then combine my love for leadership,

politics, tribal governance, and laws into Indian country and our Zuni Traditional teachings.

Through my Western educational background along with my Zuni educational teachings of

ancient morals, virtues, language, dances, and prayers, I study to utilize both aspects to create

cultural competency of our own tribal and traditional government systems and curating it to

benefit our people, history, and nation.

 The reason I am applying to the AIS masters program is to continue my journey in higher

education with Indigenous scholars, decolonizing the colonial education standards of governance

and leadership. The American Indian Studies program at Arizona State University is an esteemed

program with a renown Indigenous faculty and staff whose work has been exemplified

throughout Indian Country. Such AIS faculty along with their works that inspire me to pursue

this degree. The ASU AIS faculty is also known for their groundbreaking work they do for

Indian Country and I would be absolutely honored to work with and be mentored by these great

professors. Professors such as such as Dr. Myla Vicenti-Carpio who is a trailblazer for her work

in Federal Indian Policy, Indigenous studies/methodology, decolonizing methodology. Along

with Dr. Cheryl Bennett, Dr. Leo Killsback, and Dr. James Riding In for their work by being

leaders in Indian law, and justice.

Since being introduced to the world of Indigenous studies by the most influential Zuni

womxn I know, Miss Carlotta Martza, I was extremely passionate and in disbelief that there was

such a field dedicated to learning the histories and background knowledge for our Indigenous

populations, governments, and laws. I realized I could then combine my love for leadership,

politics, tribal governance, and laws into Indian country and our Zuni Traditional teachings.

Through my Western educational background along with my Zuni educational teachings of

ancient morals, virtues, language, dances, and prayers, I study to utilize both aspects to create

cultural competency of our own tribal and traditional government systems and curating it to

benefit our people, history, and nation.

Given my educational, personal and life experience, I feel that I am always open to new

thoughts, ideas, and experiences to which I apply to this program. I am intrigued with the work

and courses that are offered through this masters program and are eager to learn.
Included in this application is Curriculum Vitae, Personal Essay, Letter of Intent, my Writing

Sample, English Proficiency, and letters of recommendation.

Elahkwa! Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kiana Etsate-Gashytewa

Zuni/Hopi

NAU Class of 2020