Student Spotlight: Roberto Pacheco
Roberto is seeking an Associate Degree in Science
Boozhoo Nindinawemaaganidog! I am from Lac Courte Oreilles and I live in New Post. My mother’s family is from Lac Courte Oreilles and my father’s family is from White Earth.
I am working on earning an Associate degree in science. I chose Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College because of the Ojibwe language classes offered. I took college anthropology courses before and I enjoyed learning other languages, but Ojibwemowin was never an option. I was bothered that I knew more foreign languages than my own. Taking Ojibwe classes has helped me understand more about Ojibwe culture and history. This is important because we get to learn about the sacrifices and hardships our people went through teaching us to value of our beautiful Ojibwe culture they worked so hard to pass down to us.
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College is different from other colleges because of the cultural opportunities that are not offered at big universities. We have tobacco ceremonies, asemaa at the front desk that we can put near the Spirit Pole on campus, beading circles, and traditional food harvesting techniques. I attended a large university that did not acknowledge or include Native culture and that influenced my departure. Indigenous cultures promote ecological harmony and are worthy of inclusion and celebration.
I chose to be a Senator for the Student Senate so I could be a voice for other students. My goal is to help make their college experience as exciting and meaningful as possible. I am also a peer mentor and tutor because it allows me to help other students and reinforce what I learned.
Attending college in my local community allows me to be a visible role model for the next generation of leaders. Knowing young people are watching motivates me to keep working hard and giving my best effort.
Attending a Tribal College means that we have authority over what we teach. The curriculum is inclusive and respectful of our Ojibwe culture, while also giving us the tools we need to improve ourselves and our communities.
**Roberto will be featured in the February edition of Aabidaanagidoon.
