National: Navajo Nation, Northern Arizona University
Yá’át’ééh! (Greetings) My name is Melvita Nez. My clans are Lók’aa’ Dine’é (Reed People Clan) eí nishłí, Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring Clan) eí báshíshchíín, Hashk’ąą hadzohi (Yucca-fruit-strung-on-a-line clan) eí dashícheí, Tł ‘ízí lání (Many goats clan) ei dashínalí. I am from a small, rural community called Tonalea, Arizona, located on the Navajo Reservation. I am currently a third-year, First-Generation student at Northern Arizona University. I am pursuing a degree in Public Health with a minor in Psychology. I have been raised around livestock, horses, and cattle, as well as cultural values, which have contributed to my love for Shíma Nahasdzáán (Mother Earth). The Native American Fish and Wildlife Scholarship will help me identify connections between the environment and mental, physical, and social health, and how it all factors into our well-being. Ahé’héé! (Thank you)
