Competitions amongst student clubs are tough, especially if you make up a small fraction amongst the entire student body.
One club in particular is working hard to finally let the University know they exist.
Native American Students Association also known as NASA is a club that is helping build a strong First Nations community at the University. Although the club is fulfilling their goals for First Nations.
After 41 years of existence, many students are still unaware of this club.
According to Cherilynn Blood the Vice President of NASA, a lot of people at the University don’t really know what NASA is about.
“People just see NASA as just Natives, but don’t know what were really about or what we do.”
NASA has a painted mural located in the underground walkway at the University and Blood feels like that painting doesn’t give much explanation to the community about the club.
“It just says NASA, it doesn’t say that it stands for,” Blood says.
Blood adds that in the past, its members were scared to put themselves out there based on barriers many First Nations face within the community.
Recently NASA has been working hard to overcome this bump by reaching out to different clubs and organizations such as Volunteer Lethbridge and the Women’s Center at the U of L.
“Will continue to make more connections and get involved with other clubs as well.” Blood says.
Maria Livingston, Former President of NASA says that everyone involved with the student club is ambitious.
“Always dream big, I think is a way to keep people motivated,” Livingston said.
Having the First Nations be present around campus was a way she felt like helped the growth of the club.
Career fields like science and technology don’t usually have a First Nation presence and Livingston says that a great way to change that particular stereotype was to start on a smaller scale around campus.
“Setting up bake sales and always being there to show the campus where here,” she laughs.
Teigen Robin a coordinator for the campus women’s center at the university has been attending meetings with NASA all semester.
She explains that NASA is a very important group on campus and considering that they are an important part of the university community, Robin felt it was important to build a relationship with them.
“We wanted to reach out and work on stuff with them such as the sisters in spirits vigil,” she says.
Robin adds that it is nice to keep communities together and scratch each other’s backs.
“Ultimately we’re going to the same places, why not help each other.”
According to Robin, NASA being a very important part to the U of L she likes how willing the student club is with partnering up with the women’s center.
Both campus organizations are currently planning a shoe memorial together to raise awareness against domestic violence.
Along with that, they’re distributing winter care packages for people in need in the community.
Details are still in planned out but they are currently set to take place Dec. 4.