Front row (Left to Right): Hen Werner (MA), Gayle Totton (PhD), Sylvia Soto(PhD), Patricia Killelea (PhD)
Current/Future Position: Adjunct Instructor in Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University and Southern Oregon University as a visiting Professor in the Native Studies Department. In addition, she is working on a book project that investigates the emergency of the tribal casino economy and engages in a problem-solving approach to inter-tribal conflict in the tribal casino era.
It is with intense gratitude that I write this dedication. To being with, I want to thank the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. I am indebted to my wonderful dissertation committee who gave me mentorship, support, and excellent feedback. My fabulous dissertation chair, Professor Steven Crum, has been a constant supporter, who always provided just the right amount of direction and has a keen eye for historical detail. Professor Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie provided me many opportunities, resources, and a critical lens through which to view my work, and I cannot imagine my scholarly life without her creative influence. A dedicated editor and scholar, Professor Beth Rose Middleton has been unwavering in her support of my work, and many parts of this project stem from our conversations about federal Indian laws and policies. My successes are a community effort, and I want to acknowledge teachers and friends who have given me love and shaped my worldview. I'd especially like to express my gratitude for my father Relan Colley and siblings Sky Colley and Jade Colley, who easily share their laughter, beautiful complexity, good nature, ethical values, and quick intellect. With love I acknowledge my mother Carol Youngbird-Holt and my daughter Wren Youngbird Siino who are my inspirations.
Current/Future Position: I will be working for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society as the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Research
I would like to thank our beautiful community, especially all of the students past and present that have been a part of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). I'd also like to thank all of my fellow graduate student friends and faculty mentors for their support and wisdom. Thank you to my family for always encouraging my studies. And lastly I want to thank Kaya for first being my friend and than my loving supportive partner through the most challenging year of my life and for helping me bring our gorgeous son into the world!
Current/Future Position: In addition to writing and publishing my poetry, beginning in Fall 2015 I'll be an Assistant Professor of English at Northern Michigan University, where I will teach Creative Writing and Native American Literature.
I'm especially grateful to my late mother, SHirly Osejo, my father, Patrick Killelea, and my ancestors who are always with me. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ines Hernandez-Avila for her many years of guidance and support. I also wish to acknowledge Dr. Dean Rader and Dr. Justin Spence for their expertise and hard work. Endless abrazos to my amazing cohort, Christine M. Ami and Angel Hinzo!
Current/ Future Position: In Fall 2015 she will be an Assistant Professor of American Indian Studies at San Diego State University
I would like to thank my family, Christopher and Arya, Mom (Lois Risling), Dad (Steve Baldy), brothers (Eric Baldy, David Baldy, and Jeff Baldy) and my nephew, niece, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Also to my friends: Lori Biondini, Rachel Sundberg, Brook Colley, Gina Caison, Stephanie Lumsden, Vanessa Esquivido, and Angel Hinzo and many other supporters too numerous to mention - you guys are awesome. And also to my mentors and dissertation committee members: Dr. Ines Hernandez-Avila, Dr. Beth Rose Middleton, and Dr. Mishuana Goeman. And to my Uncle David Risling, Jr. and Dr. Jack Forbes for encouraging my continuing education and inspiring my work. Finally for my daughter Arya Barya, you are my best friend and greatest supporter, the smartest person I know, and always willing to help your Mom. I couldn't have done this without you.
Current Position: I will be a post-doctoral fellow in the American Indian Studies program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign beginning in Fall 2015.
I am grateful for the ongoing support of my major advisor Dr. Ines Hernandez-Avila that began before this academic journey, the support of my committee members, Dr. Bettina Ng'weno and Dr. Stefano Varese, and the support of Dr. Victor Montejo as chair of my qualifying exams. I also want to thank the faculty members of NAS who supported me during my tenure in the department, the NAS 5 Associate Instructors for the shared knowledge during my period teaching this course, and to Stella Mancillas and Tina Tansey for always offering a helping hand when it was most needed. A mis padtres, Matias y Elena Soto, my amazing sisters, and the younger generation of the Soto family, gracias!
Current/Future Position: Returning to my current position with the California Native American Heritage Commission
I extend my gratitude to my master professor, Beth Rose Middleton, to my dissertation committee members Professor Steven Crum, Professor Stephen Wheeler, and Professor Claire Napawan; to my family, immediate and extended, and to my wife, Carol.