Indigenous Student Alliance members are pictured from left to right, Hilda Ordonez, Herman Vasquez, and Lysander Blackbird, as they promote their event, Orange Shirt Day.

By Kassadee Lym

The Indigenous Student Alliance strives to share cultural influence and community at Casper College as a newly formed campus club. When Lysander Blackbird, a student at Casper College and the founder of the Indigenous Student Alliance, first encountered the Thunderbird mascot and Eagle Dancer statue, he questioned Native American influence on campus.

Blackbird said, “A lot of people don’t realize how much Native American culture is within the college.”

Native American needs drove Blackbird to form the club. He admitted the whole process felt overwhelming.

He said, “No one is there to guide you. So it was just me with the advisor most of the time.” 

Daniel Gallegos, six-year political science instructor, stepped in as that advisor. 

Not only did Blackbird and Gallegos agree on the importance of a Native-centered club, but they also agreed on the group’s mission. Blackbird explained that his intention to establish a safe environment for Native American students quickly also provided an opportunity for others to immerse themselves in his culture. 

Within the first year, Blackbird and his small team set out to accomplish a major goal — to host a Native Powwow. Despite hesitancy about the time frame, Blackbird pushed his team forward. 

Blackbird recalled comments from his skeptics, “Some of the faculty was like in a month? You can’t get it done in a month.” 

Blackbird said he responded with “Watch.” 

His determination won, as Blackbird’s group successfully hosted an event that united a community. 

Gallegos recalled that the Powwow matched the club’s vision; it created a sense of community. 

He also mentioned, “I’m most proud they took the step and have not given up.”

Gallegos emphasized a remarkable case where the club’s impact on the community brought benefits to a jewelry artist. Gallegos explained that while the jewelry maker felt hesitant to attend the Powwow, she did so with Blackbird’s encouragement. At the Powwow, she made enough money to pay for her son’s chemotherapy treatment. 

Galloegos said, “That to me is community.”

Still, the group does not plan to slow down anytime soon. Gallegos and Blackbird both have big plans ahead. In the future Blackbird mentioned he would love to see the club with its own space or building. Soon, he hopes to organize an art exhibition that showcases Native artifacts and Indigenous work. With the success of the group’s Powwow, they only plan to expand moving forward. Gallegos further explained that he aims to build trust between Native families and Casper College.

The club leaders understand that it can be intimidating to join a new group. However, they encourage potential members to reach out to the club that promotes Indigenous heritage and community.

Blackbird pointed out, “We would be more than happy to make room for others.” 

Gallegos offered fellowship as a benefit for members. 

He said, “Here, it’s accepted for who you are.”

Gallagoes encourages those who want to learn more about the Indigenous Student Alliance to reach out to either Blackbird or himself.