Visions and Voices

Eugena L. Anderson

I am very proud of being Native American and Navajo. I come from a family that utilizes the traditional way of life on a daily basis. My father was a traditional medicine man and my mother speaks only Navajo fluently. My father attended college and proved to me that your culture can guide you in modern education. My mother taught me the importance of praying.  

Education is extremely important whether it is Western or traditional. What one learns can help another in any shape, form, or fashion. More than ever, education is needed for American Indians, because as time progresses, new aspects of Western living are being introduced. We need Indian leaders to understand that way of living as well.

It was my traditional and cultural upbringing that pushed me towards the Environmental Science field. I wanted to stay connected to Mother Earth, the land, and the other spiritual things in life. So I chose environmental science in respect.  

American Indians need to be portrayed like they are today. We do have Native Americans in many great occupations today that need to be recognized. Not every American Indian woman today looks like Pocahontas.

Tribal affiliation:  Navajo
Miss Native American U of A, 1995-1996

Image Size:  20" x 24"   Medium:  Graphite