Reanna Yazzie is redefining her future as a dedicated anthropology student at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Balancing the stories of her community, the responsibilities of motherhood, and her academic aspirations, Yazzie represents a bridge between the past and the future for the Navajo people. This Distinguished Senior from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences has made significant strides in her education while staying deeply connected to her heritage.
Raised in Dennehotso on the Navajo Nation, Yazzie initially pursued her education in Flagstaff, Arizona. After graduating from Ponderosa High School, she entered the workforce to support her studies. Tragically, her journey took a difficult turn when her mother fell ill, and Yazzie became her primary caregiver. Following her mother’s death in 2013, she faced a challenging path alone. “She was my only parental figure since my father was not in my life,” Yazzie recalled. The birth of her son in 2015 marked a turning point, helping her regain her focus on education.
Yazzie’s return to school was catalyzed by a pivotal phone call in 2021. Encouraged by her cousin, who had enrolled at Coconino Community College (CCC), she decided to pursue her academic ambitions during the pandemic. “It was the middle of the pandemic, and I wanted to do something productive with my time,” she said. Enrolling in online classes allowed her to balance her responsibilities as a mother while advancing her education.
Academic Journey and Support
After earning her associate degree, Yazzie received guidance from her advisor and professors at CCC, who encouraged her to transfer to NAU. Being part of the TRIO Student Support Services program facilitated a smooth transition to the four-year institution. “I had a really good advisor at CCC who got me in touch with an advisor at NAU,” she noted. Once at NAU, she found a supportive academic community that kept her on track.
Choosing to major in anthropology was a natural decision for Yazzie. During her time at CCC, she discovered a passion for anthropology and religion courses. One of her professors, Lisa Doskocil, inspired her by highlighting the unique perspectives that Native Americans can bring to the field. “She was very encouraging of me being an anthropologist,” Yazzie explained, “especially in the Southwest region.”
Research and Community Engagement
Outside of her studies, Yazzie is making a tangible impact as a research assistant in the Water, Society and Policy Lab at the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP). Her current research addresses a critical issue on the Navajo Nation: access to water. “I help transcribe all the interviews and collect all the data to see where the connections are,” she said, explaining her role in understanding water security on the Colorado Plateau.
Yazzie’s work with ITEP focuses on gathering insights from various stakeholders about water security in Arizona. This experience deepens her connection to her community and addresses pressing environmental challenges. Her commitment to preserving history extends to her internship at the Museum of Northern Arizona, where she has contributed to the Heritage Festival, celebrating Native American traditions through art and dialogue.
For the past three summers, she has coordinated logistics for the festival, which includes working with artists and managing vendor relationships. Additionally, she has helped facilitate summer camps that merge science with Indigenous knowledge, allowing participants to engage with local heritage through hands-on activities.
Looking toward the future, Yazzie envisions two potential career paths: engaging in fieldwork that resonates with her values or pursuing a role in education. “I enjoy my work with the Museum of Northern Arizona and would love to find a city where they have something similar,” she expressed, highlighting her desire to continue learning and sharing her insights.
Yazzie’s journey offers valuable advice to non-traditional students contemplating a return to education. “I would say not to be afraid,” she encouraged. “When you go back as an older student, you really know this is worth your time.” Her experience emphasizes the importance of persistence and the supportive connections that can be found in academic environments.
Reanna Yazzie’s story is a testament to the power of education and community engagement, illustrating how one individual can honor their past while shaping a meaningful future.
