Embedded Files
Written and presented by Sarah Palacios, Director, Native American Program
Chi-miigwech, thank you SO much, to the individuals and communities who have supported my learning, growth, and leadership through these past four years. I cannot thank the NAD community enough for giving me the space to connect and learn with other Native students in a supportive environment. From small moments sharing food, studying, and de-stressing together at the NAD house to campus-wide events like Indigenous Peoples' Day, when I think back to my time at Dartmouth I will think of this amazing community. I hope that the next classes of Indigenous students will find this same comfort in the community, know that it is theirs to mold and change, and use their voice to build connections with one another and the broader campus. - Elsa Armstrong
Elsa Armstrong is someone who leads with integrity; her peers respect her and trust her. As the co-president of Native Americans at Dartmouth, she worked tirelessly during winter term to develop a conference dedicated to Indigenous language revitalization. Although this conference was unable to take place due to the national pandemic, I know it would have been phenomenal. Elsa is an active member of the Ojibway Language Circle on campus, a self-directed and self-taught group dedicated to learning and speaking the Ojibway language. Deeply passionate about the revitalization of Indigenous languages across the world, she helps other students who want to learn their Indigenous language by connecting them to resources. Elsa is the kind of community member who inspires others to make changes that matter to them.
Despite her many leadership roles, which have also included co-chair of the Indigenous Peoples’ Month Committee and Pre-Orientation Mentor, she is mindful of the roles she takes on – she engages in work that fuels and inspires her.
There is one particular example that captures Elsa in a way more powerful than just a list of her accolades and accomplishments. Each year, the Native American Program hosts a ceremony to honor our graduating students. Last year I learned a few days before Commencement that the mother of a classmate who had passed away would be at the ceremony. We felt it was only right to present his mother with the senior stole that he would have received. I needed someone who could bead in order to add a design to the stole. Knowing that Elsa is a member of the Beading Circle, I reached out to ask if she could help despite the short notice. I knew she was exhausted from finals and that she also needed to pack her residence hall room. I fully and reasonably expected that she would be unable to take on the beading project. Instead she agreed without hesitation. More than just providing her talents, Elsa did research to find a symbol that would have cultural meaning to the student. She knew that this gift could offer some healing to his family, and she took that responsibility seriously.
Elsa's heart is in everything she does, no matter how big or small. Elsa doesn't just get involved. She creates.
Page updated
Report abuse