Octaviana V. Trujillo
Title: Professor and Chair
Department: Applied Indigenous Studies
Degrees:
AA, Mesa Community College
BA, MA, and PhD, Arizona State University
Biography
I’m from Guadalupe, Arizona. Since second grade, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. My first professional job was as a kindergarten teacher. Later, working with professional development of teachers, I decided to teach college. I enjoy international travel for cultural and linguistic appreciation.
I began teaching here iin 2002 and currently teach Introduction to Applied Indigenous Studies, Research Issues in Applied Indigenous Studies, AIS Internship, and Strategic Analysis & Planning. During my time here, I have been the academic advisor to the NAU Graduate Indigenous Student Organization and informally worked with our AIS student club. My research includes indigenous language, community, and literacy development and Yaqui ethno-history, language, and culture. I am a board member for the Museum of Northern Arizona; a national board member of Native American Public Telecommunications; a peer review member for the Journal of American Indian Education; former chairwoman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona; a Kellogg Fellow; and a Fulbright Fellow.
I began teaching here iin 2002 and currently teach Introduction to Applied Indigenous Studies, Research Issues in Applied Indigenous Studies, AIS Internship, and Strategic Analysis & Planning. During my time here, I have been the academic advisor to the NAU Graduate Indigenous Student Organization and informally worked with our AIS student club. My research includes indigenous language, community, and literacy development and Yaqui ethno-history, language, and culture. I am a board member for the Museum of Northern Arizona; a national board member of Native American Public Telecommunications; a peer review member for the Journal of American Indian Education; former chairwoman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona; a Kellogg Fellow; and a Fulbright Fellow.
In what ways have undergraduates participated in your research or other creative endeavors?
Students have participated with me on international scientific research collaboration with students and colleagues in Siberia. Subsequently, we have been invited to present on Environmental Indigenous Justice in an upcoming commemoration of the Chernobyl Catastrophe symposium in Kyiv, Ukraine.
What has been your greatest success while teaching at Northern Arizona University?
I got to know our AIS majors quite well as I supervised their internship experience. As their capstone course instructor, I saw how much they applied their academic preparation and internship experience with problem solving in their communities. Seeing them graduate brought much joy and satisfaction. Now, it's great to continue my relationship with them as I learn about what they are doing for Indigenous communities.
What have you learned from your students?
I have learned from my students that being resilient and persistent in higher education has given them the skills to meet the many challenges our Indigenous Peoples face.
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