Conserving this Nation’s fish and other aquatic resources cannot be successful without the partnership of Tribes; they manage or influence some of the most important aquatic habitats both on and off reservations. In addition, the Federal government and the Service have distinct and unique obligations toward Tribes based on trust responsibility, treaty provisions, and statutory mandates.

USFWS Internship Leads to Impactful Summer
for Tribal College Student

Valentina Vavages, Tohono O’odham, grew up surrounded by nature on the reservation in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. She recalls hiking up nearby mountains during the summertime and picking cactus fruit to turn into jam. Now that Vavages is a student at the Tohono O’odham Community College in Sells, Ariz., she has continued to immerse herself in nature by pursuing a natural resources major and participating in a summer internship program with the Student Conservation Association.

For Vavages, the decision to major in a STEM field came after taking her first science class, Biology Concepts, during her second semester. As part of the biology class, Vavages was encouraged to participate in the traditional plant competition for the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Conference (AIHEC). After attending the conference, Vavages quickly committed to the science program at her college.

Vavages is also secretary of the school’s AISES chapter. “AISES has given me the opportunity to travel and expand my knowledge of the different branches in the world of science,” she explains. Vavages describes one of the chapter’s recent initiatives, a recycling project at the 74th Annual Tohono O’odham Nation Rodeo and Fair as “a great opportunity to represent AISES and the Tohono O’odham Community College to the people of this nation.” READ MORE !

 

Disclaimer: Resource accomplishments provided by the tribe are for informational purposes only. It does not imply endorsement of any kind by the U.S. Government.