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[ Foreign Language ]
>>Opening the door of opportunity.
History has shown our [background music] lives, culture and tradition, as Natives,
first take shape in our teepees, longhouses, kivas and hogans.
From these dwelling places the teaching of knowledge and wisdom emerge.
My given name is Maxine Brings Him Back Janis.
In Lakota I am Lakota [foreign language], she walks the traditional way.
My life's journey is rooted in the tree of life of my Lakota people.
I have been shaped by the wisdom of my family members who have gone before me
and many who still stand beside me.
I had a deep desire to pursue an education because of my grandma, Uchee, grandma,
had a gentle touch that will forever be etched in my being.
I remember a letter she once wrote in broken English that she sent to me
when I was on relocation in the 1960's.
She wrote about life's hardships on the reservation
and the essence of it was to do well.
[foreign language] Never forget who you are.
Her message still resonates within me.
Over 20 years ago I returned home to begin my health career journey as a dental assistant
with the Indian Health Service on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
I have had the privilege of living and working
on many tribal communities throughout Indian country.
I remember many of the medical and dental providers as non native.
Our people kept telling me this is what you should be doing
because we all kept seeing the disconnect in the delivery of healthcare for Indian people.
In order to improve our quality of life, our people expressed the need
for more Native health professionals who can reach to the depth of healing for our people.
We need you.
Today I'm a registered dental hygienist with a Master's degree
and am now pursuing a doctrinal degree in education.
My mentors have been instrumental in my success.
They believed in me, recognized my potential, did simple creative ways to guide me,
build my confidence and help me navigate the unfamiliar, non native world that surrounded me.
As one of the few Native American faculty members at Northern Arizona University
in the College of Human Health Services,
my gift back to my community is opening doors of opportunity.
[foreign language] For our students, I'm bringing my journey full circle.
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