Digital Technology and Culture – Outstanding Senior 2020

Clubs, Organizations, Leadership, and Service

• Native American Women’s Association – President, Vice President
• AWSU Ku-Ah-Mah powwow – Committee Chair, Vice President, Public Relations
• Natives in Media – Founder and President
• Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center Advisory Board
• American Indigenous Research Association – presenter
• Native American Programs – Student Ambassador

Internships and Employment

• Completed a two-year internship with Voices to Hear, an initiative that empowers Native youth to share their stories through podcasts.
• Spokane Women in Film and Television (SWIFT) – intern
• Coeur D’ Alene Tribe Rock N’ The Rez Program – summer youth advisor
• Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center – building attendant

Awards and Recognition

• Digital Technology and Culture Program Excellence in Service and Community Engagement Award
• 2020 College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Senior in Digital Technology and Culture
• Panel mediator for film Blackfeet Flood
• A short documentary Kyra made was chosen to be screened at the University of Idaho’s local film festival LunaFest.

Faculty Comments

“As a leader, student, and activist, Kyra brings together the interdisciplinary strands of DTC, weaving together creative production and the critical exploration of digital technology and media across multiple contexts. Her work and community engagement fosters an inclusive community and highlights the necessity of integrating and valuing diverse knowledge systems, histories, and cultures.”  –Dr. Kimberly Christen

Personal Statement

I first want to acknowledge that WSU is on the homelands of the Nimiipuu and the Palus people. To the professors who have seen me at my worst and molded me into my best, I appreciate you. A big shout out to the Native communities that I come from, the knowledge and support from all of you has played an invaluable role in my life. A huge thank you to the Native American Student Center staff and students for becoming my family away from home. I have an immense amount of love for you all—the small things you have contributed along the way have made the biggest impact on my journey. Most important, thank you to my mom and sister for always being one smoke signal away. We did it. Go Cougs!

Honored Faculty and Mentors

• Kimberly Christen, director and professor, Digital Technology and Culture Program
• Faith Price, assistant director, Native American Programs

Future Plans

After a little traveling, Kyra will return to Wellpinit to gain more experience working with Native youth and digital mediums. Her long-term goal is to make documentaries about Indigenous people, to help them tell their stories.