Tribal youth explore a foreign country; Southern Ute tribal members Zuriah Baker and Leandra Litz participated in the study abroad program overseen by Southern Ute Education Department. This summer the pair traveled across the ocean to Denmark, enhancing their educational journey, gaining unique cultural experience, and broadening their global perspective. This once in a lifetime opportunity gave Baker and Litz long lasting memories, and they hope more students will try the study abroad experience in the future.
Earlier this year, in January, the Southern Ute Education Department announced an opportunity for high school aged, Southern Ute tribal members to study abroad, in collaboration with AFS Intercultural Programs and Open Horizon. This once in a lifetime opportunity gave students the chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, learn from diverse educational systems, and develop skills to benefit their future endeavors. Baker and Litz were ideal candidates for the program.
Zuriah Baker is currently in her senior year at Bayfield High School (BHS), she is also Chairman of the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council, inducted in the National Art Honor Society, NAPAC Native American Student Representative at BHS and currently works as an intern for The Southern Ute Drum. “The Study Abroad program gave us the chance to become international students – you get to go live in a different country, experience new cultures, and get to leave your comfort zone. You learn about new people, traditions, and make lifelong friends along the way.” Baker said. “We first learned about the program through the ad in the Southern Ute Drum, later we worked with ShaRay [Rock] at Southern Ute Education and had to submit two letters of recommendation, we also wrote an essay sharing how this trip will be influential in our education and personal lives.”
“After completing that, we were later contacted by AFS Intercultural Programs to select our destination – we were presented with a long list of options; a lot of South American countries, Middle East, a few in Africa like Egypt, Kenya, Ghana.” Baker said. “Then there were three selections in Europe, that persuaded me to choose Denmark.”
“I am always interested in politics and history; I have always wanted to work in government and right now my goal is diplomacy – with this program it was specifically focused on what diplomacy is, which is being ambassadors for our country and teaching others about our personal culture and experiences. It was definitely special for us considering the fact that we’re Indigenous coming from a small tribe of roughly 1500 members.” Baker said. “This educational trip made a huge impact on my life, I was enrolled in classes and it was five weeks; I got to learn about the Danish language, experience their culture, and understand how other people viewed Americans especially Native Americans it was really eye opening for me – this opportunity was very influential and I’m going to remember this trip for the rest of my life.”
Leandra Litz is a junior at Ignacio High School, she is the current reigning Jr. Miss Southern Ute, serves on the Colorado Youth Advisory Council, Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council and the Ignacio High School Native American Club, she also competes in basketball at IHS. “This trip was a learning experience for me; it helped me gain a different perspective on how other people with different cultures, from all over the world, lead their lives,” Litz said. “I hope to become a district attorney one day, or even work in the medical field, so it is important that I understand to accept people for who they are and that not everyone will be the same.”
“I really enjoyed meeting people from all around the world – I made a friend; her name is Natalia Loreen Anne Wilson she is from Jamaica, but had moved to the Bronx [New York City], and she was one of my best friends on our trip too, I miss her and hope to go visit her in the Bronx soon,” Litz said. “This whole experience will be unforgettable, but it was most fun because Zuriah and I were together.”
Open Horizon supports AFS Intercultural Programs, Executive Director D’Lynn Jacobs approached the Southern Ute Education Department with the idea of offering a study abroad program to Southern Ute tribal students. With finalization of the logistics, the notice of the program went out earlier this year in January. Baker and Litz successfully completed the five-week programming this summer and the Southern Ute Education Department has plans to continue the program next year. During an interview with ShaRay Rock and Michael Kirsch they expressed that they hope to see additional students take part in this opportunity.
“I am really proud of [Baker and Litz] for being role models to others, having them come back to tell their stories and sharing their experiences with everybody is inspiring,” Rock said. Kirsch added “Zuriah and Leandra have the makings of leaders, and that’s what it takes to go beyond your comfort zone and go out there to experience these great opportunities,” Kirsch said. “They got out there and represented not just themselves, but also their tribe – I am so impressed by these young ladies and with what they have accomplished. I am excited for this next round, I am hoping to get a couple more students in the program.”
Further information on the next round of the Study Abroad Program will be announced in the future; Southern Ute tribal students are encouraged to get involved and reach out to the Southern Ute Education Department.
“To the youth of our Tribe, I would highly recommend that you take every opportunity that the Tribe provides – I have participated in a lot of programming through the Tribe and it has taken me so far in my journey, don’t be afraid to take on the challenge of traveling across the world. Just know you have people back home who are cheering you on, myself included.” Baker said. “Take advantage of every opportunity you can – for yourself, your family, your community, your Tribe and your country.” Litz added, “It may be scary at first, but it’s important to push yourself in order to gain these new experiences and more knowledge.”
Baker and Litz share their gratitude to everyone who was involved in making this opportunity happen. “We would also like to thank the Southern Ute Tribal Council, Southern Ute Education, Dr. Joe Claunch, ShaRay Rock, Michael Kirsch, Heather White Thunder, Dustin Weaver, AFS, D’Lynn Jacobs and Open Horizon – everyone who supported us and helped us get to Denmark.”