Ainihkiwa Autumn Barr (Blackfeet)

• B.A. American Indian Studies 2011

• B.S.W.  2013

• M.A.E.S 2019

• Secondary Teaching Credential CA 2013

• Elementary Teaching License NV 2020

Currently a 5th grade teacher in Carson City, Nevada. The last year I have been working for the Washoe Tribe as an Education Advisor for the Native Youth in the Carson City area. My boss was the one who initiated the idea for me to become an elementary teacher at the top school in Carson City I am excited for this opportunity. I have a 6 year old daughter I have taught her our culture and language, we are members of the Blackfeet Nation (Montata) and this year she will be in her first Powwow. I am engaged to an amazing human, Vanessa, who was a wildland firefighter, USCG Vet, and is now going to be a personal trainer to those who have had injuries (she was injured in the USCG). Since graduating I have been: a Teacher in Juvenile Hall,  Director of Social Services in Skilled Nursing, Education Advisor II for TANF (Washoe Education Department) and now a 5th grade teacher since I have completed my MAES. I will continue to assist and work for the Tribe since they have become my community out here since I am away from my Rez community and my urban NDN community of SFSU. I will continue to help with after school tutoring to help empower our native youth and combine tradition with modern education. SFSU gave me my family away from home I am still very close with my girls from SKINS. I am grateful everyday for my chosen family; Jessica, Cassie, Glennis, Des, and Diana. I made many friends in my years at SFSU  that I am grateful for and I love seeing their updates on social media. Thank you AIS SFSU teachers for becoming my support and my family when I needed it the most and was feeling home sick. Thank you for the empowerment and education.