January 15, 2020

Welcome New IWRI Student Workers

Maya Esquivido

Hestum (Greetings)! My name is Maya Esquivido, and I am an enrolled member of the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation and Hupa. My tribal people come from Hayfork, located in Trinity County, CA. I was born and raised in Sacramento, CA, but relocated to the Pacific Northwest, where I started a family and pursued my dream for higher education. Entering UW in the American Indian Studies Program (AIS) strengthened my dedication to helping tribal communities. My undergraduate research with Dr. Dian Million, an AIS professor, focuses on the absence of jurisdiction or statistical information on non-federal recognized tribes, as seen in the Indian Child Welfare Act. After completing my undergraduate degree, my passion for social justice led me to pursue a Master of Social Work degree. As a practicum student in IWRI, my current project with Michael Spencer focuses on the absence of Indigenous representation in school settings. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors hunting and fishing with my family, husband, and two children, Tahlayla and Anahúy.

Corinna Kruger

Shix páchway, Ink nash wani’kshaash Corinna Kruger (Good day, my name is Corinna Kruger), I am an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and I also have matrilineal ties with the Okanagan first nations people. I am a first year MSW day student here at the UW and I recently graduated from UW with my Bachelor’s degree in English. I have worked for my Yakama tribal government in the casino industry as well as the Justice Services department. It is my passion to not only continue the practice of my culture, but also stay connected with my community. I enjoy writing poetry that tells the truths of my history and where I come from. My goal is to create culturally relevant mental health programs for Indigenous communities that not only support the resiliency of Indigenous peoples, but the revitalization of their livelihoods as well. I am currently doing my first-year MSW practicum as part of the Healthy Transitions program that Cynthia Pearson is leading in partnership with Yakama Nation Behavioral Health in Toppenish, Washington. I am shadowing the therapists as well as the operations of the department and doing research on culturally relevant therapy that could apply to the Yakama people as well as other Native communities. I have a wonderful two year old daughter that keeps me on my toes and reminds me each day of the beauty in the work that we all do and the importance of it as well.

Olivia Morgan

Halito! Sv hohchifo yvt Olivia Morgan. Oklahoma Chahta micha Chikashsha sia. Hello! My name is Olivia Morgan. I am a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and of Chickasaw descent. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Psychological Science and minor in Indigenous Studies at the University of Arkansas in 2018. I am currently in my first year of my Master’s in Social Work at the UW. At the Indigenous Wellness Research Institute I am a student research assistant for the Yappali, Healthy Transitions, and Healing Seasons projects. What I feel about working at IWRI: It is incredible to do research that is for, with, and by Indigenous people. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work with researchers who positively affect our communities, thereby uplifting and supporting Indigenous people.

Outside of work and school I enjoy playing disc golf and stickball (ishtaboli), a traditional Choctaw game. I also enjoy going to concerts, beading, and spending time with my community. Yakoke (Thank you) to everyone who has helped me feel at home here in Seattle and in the School of Social Work!