The PBS series Roadtrip Nation (RTN) will soon feature three Native college students who embark on a journey from Arizona to Oklahoma. The series is part of of the Native Way Forward series that will air on PBS in July. This road trip captures empowering stories that give students the confidence and tools to start their self-discovery process. RTN produces videos, documentaries, podcasts, online courses, and digital events to help empower students to take the first step of their career journey. Recently UNITY’s Executive Director moderated a session featuring the students at the Native American Student Advocacy Institute (NASAI) Conference in Chandler, Arizona. NASAI is sponsored by the College Board.
The students featured in Roadtrip Nation include Kimberlee Blevins who hails from Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota. Kimberlee is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental science. Isaac Durham is a student at ASU who was recently accepted into the Master of Public Administration program and Elizabeth Zingg who is currently working toward a master’s degree in legal studies with an emphasis on tribal sovereignty at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
For too long, TV and film have depicted Native American experiences in the past tense. It’s time to shine a light on the present-day lives of Native young adults, and explore what’s possible for their futures. In Roadtrip Nation’s newest documentary—led by director Ryan RedCorn—Native leaders are telling their stories in their own words, and illuminating the path for Native youth everywhere.