The USU Abajo Business Group - Preserving Indigenous Culture through the Abajo Performing Arts Co.
USU Abajo Business Club is a 501(c)(3) chapter that is a driving force for innovation real-life skill-building. Because Abajo Business Club is student-driven, student-created, and student-managed they have the opportunity to learn how to set up, manage, and scale businesses. By gaining these skills, this nonprofit club can offer new pathways for students at the Utah State University campus in Blanding, UT.
As a chapter of AIBL, Abajo maintains the mission to promote diversity and inclusivity of individuals of any race or gender. Abajo holds the like-minded vision to build opportunities for socializing with students who share career interests, learning the process of funding projects, and building their professional network. Today, we are pleased to share more about the mission, vision and work being done by these young leaders at Utah State University. See the above table for the list of all students involved and their tribal affiliations.
Tell us about your leadership as a collective.
We all wanted to impact change and create something that would provide a community for students attending Utah State University Blanding Campus. By encouraging student involvement, we can provide opportunities to advance education, build resumes, and serve our communities.
What kinds of community projects are you involved in?
Designing activities and programs for Abajo must meet the goal of engaging students in activities that stimulate, enhance, and expand educational experiences beyond traditional academic methods. Activities focus on the following:
1. Professional Development
2. Campus Activities
3. Community Development
4. Fundraising
5. Business Club Competitions
6. Participation in Apprentice and Internship Programs
We created the Abajo Performing Arts Preservation Center and Abajo Performing Arts Company to create impactful community service events and to hold events for all USU students. As a new club, we are continuing to build these projects, with the goal that they will be established over the next 10+ years.
Performing Arts & Preservation goals are based on our:
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Mission: To bring many worlds into our community by creating a space for expression.
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Vision: To see our values and mission manifested through story, dance, music, and regalia
- Values
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Representation of each Indigenous tribe
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Share stories of our heritage and future
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Gather to share collective ancestral values of family and community
Because the Four Corners landscape is renowned throughout the world, we know that the Abajo Performing Arts Co. offers special opportunities for a meaningful exchange between residents and foreign visitors. By focusing on the Native American community and an approval process of any tribal productis, they become a full partner in giving the visitor an authentic, enriching experience. The concept emphasizes local culture, products, and traditions and offers visitors multiple opportunities to explore an area's natural beauty and human community.
The Abajo Performing Arts Preservation Center has the potential to grow into a multi-purpose space with capacity for multiple theaters, classrooms, recital halls, and conference spaces that enhance community arts education and attract other events, including lectures, dance performances, concerts, and outdoor conventions. It will facilitate cultural preservation through the performances and the teaching of making moccasins, personal regalia, and language classes.
What motivates you during challenging times and adversity?
Seeing the results of what we have accomplished motivates us to push forward during challenging times. It shows us that we are doing something that impacts our community and culture.
Additionally, our personal growth as members is a helpful motivator. We gain leadership, team building, and communication skills. This has given us the confidence to voice our opinions and go after the things we want both in business and life.
What does the future look like? How can the GlobalMindED community support your work?
- Creating future leaders within our community that will provide change and impact on areas and topics that matter most to us.
- Giving opportunities to underrepresented students to grow and develop skills, giving us courage and opening up our minds to new possibilities.
- Setting a foundation for future leaders and building a legacy that could be followed, no matter the background and challenges faced.
- Create a path to encourage students to the next level. Going to graduate school, opening a business, or simply going after a dream.
- Building resources that can be used helps students and community members to accomplish these things.
To learn more and help support the USU Abajo Business Group, check out their website and donate to their cause!
