The Aunties Circle with Natalie Hanson, Tracie Sparks, Kitty Hill and Jacqueline Schram

10-10-2022 • 42 mins

In this episode, host Sheena Carey talks to the Aunties Circle about their journey and how their roots have come together to be of service and hope for the future of Marquette.

Episode Highlights:

04:48 I didn’t wanna be involved in something deep to be the native person and, it’s really driven my career path in helping others that maybe didn’t have the opportunities that I had, have the resources I had so, it’s certainly driven me in that way.

10:42 Our roots connected in really different ways, you know very desperately, not knowing each other and not growing up together but our roots found each other and really kind of connected together in service.

17:44 Women of color that attended Marquette have had a significant impact on women of color in this community.

25:27 Our roots, you know, finding them and connecting to each other has really impacted my life enormously.

28:25 Reflection of all those different areas is probably the most important because most people know what they need to do but are you really doing it, until you take that moment everyday and reflect on what you did for every role.

Interview

How did you get on your path that you’ve embarked on?

02:24 I spent my childhood on the north side and then I went to Marquette and spent about five years in Seattle and then moved back here with my husband.

02:42 Born, raised and we also continue to live here in Milwaukee. I, too, attended Marquette University and graduated several years ago.

02:53 I am actually born and raised in Milwaukee as well, so we’re urban Indians, I guess.

03:28 I made my journey down here in about 1990 and I landed at Marquette.

What are some of the ways in which your identity has informed the choices that you’ve made?

03:55 I didn’t really experience a whole lot of traditional native cultures growing up and I feel like my family really strives for education.

04:15 Growing up in Milwaukee, I think it was tough. I was very connected to the native community for my entire life.

05:14 Our roots go back to our grandparents, our ancestors, and my grandmother is the most major axis, the biggest influence on me.

06:21 I always knew that I wanted to be, I think in my heart, in service to indigenous people.

What are your hopes for the future of Marquette?

31:20 I really, really hope that Marquette continues to get students that push back and fight.

34:03 They do continue to be strong and are also aware of the strength of our ancestors and take advantage of the opportunities presented to them now.

35:26 My hope is that not just women, and women of all colors, but men as well that they do come to realize that there’s also strength in being tender and caring, and thoughtful and nurturing.

Contact Information

Jacki Black

pronouns: she/her/hers

Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives

Marquette University

454 Zilber Hall | PO Box 1881 | Milwaukee, WI 53201

414-288-4118

http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/

Credits:

The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)

Jacqueline Schram

Director of Public Affairs