Tohono O’odham students on the University of Arizona campus are making themselves known by starting their own club.
“There is no visibility of us (Tohono O’odham),” said organizer Damascus Francisco. “This is our homeland and we should have a unity between us.”
Francisco, a senior double majoring in management of systems and business management, said he first thought of the club when he felt there was a non-functioning Native community on campus within the Native American Student Affairs group.
Francisco said he did not feel NASA represented the O’odham community as it should and that a club would be a great outreach to younger O’odham.
“Our club is not a move to segregate from NASA but more so build a support and unity through Tohono O’odham students,” said Francisco.
Amanda Tachine, interim director of NASA, said her organization tries its best to accommodate Native students and others. NASA provides support, leadership help, a mailbox and bulletin board, she said.
