Nya:wëh sgë:no’ swagwë:göh! My name is Aryien Stevens; I’m 29 years old. I both reside and work on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. I am of the wolf clan and an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians. I graduated from Lake Shore High School and attended Niagara University to continue my lacrosse career. I transferred into Buffalo State College, where I continued learning and playing until I returned home to help my community with language revitalization.

I have been learning our language for the past eight years, and upon my graduation from our immersion program I began teaching. For the past three years, I’ve taught Seneca to adults in the Deadiwenosnye’s Gejohgwa’ immersion program. I also have been the assistant varsity girls’ lacrosse coach at Gowanda High School for four years and counting. It means a lot to me to be able to give back to the youth of my community as well as the surrounding community of Gowanda.

I enjoy beading and participating in traditional ceremonies and practices on my reserve. I am an avid dancer and traveler; fortunately, powwows combine my love for the two.

I am happy to be selected for the Hodinöhsyo:nih fellowship here at Cornell. I’m excited for the opportunity to work with and better bridge the relationships amongst our communities.

Nya:wëh for your time. O’tgwanö:nyo:’