A group of 33 Yale Alumni Service Corps (YASC) volunteers recently embarked on YASC’s second Intercultural Program with the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. This unique opportunity enabled YASC volunteers to participate in a cross-cultural immersive learning experience with the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. The trip, which took place March 9-16, 2024, brought volunteers to the tribe's remote Colorado River Reservation which spans three states — Arizona, California, and Nevada. In this journal entry, hear from Brooklyn Brauner ’26 as she shares a view into a day in life of a YASC volunteer.
March 15, 2024 — Fort Mojave Reservation
9:00 AM
I'm excited to be here with 32 other Yalies to volunteer at the Fort Mojave reservation this week!
This morning, we arrived at Anya Itpak Elementary School, where many of our Yale Alumni Service Corps members will be working today. Everyone was excited to head off to their respective projects today.
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10:00 AM
This morning I spent some time with Ashley Hemmers ’07, an enrolled member of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe and the Tribal Administrator for her Nation.
She shared how she was happy to have YASC visit the reservation over spring break. Volunteers have been engaging with tribal youth all week on projects like sports, wellness and fitness, robotics, and fashion design.
Today, we're going to hold a grand finale presentation where the youth we have been working with can display their completed projects for us to celebrate together!
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11:00 AM
Later on, I went to the Fort Mojave Cultural Center where I met Hannah Juarez, a member of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, who spoke to me about what it meant to have YASC visit the reservation.
She recalled how she would participate in local programming and that she was a member of the Youth Council when she was younger. She shared how seeing us visit the reservation to share exciting technology and new programs with the current youth and to watch their knowledge evolve was a rewarding experience for her.
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12:00 PM
Lunchtime! Our lunch today was homemade by Veronica Montijo, a local resident. We were treated to [description of meal] and it was so delicious. I really enjoy being immersed in the cultural experience here so fully, including through meals like this.
It's also nice to have a mid-day break with my fellow Yale Alumni Service Corps volunteers. It gives us an opportunity to connect with each other and share what we've learned from the projects we've been working on.
Our service projects this week have focused on programs in robotics, fashion design, sports, dance, college preparedness, and financial literacy. And in return, we have learned so much about the vibrant culture and history of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe.
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2:00 PM
One of my favorite parts about my time here has been receiving some beautiful gifts of art from the tribal youth I have met. Among these gifts have been a folded paper cat with my name on it and a lovely coloring picture of the Disney character, Stitch.
The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe also gifted all of the YASC volunteers these lovely handmade beaded lanyards to hold our name tags while we are here. I will cherish mine always.
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3:00 PM
Surprise! A group of tribal elders challenged some of the YASC volunteers to a game of seated volleyball today. I'm not sure who will win, but it's sure to be an exciting game. I can't believe our time here is already coming to an end. This cross-cultural immersive learning experience with the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe has been so much fun!
I hope YASC can return here soon to continue our partnership with the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. That's all for now!
Yale Alumni Service Corps (YASC) is a volunteer-led initiative committed to community-driven, sustainable service. Serving where the communities have invited our participation, we collaborate with local communities, organizations, and University partners to address the community self-identified needs and goals. YASC presents opportunities for alumni, family, and friends to use their diverse talents in locally prioritized projects. YASC promotes cross-cultural awareness and change through the arts, education, sports, health, and economic development.
