Rayle Heinzig

BA, Native American Studies, University of Oklahoma, In Progress

Halito!
My name is Rayle Blevins-Odle, I'm currently a senior completing my undergraduate degree in Native American studies. I hope to pursue a career in Native American higher education and advocate for the value of native educators and knowledge bases in both traditional and non-traditional educational institutions. I was born in Poteau and raised in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and grew up with an incredible appreciation and passion for my Choctaw and Cherokee culture. After a half-decade of separation from my tribal communities, while completing high school in Dallas, I returned to pursue my degree at OU with a desire to give back to the communities that raised me.
I believe deeply in the power of community leadership, and education that values and honors diverse perspectives and representation. I am so excited and honored to be a part of the Andrew W. Mellon Impact Fellowship and further hone my leadership and professional skills to better serve my community and pursue my goals.

Native American Ecological Theory and Methodology
Native Sex and Gender Studies
MMIW research
Indigenous Oral Telling Traditions
Indigenous Sovereignty
Traditional Natural Resource Impact and Management
Diverse and Inclusive Education Initiative Research

Native Culture Presenter - Basket Weaving Demonstration Multicultural night, University of Oklahoma
This I Believe Speaker “Movement is Power” Essay selection conference event, University of Oklahoma
Spring 2021 Deans Honor Roll
Summer Advantage Scholars 2020/2021/2022
Invest In Success Scholarship 2020-2023
Academic Achievement Award 2020-2023
Adolf & Gretl Neuwald Scholarship 2020
Jerry Bread Scholarship 2021

Bison Restoration as Sovereignty Activism

Office of Diversity and Inclusion Intern
Goddard Medical center health assistant
UCOL Peer Teaching Assistant

Tribal Burial Assistance and Education- Tribal Service Proposal