Ryan Moreno

Ryan Moreno Si’al is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. He is a sophomore at Tohono O’Odham Community College in Arizona, where he’s pursuing an associate’s degree in Tohono O’odham Studies to deeply learn about his language, culture and history. Ryan then plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in pre-law and engineering, with the goal of becoming a tribal family lawyer. Ryan hopes to help children in foster care and inspire them to learn their culture’s way of life. His dream is to make an educational community center on his reservation for tribal youth to learn about our connection with the land and gain traditional skills.

Ryan’s ambition to help others and become an advocate for youth began at a young age when he experienced firsthand both the positives and negatives of the foster care system. Despite his struggles, he has gained determination and resilience that will benefit him in his journey and enable him to help others. Ryan believes this fellowship will be a great step towards his goals and helping him to embrace leadership skills. He hopes to better understand the Indian Child Welfare system and find solutions and support for future generations.

“I dream that the foster care system will incorporate, empower, and promote a connection between community involvement and cultural identity that would be a significant and positive shift for Indigenous youth. The better you understand who you truly are, the better you understand what community you can have, what life you can build, and how you can make the world a better place for others too.”