Cassandra Perez

Dagot ‘ ēē Shīī Cassandra Perez gonszēē. Shīī nadin táági shił łēēgodzāā. San Gah, Arizona de nashāā. Gilson Wash yúne’ yú gonshłįį. Ahíyi’é! Greetings! My name is Cassandra Perez, I am 23-years-old and I come from the San Carlos Apache Reservation from the Gilson Wash District. I currently attend the University of Arizona James E Rogers College of Law as a graduate student in the Masters of Professional Studies Program. My emphasis of law is in Indigenous People’s Public Law and Policy Program.

Coming home means returning to a safe space that encompasses friends and family as a means to develop a cultural identity. On the reservation, there are a variety of mountain ranges. My grandparents always sat us outside to watch the sunrise and sunset. They’d share with us to always be aware of our surroundings. “One day we might not be here. If you’re aware, it could be one of us trying to get your attention.” Home is even when relatives have gone, their spirits witness from the stars our achievements, and send visual reminders of memories we’ve shared as children.