Indigenous Connections Residential Schools and the Generational Impact

What does generational impact mean? In our upcoming session, we will hear from Mazie Countryman, Northern Arapaho, as she bravely recounts her experience with the generational impact of residential schools and the profound repercussions of residential boarding schools in her community. We’ll briefly explore how this understanding of generational impact resonates within the Department of the Interior’s work and the relationships we strive to build with tribes and Indigenous communities.
Presenter: Mazie Countryman
Mazie Countryman is an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho tribes and affiliates with Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone Bannock, and Navajo. She is a full-time student at Idaho State University working towards her bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy. After, she plans on receiving her doctorate in Pharmacy. While working on her degree, Mazie devotes her time to the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) Executive Committee serving as the 2023-2024 Northwest Representative, representing Native youth in Idaho, Alaska, Washington, and Oregon!
Mazie was a Girl Scout for 8 years, earned her Bronze and Silver awards, as well as gave 500+ hours of community service hours to her community. She still proudly carries the values of the Girl Scout motto in her everyday life, which is being honest, fair, considerate, helpful, and kind. She is an active community member and committed to making a difference each day. Whether she is volunteering at community service events or school, she is always giving back to others. Mazie has always been passionate about climate justice and advocacy for Native youth. She loves to excel in every opportunity that comes her way. One of those was Mazie certified as a pharmacy technician for the state of Idaho when she was a senior in high school. Throughout her many achievements, she has stayed positive and persevered to get the job done. Mazie believes that everyone deserves equal opportunities and access to resources, regardless of their background.