Mel McDaniel
Tyme Maidu of Berry Creek Rancheria

Communication Disorders and Sciences

Mel McDaniel is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences at the University of Oregon. Coming from a small tribe where few pursue graduate education, she feels a deep responsibility to serve her community and honor those who shaped her identity, leadership, and academic path. Her long-term goal is to return to her tribal community to support cultural preservation, serve those who require care, and strengthen access to healthcare.

Mel is also passionate about integrating Indigenous and non-Western frameworks into her clinical practice, ensuring that care is both culturally responsive and inclusive. Within the field of Speech Language Pathology, Indigenous methodologies are rarely implemented, and she hopes to help change this by bringing Indigenous perspectives into client care and research. With the support of the Future Stewards Award, Mel is committed to uplifting Indigenous voices and contributing to the wellbeing of Native communities in Oregon and beyond.

Marcus Paschal

Klamath Tribes 

Educational Leadership and Principal Licensure

Marcus Paschal is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and concurrently enrolled in the Principal Licensure Program at the University of Oregon. 

Monique Samuels

Colville Confederated Tribes

Sapsik’ʷałá Teacher Education Program

Monique Samuels is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Sapsik’ʷałá Teacher Education Program at the University of Oregon. As an Indigenous educator, she hopes to increase Native representation in classrooms. Having attended K-12 public schools either on or near her reservation, she rarely had Indigenous teachers or staff. This absence of Indigenous voices in the public school system has fueled her commitment to providing accurate and respectful representations of Indigenous peoples - whether through teachers or curriculum.

Many of the values Monique upholds are rooted in her family’s experiences. Their lived stories continue to inspire and guide her journey through the Sapsik’ʷałá Teacher Education Program, which supports Indigenous people to become teachers within their own communities. Receiving the Future Steward award will help Monique continue her work in stewarding, uplifting, and honoring her tribal community.