American Indian Studies Undergraduate Q&A with Taylor Fairbanks

Taylor Fairbanks is a double-major in American Indian Studies and Sociology and an Honors student. She expects to graduate in Spring 2026. Last May, Taylor was awarded the 2025 President's Student Leadership and Service Award for her outstanding leadership and service to the community and the university. 

The Department of American Indian Studies is proud of Taylor’s achievements and recognizes her as an outstanding undergraduate student.

Please tell us about yourself. Where are you from?

My name is Taylor Fairbanks. I am from the Twin Cities, but I refer to the East side of St. Paul as my home in Minnesota. My family and I are from the White Earth Nation and the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin, which I’m both a descendant of. On my paternal side I’m White Earth Anishinaabe, and on my maternal side I happen to be Ho-Chunk. At the University of Minnesota, I’m a Senior double-majoring in Sociology and American Indian Studies, as well as a First Generation Honors student.

What brought you to the University of Minnesota?

And why did you decide to become an American Indian Studies major?

The American Indian Studies Department brought me to the University of Minnesota due being the first of its kind in higher education across the globe. It was the only institution that offered two major tracks, general or language, in American Indian Studies. Another deciding factor was that the AIS department was founded in response to the advocacy on campus by Native and Indigenous students, faculty, and community members who were a part of Red Power and Civil Rights movements. As someone who grew up in St. Paul, it was important for me to further my education at a place where I could continue to build a legacy, seven generations ahead, for my community and I. Moreover, I chose to attend the university and become an AIS major in order to uphold Indigenous sovereignty through learning and speaking Ojibwe language, engaging with community, and exposing myself to cultural, political, and analytical frameworks.

What AIS courses were your favorite?

Over the span of my undergraduate journey, my favorite AIS courses have been Ojibwe Language, American Indian Environmental Issues and Ecological Perspectives, and American Indian Women: Ethnographic and Ethnohistorical Perspectives.

What prepared you for a university education?

I am a First Generation college student, so prior to attending the university, it was fairly challenging to navigate and prepare for higher education. As someone who will be the first to receive a Bachelor’s degree in their family, I made the decision early on to stay informed and get involved with as many campus resources and opportunities as possible to ensure a smooth transition. During my first year of college, I was a part of the American Indian Cultural House (AICH), which is a living learning community for students who identify as Native and Indigenous. Being involved with AICH allowed me to foster a community that I could learn from, but also lean on when times got tough. It taught me how to effectively communicate my aspirations, advocate for my needs, and take advantage of opportunities when they arise. This community prepared me to find those who align with my personal and academic goals.

What experiences, if any, in AIS helped motivate you to stay in school?

As an AIS major, there have been many experiences that have shaped the trajectory of my undergraduate career. From attending the Red Power study group, participating in class discussions, being involved in the Native and Indigenous Kick Off, and speaking at Ojibwe language tables on campus has allowed me to remain focused and motivated to stay in school. Through these experiences, I’ve had the chance to exercise what it means to be a good relative to those around me. Being relational with others in practice has motivated me to carry on the legacy of my relatives and ancestors, while ensuring to stay engaged with the Native and Indigenous communities on campus and beyond.

What would you tell those wanting to pursue a degree in AIS?

For those who are interested in pursuing a degree in AIS, I would suggest taking the time to build connections with fellow Native and Indigenous students, faculty, and staff early on. Whether it be through attending departmental events, meeting with AIS faculty during their office hours, or taking an introductory or language course, it’s important to recognize the value in networking with other like minded individuals who only want to see you succeed. It can be scary to put yourself out there, but it may happen to be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences as it has been mine. Prior to starting my very first semester at the university, I was given this advice and it has stuck with me. Now as a Senior, I can carry this advice forward to those starting off their personal and academic journeys. There’s a wide misconception that AIS cannot open doors for you. However, based on my personal experience this major has not only introduced me to new interests and career fields, but it has also brought me closer to my Indigeneity.

Brief Bio

Aaniin! Boozhoo! My name is Taylor Fairbanks. I was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. My family and I are from the White Earth Nation and the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin. As a Senior double-majoring in Sociology and American Indian Studies, I also happen to be a First Generation Honors student. For the first three years of my undergraduate career, I served on the American Indian Student Cultural Center’s board as the university and community outreach coordinator. Currently, I serve as an active member of the tradtional lacrosse group on campus while maintaining an intern position at the Circle of Indigenous Nations office. In addition to these on campus experiences, I was an intern for the Native American Initiatives Department at the Minnesota Historical Society for the past three years while in school.