In this episode of Native Circles, Dr. Farina King, co-editor of COVID-19 in Indian Country, talks with co-authors Dr. Amoneeta Beckstein and Dr. Tapati Dutta about their chapter, exploring the lived experiences of eight Native American college students during the pandemic. Drawing from semi-structured interviews, the chapter centers the students' voices as they navigate the challenges of COVID-19—illuminating themes of historical trauma, mental health struggles, and educational disruptions rooted in colonial legacies. Yet, amid these hardships, stories of resilience or "reziliency," cultural strength, and community support arise. In this conversation, the authors reflect on their perspectives as researchers and underscore the students’ expressions of survivance, collectivistic coping, and cultural healing.

Dr. Amoneeta Beckstein is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Fort Lewis College whose work focuses on multicultural counseling, mindfulness, and decolonizing psychology to promote healing for BIPOC and Indigenous communities. He previously directed the Counseling Center at Webster University Thailand and brings a creative approach to mental health, including poetry and advocacy. Dr. Tapati Dutta is an Assistant Professor of Public Health at Fort Lewis College with over 25 years of experience in global health, focusing on health disparities and community-based interventions for marginalized populations. She is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist and a TEDx speaker recognized for her work in HIV prevention and compassionate public health education.

Resources:

Amoneeta Beckstein and Tapati Dutta, "Lived Experiences of Native American College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic," in COVID-19 in Indian Country: Native American Memories and Experiences of the Pandemic, eds. Farina King and Wade Davies (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024), 121-143.

Amoneeta Beckstein professional profile website; and Amoneeta's Researchgate

TEDx Talk "Life Lessons via Cannibals, Sex Workers & Marginalized People," TEDx Indianapolis Women.

Undergraduate Research Talk "The Radical Potential of Community Research by Tapati Dutta."

"Translation and assessment of encultured meaning of the Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support in Diné bizaad (Navajo) using community-based participatory action research methods."

"Students’ COVID-19 vaccine behaviors, intentions, and beliefs at a US Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI)."

"College leadership decisions and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: an elite interview study."

Teaching Innovations

Spotlight on COVID-19: An Interview with Dr. Tapati Dutta, MCHES®, by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing

Evolution of storytelling pedagogy in global health course at a U.S. Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution from Fall 2019 to Spring 2023

Fort Lewis College’s Virtual Inte

In this episode, co-editor Dr. Farina King of COVID-19 in Indian Country: Native American Memories and Experiences of the Pandemic speaks with contributing author Dr. Shaina A. Nez about her chapter, “COVID-19 Memory Dreamscapes.” A Diné writer from Lukachukai, Arizona, Shaina reflects on the meanings of her dreams and memories during the pandemic while navigating the hardships of single motherhood and a child custody battle. Drawing from her deep connection to land and family, she explores how her dreamscapes became a source of guidance and resilience. Shaina, who holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from the Institute of American Indian Arts and a doctorate in Justice Studies from Arizona State University, shares how writing helped her reclaim her voice during a time of uncertainty and upheaval. This episode features a powerful conversation on memory, survival, and Indigenous storytelling.

According to Diné clans, Shaina is ‘Áshįįhi born for Táchii’nii, with Ta’neeszahnii as her maternal grandfather’s clan and Kin łichii’nii as her paternal grandfather’s clan. She is the author of various publications, and her research also focuses on the experiences of emerging BIWOC authors in MFA creative nonfiction programs. She formerly taught creative writing at Diné College and continues to explore themes of memory, identity, and Indigenous storytelling in her work. Her writing often delves into personal and collective narratives, highlighting the resilience of Native communities.

Resources:

Special edition of Diné Poetics available on the Poetry Magazine website

Pre-order Beyond the Glittering World: An Anthology of Indigenous Feminisms and Futurisms (forthcoming November 2025 to be published by Torrey House Press), eds. Kinsale Drake, Stacie Shannon Denetsosie, Darcie Little Badger, et. al.

Shaina A. Nez, "This Land, Our Love," Green Linden Press (2022)

"10 Questions for Shaina A. Nez," The Massachusetts Review, March 5, 2021

Order COVID-19 in Indian Country: Native American Memories and Experiences of the Pandemic (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024) edited by Farina King and Wade Davies that includes Shaina A. Nez's chapter "COVID-19 Memory Dreamscapes"

In this episode of Native Circles, Eva Bighorse and Dr. Farina King talk with Dr. Yvette Brown-Shirley, a Diné neurologist specializing in sports neurology and brain injury medicine at Barrow Neurological Institute. Dr. Brown-Shirley shares her experiences of becoming a neurologist and how her identity as a Diné woman healer informs her approach to medicine. She discusses the urgent need to address health inequities affecting Native communities, such as the lack of access to neurological care for Native American student-athletes facing risks of brain injuries. With a deep commitment to community engagement, she offers insights on fostering well-being and advocating for better recognition of brain health disparities.

Additional Resources:

Yvette Brown-Shirley, MD, Barrow Neurological Institute

"Here Before, Hear Now Podcast: Dr. Yvette Brown-Shirley," Arizona's Family (3TV/CBS 5), March 18, 2024

Boderra Joe, "Elevating neurological care: Diné female sports neurologist bringing light to brain health," Navajo Times, January 25, 2024.