In 2017, Kemewan Waupekenay was just a senior in high school when she was asked to speak in front of the United Nations in New York.
A member of the Menominee Indian Tribe, Waupekenay spoke at the UN about the negative impacts of a proposed sulfide mine near the Menominee River and the tribe’s ancestral lands.
“I knew the importance of speaking about this mine and how dangerous it was to the entire world, for my people, and future generations,” she said. “From there it opened my heart more to advocating but also learning social justice.”
Photos: Courtesy of Kemewan Waupekenay
Now a student in her final semester of the NWTC Justice and Community Advocacy associate degree program, Waupekenay envisions a future in public safety and human services. Recently accepted to Arizona State University, she plans to pursue a bachelor’s in criminology and criminal justice and hopes to inspire her tribe’s youth with the power of education.
“I want to bring my education back to my people to help flourish and bring voices to be heard and seen,” she said. “I want to represent my tribe with honor and respect. I want to break stereotypes and build friendships with all colors and cultures.”
Waupekenay’s college and career aspirations began at home.
Growing up, she watched her father, a retired tribal emergency medical technician (EMT) and fire chief, rush out the door to fire calls and medical emergency pages. She remembers her dad’s dedication to their community while always managing to be there for her family.
“It didn’t matter how late or how traumatic a fire call was, he would always show up for me,” she said. “He inspires me to be the calm within a storm. A protector of the family and community. Showing the world the importance of showing up for a daughter.”
Influenced by his positive example, she enrolled in NWTC’s EMT program. After graduating, she became a nationally registered EMT, just like her father.
“Telling my father I wanted to serve my tribe the way he has brought tears to his eyes,” she said. “I have never been prouder of myself and my father to serve our friends and family. I am proud to say I’m a second generation EMT in my family and that I am only at the beginning of my public safety career.”
Deciding to continue her studies, she enrolled in NWTC’s Justice and Community Advocacy program. A member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, she has the goal of graduating with highest honors in May, becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree.
Waupekenay graduated from NWTC's EMT program and will soon graduate from NWTC's Justice and Community Advocacy program.
Like many students, Waupekenay’s college path has had plenty of obstacles. In her time at NWTC, she has experienced significant challenges, including loss and grief.
In addition, she lives on her own, balancing college with working two jobs. She works full-time as a service coordinator for Menominee County’s Child Protective Services Department and part-time as an EMT for Menominee Tribal Ambulance Service. She drives about an hour from work to the NWTC Green Bay campus for class.
Encouraging Waupekenay to keep going through all of life’s challenges has been her family – her three brothers, father, and especially her mom.
“She’s my biggest cheerleader and greatest gift,” Waupekenay said. “She held me when I cried and supported me through some of the most challenging chapters in my life. If all the doors where closed, she would open a window for me.”
With one semester left before graduation, she recently received additional motivation to complete her associate degree. She was awarded a scholarship from the Shawano Scholarship Endowment through the NWTC Foundation.
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As she looks ahead to graduation and her future at Arizona State and beyond, Waupekenay reflects on her educational journey.
“My mother told me growing up that no one can take away your education once you achieve it, and she is right,” she said. “There is no describable feeling for accomplishing something you thought was impossible and proving to yourself that you are worthy of great things.”
Check out the Justice and Community Advocacy associate degree and the Emergency Medical Technician technical diploma .
Photos: Courtesy of Kemewan Waupekenay
In 2017, Waupekenay competed in the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto. She was selected as the 19U Traditional Archery Recurve Representative for Team Wisconsin and returned home with a silver medal. She is currently a volunteer youth archery instructor, sharing her love for the sport.
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