In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, MassLive asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the Indigenous community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.
MassLive will publish profiles of these leaders through November. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Kathleen Brown-Pérez is a faculty member at the Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.University of Massachusetts Amherst
Kathleen Brown-Pérez
Age: 58
Community: Amherst
Her story: Kathleen Brown-Pérez moved to Western Massachusetts in 1997 with her husband from Arizona but was working as a corporate lawyer at the time. Commuting daily to Boston, she decided she needed a transition and in 2006 she started to teach at Hampshire College. A year later she joined the Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts Amherst — a position she still holds.
“Educating today’s generation of students about American Indians and other Indigenous people adds to their understanding of their Massachusetts community and the world,” Brown-Pérez said.
In her position, she teaches about federal Indian law in the legal studies department and honors courses which share Indigenous histories, cultures, laws and regulations while working to dispel myths and stereotypes. She also gives public lectures and is the chair of the Five College Native American and Indigenous Studies program, a certificate program for five college students. In her role as chair, she helps put together an annual symposium which is open to the public to learn more about the program.
“I do a lot, but I do nothing alone,” Brown-Pérez said.
Brown-Pérez is a citizen of the Brothertown Indian Nation with Oneida and Stockbridge-Munsee ancestry. She said having Indigenous heritage provides her with a unique background as a university professor. Throughout the years she has helped her tribe through the process of being federally acknowledged in order to be eligible for services and has has provided pro bono assistance to law firms suing the federal government on behalf of tribes.
In her words: “When I was a lot younger, I never could have predicted where I would end up. In retrospect, however, I can see that even winding paths can take you where you want to be… and they are far more interesting.”
We’re always open to hear about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
