In the beginning, Rachel knew very little of her native ancestors. Once understanding that she was Indigenous, she often hid this part of her identity. The negative stigma surrounding Native American people was rampant in her community and she felt ashamed. In this episode, Rachel discusses her journey to fully embracing her identity as a Húŋkpapha Standing Rock Oyate woman and how she navigated the pageant system by "Celebrating Culture & Driving Diversity" as the first-ever Indigenous Miss Minnesota 2022. Following her year of service, Rachel will begin law school to earn a JD in Native American Law through the Native American Law & Sovereignty Institute at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. It is her greatest hope to be a legal force and advocate for Indigenous youth and families under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). In Episode 27, we welcome Rachel Evangelisto.Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin.  ⁠www.lifeinourskin.com⁠

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