Merri shares how culture, connection, and community guide her work at UC Berkeley in building belonging for Indigenous communities at Berkeley Law
We are honored to feature Merri, a dedicated advocate for tribal sovereignty and Indigenous self-determination, and the founding leader of the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice at Berkeley Law. A member of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, Merri’s work bridges law, education, and community. Her journey at UC Berkeley embodies what it means to thrive through purpose, connection, and cultural integrity.
In this feature, we ask Merri to share more about her background, what inspires her work, and how she defines thriving within the Native and Indigenous community at UC Berkeley.
What inspires your work and connection to the Native and Indigenous community at UC Berkeley?
My inspiration is rooted in two interlocking commitments: one to the inherent rights of Native Nations to govern themselves and to shape their own future, and the other to affirming Indigenous students, faculty, and staff as vital voices and shapers of the academy - as leaders, creators, and relationship-builders. In my role leading the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice at the law school, I see a valuable opportunity to deepen institutional understanding of tribal sovereignty, to advance recognition of Indigenous peoples’ rights to self-determination, and to promote sustained, respectful partnerships that strengthen tribal justice. As a member of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians and former legal counsel for my tribe, this work is deeply personal to me - it’s about protecting the places that hold our stories, honoring our cultural heritage, and advancing laws and policies that respect the voices and leadership of Indigenous peoples.
At Berkeley Law, I saw a center poised to be a national leader in Federal Indian and Tribal Law, anchored in partnerships with Native Nations and built into the curriculum, student fellowships, and alumni networks. I feel connected to the Native community on campus because the work is not abstract: it’s about elevating tribal voices, creating lasting relationships, crafting tools for institutional change, and making this place where Indigenous identity and laws are visible, celebrated, and respected. That sense of community and shared purpose inspires me every day.
Can you describe a moment when you felt a strong sense of belonging or community on campus?
One moment that really gave me a sense of community was during the visit from the Navajo Nation Supreme Court, which was co-sponsored by the Native American Thriving Initiatives (NATI) and the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice. Just being in that space, seeing students, faculty, and community members come together to engage with Indigenous law and culture, made me feel the strength of our connections on campus. It reminded me how important it is to create spaces where Indigenous students feel seen, supported, and connected.
What does “thriving” mean to you personally, and how have you experienced it within the NATI community on campus?
To me, “thriving” means more than just surviving, more than getting by. It means being seen, being supported, having agency, engaging meaningfully in the life of the university, and bringing one’s whole self - cultural identity, intellectual curiosity, values, commitments - into one’s work, one’s study, one’s relationships. It means flourishing: intellectually, spiritually, socially, and professionally. Within the Native American Thriving Initiative (NATI) community on campus, I’ve witnessed thriving when Indigenous students gather, mentor one another, share space, and find peers with shared values and cultural traditions. I’ve seen thriving when Indigenous faculty and staff see that their contributions matter, when tribal partners feel our institution is truly listening, and when Native-led events at Berkeley are filled with vibrancy and authenticity - when students feel welcomed and included. I’ve felt it in moments that bring our community together, like when the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice hosted the Navajo Nation’s Supreme Court on campus, or during NATI events where culture, laughter, and hope meet. That is what thriving means to me.
What supports or practices help you sustain that sense of thriving?
Several practices and supports have helped me sustain that feeling, and I encourage others to build or seek them as well. Community and relationships are central. Regular connection with Native and Indigenous colleagues, mentors, elders, and students provides more than just professional contact. These are people who share identity, values, and history, and who can hold space for your whole self. Staying connected to tribal culture, language, and community is also essential. For me, working for my tribe and engaging with cultural issues continually reminds me why I’m here and keeps me grounded. Doing meaningful work that aligns with my values, such as tribal sovereignty, justice, and Indigenous self-determination, helps keep my energy and motivation alive. It is not just a job; it is a vocation. Having spaces where Indigenous identity is affirmed and where you can be heard and lead makes a big difference, helping counter isolation and invisibility. Institutional support also matters, through opportunities like fellowships, scholarships, pathway programs, and speaker series that support students and faculty. Reflection and care are equally important. Thriving includes rest, renewal, cultural practices, and both mentoring and being mentored. For me, practicing humility, learning from elders, and building bridges of respect and reciprocity help sustain this work over time.
How do the Native American Thriving Initiatives contribute to fostering belonging and visibility on campus?
NATI plays a really important role in creating spaces where Native and Indigenous students, faculty, and community partners feel a sense of belonging and visibility. One way it does this is by opening pathways and access. NATI emphasizes that Indigenous identity is not something peripheral but central to campus life. This means making room for Indigenous voices, cultures, and histories in the curriculum, institutional practice,s and student life. At the same time, NATI fosters community by offering a base of support where students can find peers and mentors, and see that their presence matters. That sense of belonging is critical for engagement, retention and success. And lastly, NATI encourages institutional accountability by helping the university move from merely having a Native presence to being a place where Native voices, sovereignty, and partnerships are respected and central to the institution’s mission.
What advice would you give to Native and Indigenous students or new members of the UC Berkeley community who are looking to find connection, purpose, or support?
If I were speaking to a Native or Indigenous student - or anyone new to Berkeley - I’d tell them to bring their whole self. Your cultural identity, your tribal citizenship or affiliation, and your perspectives - they are strengths, and they bring value to everything you do here. The university is richer because you are here, and your presence matters.
It’s important to seek out community and mentors early, whether that’s other Indigenous students, supportive staff and faculty, or student groups. Staying connected with NATI and other networks can really help you feel a sense of belonging and access the resources and guidance you need. At the same time, think about your purpose: what do you care about, and how does your identity connect to what you want to do here? Let that guide your choices, our coursework, and how you get involved- when purpose, identity, and opportunity come together, that’s where you find meaning.
Take advantage of the support Berkeley has in place for Indigenous students, like scholarships, fellowships, and pathway programs, and don’t hesitate to reach out - you’re meant to use these resources. Build relationships broadly too, not just with Indigenous peers, but with allies, faculty, and administrators. Make your voice heard, and be open to listening to others as well. Stay connected to your home community - whether that’s your tribe, your family, or your region. These connections will sustain you through the challenges of university life. Lead and advocate when you can. Your experience and insights can shape the campus so that future Native and Indigenous students have more support, visibility, and belonging.
Be patient and persistent. Change takes time, and there will be moments when you feel isolated or invisible, but you are not alone, and your contributions truly matter. And finally, celebrate your identity and your successes, big or small. Thriving means recognizing your wins - whether academic, personal, or cultural - share them and allow yourself to flourish fully.
