An Interview with Dr. Darryl Tonemah

TC:  Yesterday you said you were in school for twelve years?

DT:  Yes, but you know what – at the time, I didn't think "I'm wasting my life in college." I didn't think "there are other things going on." It was exactly where I wanted to be and it was exactly what I wanted to do.

TC:  And you didn't think the first day starting that you were going to be in school for twelve years?

DT:  No, it was just a process, and it kept going, and I kept enjoying it. There's so much to learn, and I just really enjoyed that process. And I enjoyed the college community where there was a bunch of people working toward a goal at the same time. I was fortunate that there wasn't a lot of competition in my classes or programs. I felt pretty supported all the way through. I had, and still have, great family support, which is a big thing for Indian young people. I knew that my parents and my family had expectations for me just like I did. And they supported those expectations. They didn't just say "go out and do it." They said "how can we help you in this process?" Having people praying for me and supporting me was a big factor in my success.

TC:  You said you saw a lot in your youth that inspired you. Can you tell me about where you grew up?

DT:  I was born on the Tuscarora Reservation in New York. My dad worked for the Indian Health Service, my mom was a nurse. He was transferred to Oklahoma for a few years, and then transferred to the Dakotas for fifteen years.