ABSTRACT
Valarie Bellson, a Zuni community member, mother, and parent volunteer, found her voice as a Zuni woman through her participation in Zuni: Engaging Teachers and Community (ZETAC). In her chapter, she details her journey as a young child raised by Mormon foster parents in Utah through the Indian Placement Program, away from her Zuni family. Through her loneliness, facing discrimination and hardship, she learned that her purpose was to serve others. In ZETAC she was introduced to the A:shiwi Core Values, and believes that instilling these character traits within Zuni children will enable them to grow as persons with character. She sees herself as the voice who will champion for families, and the voice who will question and advocate for higher quality and standards in education for the Zuni community.
