“I was born in Oklahoma, in the Chickasaw Nation. But I moved to Alaska when I was really young, like one [years old.] So Alaska is really where I grew up, but my roots are from Oklahoma.
“And it was interesting, right? Alaska obviously has a very large Alaska Native population. Most of my exposure to Native American [culture] came from a different place than my heritage. I learned a lot and I maintained ties with my family in Oklahoma.
“When I came to [NASA’s Kennedy Space Center], being invited to participate in Native American Heritage Initiative (NAHI) was a real surprise. The thing that I appreciate is, not only being able to help other folks and increase knowledge of Native Americans within NASA — I’ve also learned a lot about my own background.
“[I asked myself] how am I going to teach about that heritage, if I’m not fully familiar with it? So, it led me to reach back out to my family in Oklahoma and ask questions and learn more. And so, that’s been something I appreciate personally from participating — learning more about my own background and then being able to share that with others.”
– Ronnie Adams, Senior Program Analyst, Spaceport Integration Resource Management Office, Kennedy Space Center
Image Credit: NASA / Kim Shiflett
Interviewer: NASA / Thalia Patrinos