Tashina Emery - NMU Social Work

Tashina Emery—also known by her spirit name, Misanaquadikwe, the Clearing of the Sky Cloud Woman, the one who can clear a cloudy day—is from the small reservation of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in Michigan. Her movement on and off the reservation has fueled her passion as a lifelong learner, adding to her life bundle and superpowers of legacy.

She has served as Associate Judge for her Tribe’s Judicial Branch, appointed by Tribal Council, and continues to be committed to justice and victim services—especially in Tribal communities. Her work places Social Work students with Tribal Victim Service organizations, building powerful connections between students and Tribal mentors.

Two items in her life bundle currently guide where she invests her energy outside of work. In the evenings, she is attending Mitchell Hamline School of Law as a first-year student in the hybrid, part-time program. On the weekends, her creative spirit shines through her jewelry business and her ongoing dedication to creative writing.

Above all, she is a mother—caring for her little brown babies, and holding space for all future brown babies.