As the only female Native American professor at UNLV, Danielle Finn has made it her mission to increase the number of Native American students pursuing law at UNLV. A trailblazer at the William S. Boyd School of Law, Danielle is inspired by the resilience of her ancestors and works to empower Native women.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and come from three bands of the Oceti Sakowin (Great Sioux Nation): Hunkpapa Lakota, Inhanktowan Dakota, and Hohè Nakota. My career has been spent working in my peoples’ traditional territory, the great plains region, in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Having attended law school at Arizona State University, I wanted to come back to the sunny southwest to work for a diverse campus. UNLV’s Boyd Law was starting a new Indian Nations Gaming and Governance program, which was made possible by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and I knew that’s where I wanted to make an impact.
Tell us about the work you do and your experience at UNLV?
I am an Assistant Professor-in-Residence and the inaugural Director of the Indian Nations Gaming and Governance Program for the William S. Boyd School of Law. My main goals are to recruit and retain Native American students and to build the program into a prominent research hub for Indian Gaming and Tribal Governance. Less than 0.5% of lawyers are Native American. It’s so important that we increase that percentage and position Boyd Law as a leader in recruiting Native American students.
What issues are women facing today that you want to help solve, and how are you helping to solve that issue?
In the Native community, women are a target for violence. More than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women experience some degree of violence in their lifetime, whether it's sexual, physical, or psychological abuse. These traumatic events intersect with the law. It’s my job to raise awareness, assist in creating advocates, and build collaborations with agencies that can provide assistance for Native women.
What inspires or empowers you?
The resilience of Native people, my ancestors, and my family. They’ve faced many challenges and barriers, but they have risen above many of them and continued forward. I see progress for me as progress for my people.
Tell us about a woman who’s been a mentor or inspiration to you.
There are many women who have mentored and inspired me, so to select one is difficult! One woman I really look up to is Yurok Chief Judge Abby Abinanti. As the first Native woman to pass the bar in California, she has been an inspiration to me as a tribal judge. Judge Abinanti has a peaceful way of resolving conflict in the Yurok community and I aspire to have her level of mediation abilities.
What life lessons have you experienced recently or within the past few years that have really changed the way you look at life?
Most life lessons have led me to believe that if something is meant to be, it will be. If something is supposed to find you, it will. I think that philosophy is applicable in your personal and professional life. Also, perseverance is key. It’s important to have grit and tenacity to push forward in your career.
What trait do you most like about yourself?
My positivity is pretty unwavering. I like to be optimistic about most situations.
What activities do you enjoy?
I’m active in the powwow world and recently participated in the Black Hills Powwow. I love to dance competitively and for fun. My style of dance is Northern Cloth or Northern Buckskin. Also, I’m an avid scuba diver. I’ve dived off the California coast and in many lakes. I really enjoy water; the feeling of being submersed is serene.
What is your favorite thing about working at UNLV?
Although I started just two months ago, I really appreciate the people — working with my colleagues and interacting with the students. Everyone has a unique perspective and different background which makes my experience rewarding.
Any advice for young women starting careers on campus?
Reach out and communicate with other women. Join organizations and put yourself out there! There will be many women who will champion you and provide guidance. It’s free and easy to do. You just have to take the first step.