The Power of Being Native and the Strength of the Syracuse University Community With Lorna Rose ’11, G’21

'Cuse Conversations

Despite growing up on Cayuga ancestral lands, one of the six nations that make up the Haudenosaunee Confederacy of Native Americans in New York, Lorna Rose ’11, G’21 never really identified with her Native heritage. She was raised Italian American and always thought of her Italian roots when it came to her cultural heritage. But that perspective changed with the sudden passing of her older sister in 2020. That loss led Rose to a spiritual reawakening, cultivating an affinity for both her Native culture and her Native heritage. From the depths of sadness, Rose immersed herself in her Cayuga culture, reacclimating and reacquainting herself with her Native roots while rediscovering pride in belonging to the Cayuga Nation, the People of the Great Swamp. As the University community celebrates Native Heritage Month, Rose discusses her spiritual reawakening, the pride she feels through her Native heritage and culture, how the Syracuse University community helped her overcome depression and mental health issues, and why she’s eternally proud to be a Syracuse University alumna.