Mahpiya Luta High School Graduate, Class of 2012
Meet Tierra Baird, a passionate advocate for Indigenous food sovereignty and a dedicated leader in her community. Tierra’s journey from the halls of Mahpiya Luta High School to Stanford University, and now as the Oceti Sakowin Food Systems Alliance Director, is an inspiring story of the power of education, resilience, and giving back to one’s roots.
Tierra’s path to Mahpiya Luta High School began in Rapid City, SD where she grew up in the Phahin Sinte Ospaye. Though she was not born on the reservation, her connection to her Lakota roots has always been strong. “I spent a lot of my childhood in my family’s community and attended Our Lady of Lourdes (OLL) before moving on to Mahpiya Luta,” Tierra reflects. “It was understood that many students from OLL would eventually attend Mahpiya Luta, and for me, it was a natural transition.” Her time at Mahpiya Luta provided the foundation she needed to succeed academically and personally. “I had many opportunities to be involved in the community and school activities, and those experiences shaped who I am today.”
Like many students, Tierra faced her own set of challenges during her high school years. “I was very hard on myself academically and personally. I didn’t prioritize self-care and boundaries, which led to a lot of anxiety and social struggles,” she shares. “I was a people pleaser and pushed myself too hard, which was mentally exhausting.” Despite these difficulties, Tierra found support from unexpected places. “During my senior year, I had a breakdown due to academic pressure and social anxiety. My biology teacher noticed I was struggling and took the time to check in with me,” she recalls. “It was the first time an adult who wasn’t family took the time to listen and offer me space to cry. That moment meant so much.”
The mentors at Mahpiya Luta, including teachers and other staff, helped Tierra build the confidence she needed to succeed. “Having educators who truly believed in me made all the difference. They were invested in my growth, and that support gave me the strength to believe in myself.” One of Tierra’s most significant mentors during her high school years was January Tobacco, an alumna of Stanford University. “January played such a pivotal role in my life.
Without her, I wouldn’t have understood the college application process, especially how to navigate the Stanford system,” Tierra says. “She was always there for me, offering support and guidance. Even during my time at Stanford, I could call on her for advice. She’s someone I admire deeply and will always be grateful for.”
After graduating from Mahpiya Luta, Tierra headed to Stanford University, an experience that was both exciting and challenging. “Stanford was hard. I felt like I didn’t belong, like I wasn’t smart enough to be there,” Tierra admits. “Everyone at Stanford seemed to be top students with perfect scores and a long list of extracurriculars. I felt overwhelmed and out of place.”
However, Tierra found strength in her Indigenous identity. “What really helped me was meeting other Native upperclassmen who showed me that being Indigenous at a predominantly white institution was a powerful thing. We didn’t have to prove ourselves—we already possessed intelligence crafted by our community, our teachings, and our values.”
One conversation with a fellow student stood out. “A friend told me, ‘You see all these students here, they don’t come from your community, they don’t know the songs or stories. This place uplifts white knowledge and accomplishments, but that’s only one way of knowing.’ That really stuck with me. I started to see Stanford as my oyster—this was my chance to bring my perspective into the classroom.”
Tierra’s journey at Stanford led her to pursue a degree in Earth Systems with a focus on Land Systems Management, inspired by her lifelong love of the Earth and its ecosystems. “Growing up, my grandparents taught me how to identify and harvest medicines. I always knew I wanted to work with the Earth,” she says. During her time at Stanford, Tierra found ways to integrate her cultural knowledge with her academic pursuits. “I participated in many
community-based projects. One of my proudest achievements was leading and maintaining the Muwekma Native Plants Garden on campus,” she shares. “This garden, in collaboration with the Muwekma Ohlone, was a peaceful retreat and a space for Muwekma Ohlone tribal members along with Indigenous students from Stanford to reconnect with the land. It was a reminder that the work we do with the Earth is always intertwined with our identity and heritage.”
Giving Back to the Community
PIctures from Makoce
Today, Tierra is making a profound impact as the Director of the Oceti Sakowin Food Systems Alliance. “I’m so fortunate to be working with Makoce Agriculture Development and the Pine Ridge community,” she says. “My work focuses on building relationships, organizing wellness events, and advocating for food sovereignty. A major project I’m working on now is the OST Food Code, which involves policy research on Traditional Foods, Water, Agricultural Safety, and Conservation. This project will involve collaboration with elders, local businesses, farmers, and community members to create a sustainable and culturally grounded food system.”
Tierra’s journey has come full circle as she now works to improve the local food systems in Pine Ridge, helping her community reclaim its traditions and resources. “This work is deeply personal to me. I am grateful to be back home, working on projects that center our community’s needs and values.”
Advice for Students
Reflecting on her experiences, Tierra offers powerful advice to both current students and her younger self: “Prioritize your wellness. Whether it’s mental, physical, spiritual, or emotional—take time to care for yourself. Set your boundaries and learn to spend time alone
with yourself. Go watch that movie alone, or take yourself out to eat. Learn to love yourself because that’s the person you’ll spend the most time with.”
Tierra’s story is a powerful reminder that with resilience, community support, and a commitment to self-care, we can overcome obstacles and create a future that is both meaningful and impactful. As she continues her important work on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Tierra’s journey proves that the lessons learned at Mahpiya Luta—and the strength found in community—can help shape a brighter future for all.
We are incredibly proud of Tierra Baird and look forward to the continued positive impact she will have in her community and beyond!
For more information about her work or to get involved, Tierra can be contacted at: [email protected]