Ida Moses-Hyipeer

Associate in Business

Ida Moses-Hyipeer grew up in White Swan, Washington. A member of the Yakama, Nez Perce, and Warm Springs Tribes, Native American history and heritage have played an important role throughout her life. Her parents have always stressed the importance of community service and helping others. “I come from a large family,” stated Moses-Hyipeer. “My father was the eldest of 13 and my mother was the 2nd youngest of 13. They were from different sides of the reservation. They stressed the importance of honoring both sides of my heritage,” she continued. They also always encouraged her to pursue education.

“My dad died my senior year of high school,” stated Moses-Hyipeer. “After graduation I debated on whether or not I should go to college. I knew how important education was to my dad,” she continued. In addition, she wanted to become more involved with her tribe. Ida decided to take a break from her studies and was selected as the 2009-2010 Miss Yakama Nation. For this ambassador role, she traveled the United States attending different events and speaking publicly about tribal involvement. She had a chance to speak with various tribal elders and become involved with tribal government.

In 2011 she decided to begin college. She wanted to stay close to home and enrolled at YVC. She has found success in her studies, despite having to overcome additional losses of family and loved ones. Instructor Carolyn Calhoon helped to keep her focused and provided valuable support. “Instructor Calhoon has been very helpful. She has always been available to listen and knows how I’ve felt. She’s helped ensure that I take my required classes,” she concluded.

She has also been very involved in campus life, serving as the Tiin-Ma Club President, and a member of the Business Club. This November she planned a Pow Wow in honor of Native American Heritage Month that was held on the Yakima Campus. The Pow Wow, the first one held on campus, provided club members, YVC students, and the Yakima community with a wonderful opportunity to share in the Native American history

She graduated with her associate in business degree. She plans to transfer to the University of Idaho.

“My family is very important to me. They have encouraged me to do something positive, something for me, something to give back to my community, to be happy,” she continued. “It keeps me grounded and helped me out a lot as I pursued my degree here at YVC,” she concluded.