USD Student Makes History in Receiving National Endowment for the Arts Composer Award
The recognition highlights not only her extraordinary musical talent but also her dedication to preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages and culture through music.
“Being recognized by the NEA is an incredible honor, but this achievement is bigger than me,” LaMere said. “It’s about creating space for Indigenous voices, languages and stories in the arts, and showcasing that our traditions have a place in contemporary music.”
Currently pursuing a degree in Native American studies, while specializing in Native American languages, with a double minor in music and social media marketing at USD, LaMere’s award-winning work includes a composition created for her mother’s Ho-Chunk dual-language immersion classroom and a play inspired by an Algonquin creation story about music.
“Cultural heritage has a huge influence on my writing and composition processes,” said LaMere. “My goal as a songwriter and composer is to create music that preserves and revitalizes my native languages and stories, while developing contemporary forms of expressing my cultures and histories through art.”
In addition to her culture, language teachers, and the Indigenous artists before her, LaMere said her experience at USD has also played a crucial role in shaping her musical voice and technical skill. She shared that her studies gave her access to opportunities and instruction that she would not have had growing up on her reservation, allowing her to grow both as a composer and a writer.
LaMere emphasized the importance of mentorship and community, crediting Amy Laursen, DMA, associate professor in the Department of Music, and the staff of Native Student Services as her support system. She also noted that USD actively integrates Native students into the campus community and centers their presence in meaningful ways.
“When I first came to USD, I was shocked to see how much Native students and voices were uplifted and supported here,” LaMere said. “Dr. Laursen understood the unique challenges I faced coming from a background with limited access to a formal music education.”
She also credits John Little, Ph.D., director of Native recruitment and alumni engagement, Megan Red Shirt-Shaw, Ph.D., director of Native Student Services, and Brooke Jackson, coordinator of Native Student Services, for being incredibly supportive and resourceful throughout her education journey.
LaMere encourages both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to pursue their passions, even when they seem difficult to achieve. She emphasized that while the path may be challenging, passion makes the effort worthwhile, and that networking and “putting yourself out there” are key to opening doors and creating opportunity.
“I believe USD’s commitment to education and opportunity will allow students from all backgrounds to exercise their skills and achieve great things,” said LaMere. “I hope my work inspires people to integrate their own culture and languages into their niche. I hope my work serves as an example of what excellence in the arts can look like.”
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