Robert Hicks Jr.
Indigenous Educator, Artist & Advocate
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal member with over a decade of experience blending storytelling, visual media, and Indigenous knowledge systems to engage communities and advance cultural continuity. Dedicated to ethical research, creative practice, and amplifying Indigenous voices.
Mission Statement
I am committed to uplifting Indigenous voices and knowledge systems through culturally grounded education, creative media, and community advocacy. My work centers relational accountability, sovereignty, and preservation of culture—guided by my ancestors and dedicated to empowering future generations.
Professional Journey
A career shaped by teaching, creative direction, and community-centered research.
Instructor, Haskell Indian Nations University
Teach Media Communications courses blending Indigenous storytelling, filmmaking, photography, and digital media. Mentor 50+ students annually, advise the Indian Leader newspaper club, and host community film screenings connecting academic learning to public dialogue.
Adjunct Faculty, Haskell Indian Nations University
Designed and taught Indigenous Studies courses with culturally grounded learning outcomes. Facilitated lectures, discussions, and experiential learning tied to Indigenous history and contemporary issues.
Freelance Artistic Director & Photographer/Sound Engineer
Directed video, photography, and multimedia projects for Indigenous clients and institutions. Produced culturally grounded narratives, exhibitions, and documentary projects for organizations such as Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and Great Basin Native Artists.
Research Assistant, Kansas Serves Native American Families
Produced photography and video content for community-based research on Native American family wellbeing. Led visual storytelling projects ensuring cultural integrity and accessibility.
Areas of Expertise
Skills spanning Indigenous education, media, and community advocacy.
Research Philosophy
"Research and creative work must serve the community and strengthen sovereignty. Every project honors the voices, histories, and futures of Indigenous peoples."
- Core Principle
Community-Centered
All work begins with and serves Indigenous community needs and priorities.
Relational Methodologies
Knowledge is built through relationships, reciprocity, and mutual respect.
Traditional Knowledge Integration
Indigenous ways of knowing are honored alongside contemporary research methods.
Data Sovereignty
Communities maintain control over their data, stories, and research outcomes.
Decolonial Practice
Challenging colonial paradigms by centering Indigenous perspectives.
Community Impact
Creating tangible, lasting benefits for Indigenous peoples and lands.
Featured Projects
Lead Photographer – Native Fashion Show, Spencer Museum of Art (2024)
Produced high-quality images for marketing, archives, and exhibitions, shaping visual narratives that elevated Indigenous designers.
Advisor – Indigenous Food System Study (2023–Present)
Integrated Indigenous knowledge systems into research on food sovereignty, co-developing policy recommendations and community strategies.
Case Worker – MMIP (2021–Present)
Support advocacy, outreach, and culturally grounded care for Missing, Murdered, Indigenous Girls, Two-Spirit, and Trans individuals.
Community Involvement
Building networks and spaces that empower Indigenous scholars and communities.
Founder & President – Indigenous Health Scholars Association
Established a cross-disciplinary network supporting Indigenous scholars in health and wellness fields. Organize monthly knowledge-sharing events rooted in Indigenous science and community healing, fostering collaboration and mentorship opportunities across academic and community spaces.
Academic Foundation
Ph.D. in Indigenous Health (Expected 2028), University of North Dakota
M.A. in Indigenous Studies (2022), University of Kansas
Graduate Certificate in Community Health & Development (2021), University of Kansas
B.A. in Indigenous American Indian Studies (2019), Haskell Indian Nations University
A.S. in Health, Sport & Exercise Science (2018), Haskell Indian Nations University
Let's Collaborate
I'm open to partnerships with Indigenous communities, researchers, and organizations committed to ethical, community-centered storytelling and education.