NTU Professional Baking student Byron Sewequeqtewa stands beside his baking project, which incorporates the MMIW theme for his midterm, inside the hospitality building in Crownpoint, New Mexico.

Students in the Professional Baking Program at NTU showcased their skills during their midterm practical exam, creating impressive baking masterpieces under the guidance of Chef Melvina Jones. The event was attended by students, staff, and faculty and allowed participants to sample a variety of appetizers and desserts.

One standout student, Bryton Sewequeqtewa, infused his baking creations with the theme of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) for the exam. His project featured a sourdough croissant filled with strawberries, and sourdough San Francisco bread served with cherry cream cheese dip and a brochette. Drawing inspiration from neighboring tribes such as the Zuni and Pueblo, Bryton aimed to share traditions and promote knowledge transfer. “The preparation of sourdough bread holds a special place in Indigenous cultures, serving as a platform for intergenerational knowledge transfer,” Bryton explained. He chose cherries for his cream cheese dip and incorporated strawberries for their red color, symbolizing the red hand—an emblem associated with the growing MMIW movement.

Bryton used plain red, white, and pink colors for his presentation and included flowers to emphasize the MMIW red hand logo. He noted, “It is not just women who are primary victims of violence and human trafficking among Native Americans. People of all ages can be victims of these horrific crimes, including men, boys, infants, and the elderly.”

Originally from Smith Lake, New Mexico, Bryton identifies as Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House). His maternal grandparents belong to Honaghaahnii (One-Walks-Around), while his paternal grandparents are To’aheedliinii (Water Flow Together) and Comanche. Bryton advocates for the MMIW movement nationwide, which is fueled by widespread anger and sadness within First Nations communities. He recalls joyful memories of his auntie, who went missing during his childhood. His family has been affected by the absence of a sister, mother, and daughter, leaving them without clear answers. “All I have are memories of our time together. My parents would be at work, and my siblings and I would be at my auntie’s house; those are my only fond memories of her,” Bryton reflects.

The NTU Professional Baking Program equips students with the fundamental skills needed for entry-level positions in commercial baking within a professional environment. The instruction emphasizes hands-on experience, along with theoretical knowledge and safety practices.