Ann Marie Sherman
Hometown: Montezuma Creek, Utah
Native American/American Indian Utahn, Native American Coordinator and
Refugee Liaison for Alpine School District
My name is Ann Marie Sherman, and I call Utah home. As a Native American, with roots in the Navajo and Zuni tribes, my journey has been one of reconnecting with my heritage, building community, and celebrating resilience. Though I was born in New Mexico and I spent most of my early years on the Navajo reservation in Southeastern Utah.
After graduating high school, I pursued my education at Southern Utah University and later Brigham Young University, where I earned a degree in elementary education. My path took me to teaching, a calling I discovered as early as fourth grade. For 17 years, I worked as an elementary school teacher, fostering a love for learning and sharing pieces of my culture with students.
While I loved teaching, I felt a disconnect from my roots. When an opportunity arose to serve as the Native American coordinator and refugee liaison for Alpine School District, I jumped at the chance. From my very first meeting, hearing a cultural reverence prayer in my Navajo language, it felt like coming home. It was as if I had stepped back into the rhythm of my people, and I knew a sense of belonging.
In my role, I work to bring cultural awareness to families and students. I organize beading and hoop dancing classes, plan events that bring our Native community together, and help Native youth reconnect with their heritage. I also support high school seniors, organizing scholarship nights and advocating for opportunities to ensure their success. Every day, I am reminded of the strength and beauty of our traditions.
Living in Draper, surrounded by the mountains, I find solace and connection to the land. Utah’s natural beauty inspires me, from the sunsets in Monument Valley to the peace of kayaking in Dutch John. These places remind me of the deep ties our culture has to the earth.

Ann Marie’s Top Places, Spaces, & Things that Help Make Utah Home:
- Native American Community Events
- Southeastern landscape of Utah
- BYU Creamery
- The mountains that surround her home
My message to others seeking belonging in Utah is simple:
As I reflect on my journey, I see a story of resilience and reconnection. I’ve learned that sometimes we must step away to rediscover who we truly are.

“Take that first step. Build friendships, explore the beauty around you, and embrace the values that make us a community. For me, this journey has been about finding my way back to my people and, in doing so, finding my true self.”
Ann Marie Sherman