Celebrate Native and Indigenous Heritage Month
Metropolitan State University of Denver resides on the ancestral lands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Sioux, and Ute people, all of whom still are in an ongoing relationship with this land. One of the ways we fight the erasure of Indigenous peoples is by recognizing the history that brought settlers, whether voluntary or formerly enslaved, to occupy this land. Here, that history is the Colorado Gold Rush of 1858 and 1859, where settlements like Auraria and Denver as well as other land grabs for gold mining that devastated the land and interrupted Ute and Cheyenne ways of living. Over the course of the next 20 years and the next rushes to take silver from the ground, the Cheyenne and Ute were displaced from this area, their homeland. By knowing this history, we can better understand our place within it and seek to be in the right relationship with the people who were here before us, and with the lands we, too, must steward in our work.
In recognition of Native Indigenous Heritage Month in November, the Center for Equity and Student Achievement (CESA), Veteran and Military Student Services, and the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion (CMEI) will be hosting a variety of events to educate the campus on issues that are pertinent to the Indigenous peoples of North America. It is especially important to understand that Native Indigenous communities still exist and with your support, their voices can be centered and heard. Join us, to dispel preconceived notions of indigeneity and to better understand indigenous intersectional identities.
Events
Keep scrolling down to view all events for this month!
All Events are Open to the Auraria Campus and Community!
Native Indigenous Heritage Month Kick-Off: Food Fair & Community Showcase
Monday, November 4th | 11:00AM – 1PM | Tivoli Turnhalle
Join us as we celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of Native and Indigenous communities at our Kick-Off event for Native Indigenous Heritage Month. The event features a vibrant Food Fair, offering a variety of traditional and contemporary dishes that highlight the diverse culinary heritage of Indigenous peoples. Alongside the food, enjoy a Community Showcase filled with resources for the Native and Indigenous communities. This event is a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate together. All are welcome!
Honoring our Native American Veterans
Tuesday, November 12th | Noon – 2:00PM | Jordan Student Success Building 400
Join us for a compelling panel discussion featuring esteemed Native American veterans Gerald Montour and Phil Gover, who will share their unique experiences serving in the armed forces. This event offers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs they faced, both during their military service and as members of Native communities.
The Three Facets of Native Identity
Tuesday, November 19th | Noon – 1PM | Jordan Student Success Building 400
Join us for an enlightening discussion exploring the rich and diverse aspects of Native identity, featuring insightful perspectives from speakers Nora Pulskamp and Carolina Castoreno will discuss the significance of native identity racially, politically, and culturally.
Nora Pulskamp and Carolina Castoreno will guide us through these themes, sharing their expertise and personal experiences. Whether you’re a member of a Native community or simply curious about the complexities of identity, this event promises to be a thought-provoking exploration that fosters understanding and appreciation. Join us in celebrating Native voices and the multifaceted nature of identity!
Event Biographies
Nóra Pulskamp (Navajo) is Tsi’naajinii clan, and her maternal grandfather is Tódichi’ii’nii clan. She attended the University of California, Los Angeles where she received a BA in psychology before eventually pursuing her MA in Higher Education at the University of Redlands. Nóra has worked in Native higher education for over 20 years and is currently serving as the Director of Native Student Programs at the University of Redlands. Her work in higher education has covered a broad range of areas; student advocacy, community outreach/partnerships, recruitment, retention, alumni affairs, academic advising, and advancement. Nóra considers herself lucky to have been able to focus her efforts on addressing the needs of Native communities.
Carolina Castoreno Director of Operations & Programming at Indiana Latino Expo. Carolina has a long history in community engagement and non-profit work, and she previously served as the Executive Director of the American Indian Center of Indiana for 6 years where she developed new programming, services, and collaborative coalitions within the state. Embracing her dual heritage, she proudly identifies as both American Indian and Mexican Indian, holding citizenship in the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas, descending from the Mescalero Apache tribe, and tracing her roots to Purépecha communities in Mexico.
At Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, Carolina pursued her BA in an Individualized Major focusing on Multicultural and Diversity Studies with a minor in Creative Writing. She served as the President of the Native American Student and a member of the Latino Student Association. While there she was a recipient of the Si Se Puede Award at the Cesar Chavez Dinner for community involvement, the Women’s Student Leadership Award, the Sindoqua Scholarship for Native American Women, and the Nina Mason Pulliam Scholarship. She has presented as a panelist and keynote speaker at several Diversity conferences and universities across the state and country on topics surrounding identity, civil rights, and representation for Indigenous and Latino communities.
Carolina is a writer, community organizer, and mother who is dedicated to social justice and cross-cultural collaboration in the professional and educational spheres of our society. Currently she volunteers as a host for a local Spanish-speaking television program for their monthly community engagement segment and serves as a mentor for young leadership programs. She also provides consultation for non-profit development, grant-writing, DEI implementation, and fundraising.
Auraria Native Indigenous Alliance (NISA)
Interested in joining NISA? Use this link below to contact us and get involved!
NISAWant to Learn More?
To build and strengthen ties to the Native and Indigenous communities within Denver, please visit and support the following organizations and resources below:
Support MSU Denver’s Native Indigenous Student Alliance (NISA) in future events.
Denver Indian Center: A non-profit dedicated to supporting the elders and youth of Denver.
Denver March Powwow: one of the many Native Indigenous sponsored events in Denver.
Four Winds American Indian Council: organization dedicated to strengthening and empowering a resilient Indian community in metropolitan Denver.
Spirit of the Sun: founded on the belief that effective and sustainable development work recognizes the intersections of culture, community, economy, health, and that true success is only possible through collaboration.
Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion (CMEI)
Questions? Contact CMEI
Learn More About CMEIPhone:
303-615-0606
Mailing Address:
Campus Box 39, P.O. Box 173362, Denver, CO 80217-3362