Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events for Native American Heritage Month - November 2024.
November 13 | NAHM Kickoff Celebration - Featuring Keynote Speaker: Dr. Cutcha Risling Baldy (Hupa, Karuk, and Yurok)
18th Annual Native American Heritage Month Kickoff Celebration and Outstanding Triton Awards! On Sale NOW!
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Early check-in: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Price Center WEST Ballrooms, 2nd Floor
Description:
The UC San Diego Intertribal Resource Center (ITRC), the Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) Planning Committee, and the Native American campus community cordially invite you and your team to celebrate the 18th Annual Native American Heritage Month Celebration and Outstanding Triton Awards taking place on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at the Price Center West Ballroom.
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Cutcha Risling Baldy (Hupa, Karuk, and Yurok) Dr. Risling Baldy is an Associate Professor at Cal Poly Humboldt who researches Indigenous feminisms, California Indians, Environmental Justice, Traditional Ecological Knowledge and decolonization.
In addition, we will be joined by the Blue Eagle Vigil Kumeyaay Bird Singers, Soaring Eagles Powwow Dancers, and the Green River Singers.
For more information to purchase/reserve a table, please contact NAHM@ucsd.edu
November 14 | Skoden Wellness Club - FREE
Skoden Wellness Club
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Intertribal Resource Center, Room 187
Description: Take time for self-care with Shandiin (Diné), one of our Native alumna, as she leads a session on wellness, self-care, and stress relief. Unwind, relax, and learn strategies to break away from the pressures of daily life.
Treat yourself to an hour of well-being and joy with us. No RSVP necessary. This event is Free.
For more information, please contact ITRC@ucsd.edu
Event flyer coming soon!
November 14 | We Are Corn WAAKI Screening, Q&A and Reception with Victor Masayesva, Jr., Hopi Filmmaker - FREE
WE ARE CORN - WAAKI (Sanctuary) Screening with Q&A and Reception
WAAKI - Ancestral Migration:Seeking Sanctuary in Hopi Knowledge by Otherwise Film Festival
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Geisel Library Seuss Room, 2nd (Main) Floor, Southwest, 9500 Gilman Dr La Jolla, CA 92093
The event is FREE and open to the public. Registration is required
Description:
Looking at how the Creation stories of the Hopi, Nahua and Maya give them a special connection to maize/corn, synthesized in the statement, “We are corn”. There are many songs, displays and ceremonial practices that affirm this connection. Waaki looks deeper into the world community and how it is connected to maize/corn - what are the interrelationships that exist and celebrates the human capacity for tolerance and compassion in a time when people are becoming more intolerant of difference.
7:00 PM - Live Q&A in the presence of filmmaker Victor Masayesva, led by professor Ignacio Carvajal Literature department
7:30 PM - Reception: “Renowned Hopi filmmaker Victor Masayesva, Jr. explores the centrality of corn for the Hopi, Nahua, and Maya, tracing the role of corn from creation stories to today’s struggles against climate change.
The film presents complex interrelationships between humans, plants, food systems, animals, birds, ceremonies and the cycles of the earth, sun and moon within the universe from a Hopi, Maya, and Nahua perspective. By tracing the lineage and mysterious origins of corn, we gain a deeper understanding of the ancestry of communities that transcend borders.
Masayesva writes, “The idea of sanctuary in our time is colored by the politics of human immigration. As contemporary media consumers, we are saturated with threats and security measures originating from alerts about immigration in our neighborhood. Today state borders have restricted and closed the numerous routes blazed by migrants and only wild birds and animals move freely without visas but nonetheless restricted to wildlife refuges.
Humankind has been in constant movement since the emergence, intent on leaving an oppressive order, seeking a better life, seeking sanctuary. For our age, sanctuary cannot be only within familiar beliefs and borders but beyond in the hope we carry in our soul. Sanctuary is the best we can be at the moment, and in the future.”
Victor Masayesva, Jr. (born 1951) is a Hopi filmmaker, video-artist, and photographer. Born on the Hopi Reservation of Arizona, and growing up in Hotevilla, Masayesva’s artistic career reflects his active participation with the Hopi community, his body of work promoting Hopi culture and worldview. Scholar Martin Padget considers Masayesva “one of the most influential Indigenous filmmakers and photographers of his generation.” Masayesva’s films and photographs are diverse and complex in nature, often employing diverse visual language, and an experimental approach towards media. The majority of his films are in Hopi language and are destined for his community, especially to pass-on traditional teachings to youth. Masayesva has also been personally involved in promoting indigenous media, both in the United States and Internationally.
November 15 | Language and Culture Table - FREE
Language and Culture Table
November 15, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Intertribal Resource Center, Room 187
Description:
Join us for an engaging session on the role of magic systems in fiction, presented by Cole Neal, Iipay Kumeyaay Student Assistant at the ITRC.
Explore how magic brings mystery and excitement across genres. Everyone is welcome, and food will be served during the presentation.
Please RSVP HERE if you plan to attend. This event is Free.
For more information, please contact ITRC@ucsd.edu
Event flyer coming soon!
November 18 | Gender Bite #3 Rethinking Thanksgiving - FREE
Join the Women's Center (WC) for our third Gender Bite – Give and Take: Rethinking Thanksgiving on Monday, November 18th from 2 - 3pm at the WC! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we’ll be discussing the harmful and oppressive narrative of Thanksgiving. In addition, we will be highlighting Indigenous women and their contributions to their community. Light snacks will be provided!
Time/DATE: 2-3pm Monday Nov 18th
LOCATION-Women's Center, Original Student Center 2nd floor above Blue Pepper, A204
November 19 | Beyond Land Acknowledgments Workshop - FREE
Beyond Land Acknowledgments Workshop
Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Intertribal Resource Center, Room 187
Description:
Beyond Land Acknowledgements, led by ITRC Coordinator Michaela Allen Sanchez (Lipan Apache & Mexican-American), is an engaging and introspective workshop aimed at moving beyond traditional land acknowledgements towards fostering genuine support and allyship for Native students and communities at UCSD and beyond.
In this session, participants will delve into critical discussions about their own positionalities and explore departmental protocols to identify opportunities for growth and advocacy. Through interactive activities and guided reflections, participants will develop a deeper understanding of how to create tangible forms of support.
By the end of the workshop, attendees will walk away equipped with actionable items to enact positive change for the betterment of Native communities within their spheres of influence.
Space is limited, so please RSVP HERE to attend. This event is Free.
For more information, please contact ITRC@ucsd.edu
Event flyer coming soon!
November 20 | Smoke Signals Movie Screening and Dinner - FREE
Smoke Signals Movie Screening and Dinner
Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Intertribal Resource Center, Room 187
Description:
Join us for a special screening of the heartwarming coming-of-age film “Smoke Signals” (1998). A cult-classic in the Native American community, this film explores themes of identity, family, and healing through the humorous yet heartfelt journeys of best friends Victor and Thomas.
Dinner and beverages will be provided by the ITRC.
All are welcome! Please RSVP HERE if you plan to attend. This event is Free.
For more information, please contact ITRC@ucsd.edu
Event flyer coming soon!
November 21 | Indigenous Sustainable Design Forum and Movie Screening: We are Guardians
Indigenous Sustainable Design Forum - Tickets on sale now!
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
Description:
Join us for an extraordinary International Forum, co-hosted by the Kumeyaay and Maasai, bringing together Indigenous leaders from the USA, Kenya, Australia, Brazil, Japan, and beyond. This event offers:
- Insightful Panel Discussions: Learn from global Indigenous leaders about challenges and solutions in sustainability, cultural preservation, and leadership.
- Authentic Cultural Entertainment: Immerse yourself in performances that reflect the rich traditions of Indigenous cultures worldwide.
- Art Exhibitions: Discover Indigenous art that celebrates heritage and creativity.
- Indigenous Bazaar: Shop unique handcrafted goods made by Indigenous artisans.
- Indigenous Foods: Savor traditional dishes representing the diversity of Indigenous cultures.
- Virtual Reality Experiences: Step into the world of Indigenous ceremonies and landscapes through cutting-edge VR technology.
Film Screening
As part of this immersive day, enjoy a special screening of Indigenous films, including mini shorts and the feature film We Are Guardians. This powerful documentary explores the efforts of Indigenous leader Puyr Tembé and other activists mobilizing to protect their ancestral lands from deforestation and invasion. Executive Producer Leonardo DiCaprio presents this compelling story of hope and resilience, offering a vision for a sustainable future for the Amazon and our planet.
Be inspired by innovative ideas and stories that will shape a sustainable future for San Diego and beyond.
November 23 | Indigenous Ocean Day at Birch Aquarium
Kumeyaay Canoe (Tule Boats) Workshop - Tickets on sale now!
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way La Jolla, CA 92037.
Indigenous community members will receive complimentary aquarium admission.
Description:
Join us at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography for an immersive workshop exploring the intersection of ocean sustainability and Indigenous knowledge.
Build a full-sized tule reed boat with the opportunity to ride it, and engage in discussions on ocean conservation, Kumeyaay canoe-making, and navigation traditions.
This unique workshop is led by Dr. Stanley Rodriguez (Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel Kumeyaay). We are also honored to be joined by a coral farmer from Japan who is actively restoring coral reefs.
- Birdsinging groups
- Storytelling
- Demonstrations & hands-on activities
- Tule Boat Making
- Ocean Animals
- Ethnobotany with native plants
- Indigenous Cultural & Educational Organizations
For more information, please email Nan Renner, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, nrenner@ucsd.edu with any questions.
November 24 | Yoga with Maasai
YOGA with Maasai - Tickets on sale now!
Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Description:
Experience a unique and culturally enriching yoga session with the Maasai, where you’ll learn ancient healing practices passed down through generations.
Flyer coming soon!
November 25 | Beading Workshop - FREE
Beading Workshop
Date: Monday, November 25, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Intertribal Resource Center, Room 187
Description:
Come join us at the ITRC to learn how to make beautiful powwow-style beaded earrings or bring your own personal beading project! Beading holds deep significance in many Native communities, serving not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a way to pass down culture, stories, and traditions through generations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and create! This workshop is beginner-friendly and open to everyone.
All supplies will be provided, please RSVP HERE as space and materials are limited. This event is Free.
For more information, please contact ITRC@ucsd.edu
Event flyer coming soon!
