CSU Monterey Bay celebrates Native American Heritage Month in November with talks, a film screening, a poetry reading, photography exhibit, musical performance and panel discussion – all around the theme of “generational voices.”

All activities are free and open to the public but parking permits must be purchased from machines on the parking lots or online.

RSVPs are requested and can be made by e-mailing Brendan Taylor at bretaylor@csumb.edu or by calling 582-3890.

SCHEDULE:

Nov. 3 • 6-8 p.m. – Native American student and ally reception, includes a beading workshop, exhibit of photos by Professor Ruben Mendoza, talk by muralist Guillermo Aranda and screening of “The Legacy of the Grandfather Flute,” with remarks by director Dennis Johnson.

The reception will be held in the West Lounge of the Student Center. The Student Center faces the main quad; visitors can access it from parking lot 12 off Inter-Garrison Road. For more information on this event, or to request disability acommodations, e-mail rita zhang at rzhang@csumb.edu

Nov. 4****• 6-8 p.m. – Keynote speakers Geri Wisner and Ronald Colombe, University Center ballroom, Sixth Avenue and B Street.

Wisner, a tribal court judge and member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, will speak on “A Journey Through Indian Country.” Her talk presents an opportunity to learn about the complex relationship between the U.S. criminal justice system and tribal courts.

Colombe, a Lakota and member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe of South Dakota, will read from his poetry collection “Thoughts Like a Bullet.” He is an internationally known Native American poet and author whose works include “Silent Shouting, Quiet War” and “Thoughts Like a Bullet.” His poetry and storytelling is often political, always inspiring, and entertaining.

Nov. 10****• 1-2 p.m. – Beth Piatote, Nez Perce author of Domestic Subjects: Gender, Citizenship, and Law in Native Literature, will give a talk in the West Lounge, Student Center.

Nov. 12****• 6-8 p.m. – “A Cultural Perspective on Historical and Contemporary Trauma in Native American Communities,” a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Kathryn England-Aytes, Alumni and Visitors Center, Gen. Jim Moore Boulevard and Inter-Garrison Road.

Panelists include: • Ann Marie Sayers, Mutsun Ohlone, chairwoman of the Indian Canyon Nation and director of the Costanoan Indian Research Center

• Kanyon Sayers-Roods of Costanoan Ohlone and Chumash ancestry

• Gregg Castro, a Salinan T’rowt’raahl founding board member

• Dr. Ruben Mendoza, CSUMB professor

• Dr. George Baldwin, CSUMB professor and recognized member of the Osage and Kansa tribes of Oklahoma

• Dennis Johnson, CSUMB lecturer and Ponca tribal member

Nov. 13****• 6-8 p.m. – “Songs About Indians Tour,” featuring George Baldwin and friends, East Lounge of the Student Center. The Student Center faces the main quad; visitors can access it from parking lot 12 off Inter-Garrison Road.

Each of the musicians shares his or her own view of Indian culture with songs about – and by – Indians. Dr. Baldwin (at right, with Anna Davis) has worked for dozens of Native tribes as a social activist, promoting self-determination through tribal reorganization, integration of new technologies, and education. He is a founding faculty member at CSUMB and a professor in the Social, Behavioral, and Global Studies Division. Driving directions and a campus map are available here.

Native American Heritage Month is sponsored by the Division of Social, Behavioral and Global Studies; the Provost’s Special Event Fund; Student Activities and Leadership Development; Associated Students; Otter Cross Cultural Center; the Office of Inclusive Excellence; the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences’s dean’s office; the Teacher Education Department; the Division of Human Communication; the Department of Psychology; and Sigma Theta Psi.