November marks National Native American Heritage Month, celebrating the significant contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, First Nations, and other Indigenous communities.
Welcome Dr. Carolyn Smith
Dr. Carolyn Smith is a new assistant professor in UC Berkeley's Department of Anthropology. Dr. Smith is an enrolled descendant of the Karuk Tribe. Through interviews, museum collection and archival research, she looks at the broader social and historical contexts in which basket weaving has remained a resilient practice, despite changing attitudes, economies and resources.
Welcome Tedde Simon
Native voices and needs in university priorities, the campus completed the search for a Tribal Liaison, the first position of its kind at UC Berkeley. Tedde Simon (Diné/Navajo) joined UC Berkeley in October and will serve as a campus ambassador to all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples, including both federally recognized and non-federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes as well as Native Hawaiian Organizations. In the position, Tedde will identify, promote and foster better relationships and partnerships between campus and Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples while making visible and honoring the history and celebrate the continued existence and flourishing of Native Nations in California. She will also serve as an advisor to senior leaders on campus and liaise with various campus departments to support alignment with the values of Native Nations and the University.
Events
- November 2, 2023: Sarah Deer speaking on the Indian Child Welfare Act
- November 4-10, 2023: American Indian Film Festival