To celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, histories and contributions of indigenous people, Cal State Fullerton is presenting a Native American Heritage Month Celebration and Recognition Wednesday, Nov. 6, in Titan Student Union Portola Pavilion.
November is Native American Heritage Month, with the 5:30-7:30 p.m. “Raising Visibility: Indigenous Representation, Rights and Recognition” event hosted by CSUF President Fram Virjee and his wife, Julie.
Keynote speaker is Joely Proudfit, a descendant of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians. Proudfit is chair and professor of American Indian studies and serves as director of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center at Cal State San Marcos.
Proudfit is the lead author and researcher on annual reports on the “State of American Indian and Alaskan Native Education in California.” She earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in political science-public policy and American Indian studies from Northern Arizona University and a bachelor’s degree in political science-public law from Cal State Long Beach.
The program will include an opening prayer and blessing from community advocate Michelle Castillo of the Acjachemen and Chicana nations and performances by storyteller Jacque Tahuka-Nunez, who will share her story of her Acjachemen people, champion drummer Pearson Tahuka-Nunez and champion singer and dancer Jackson Rolling Thunder Nunez. A selection of native and indigenous dishes will be served, compiled by a member of Inter-Tribal Student Council and prepared by Chef Ubi Martins, executive chef of the Gastronome at CSUF.