ASHLEY DAY
PRIDE STAFF WRITER
On Oct. 29, 2010, President Barack Obama signed a presidential proclamation declaring November as National Native American Heritage Month.
San Diego County contains approximately 18-19 Native American reservations, the largest in the United States. There are four tribal groupings in San Diego County: the Luiseno, the Cupeno, the Cahuilla, and the Kuumeyaay (Diegueno).
Closer to home, Cal State San Marcos’s foundations lie engulfed in Native American culture. The campus is located on Luiseno land, thus, our campus maintains close relationships with the surrounding bands of Native Americans. Dating back to more than 20 years ago, when CSUSM was a North County satellite campus of San Diego State University, the small campus library held the first American Indian Storytelling. Elders from surrounding tribes drew hundreds of listeners from the local community to learn more about Native American culture.
The first graduating class of CSUSM requested the Luiseno word for mountain lion, “tukwut” (pronounced “TOOK-woot”) to be the official campus mascot. However, somewhere along the first years of history of CSUSM, campus administration opted for the more generic mascot, “cougar.” A ferocious cougar statue lies in our recently named Tukwut Courtyard. The “tukwut” is, for now, our “unofficial” mascot.
In 2004, the leaders on campus created an official tribal liaison position that fosters the role of interacting with local tribal governments. Our current tribal liaison is Tishmall Turner, a member of the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians. Other Native American leaders on our campus include Dr. Joely Proudfit, part of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians. Dr. Proudfit is also a member of the California Indian Sovereignty Center and The Native American Advisory Council. The student-based American Indian Student Alliance (AISA) is an active student organization based on increasing awareness and acceptance of Native Americans. Dr. Proudfit encourages people to come visit the California Indian Sovereignty Center and AISA to become engaged and involved in Native American culture. Any student may join AISA, whether they are Native American or not.
Dr. Proudfit said, “If students would like to get engaged in the Native American community, here on campus, they should enroll in some Native American based courses.” She went on to say the courses really brought students closer to the communities around campus. Typically, in the spring, students get to take field trips to local reservations and speak with community members about tribal life. In the fall, community leaders come to CSUSM to talk about the challenges faced by Native Americans. Also, a Native American Studies minor may be taken.
Recently, our campus recognized National Native American Heritage Month by showcasing the Native American film, “Older than America.” The presentation drew a full house and some audience members had to sit on the floor. The film was the first to be entirely directed and produced by a female Native American named Georgina Lightning. Lightning flew out from Arkansas for a Q&A session and to premiere her film at CSUSM. “Older than America” boasted a terrific Native American cast and “The Hangover” actor, Bradley Cooper. When the film ended, it received a standing ovation from the audience and tears fell down the faces of many audience members.
CSUSM’s history has always melded with the San Diego Country Native American tribes and will continue to do so as long as the campus enriches students with the fascinating cultures. For more information on how to get involved with the Native American campus community, contact AISA at [email protected] or visit the website at http://www.csusm.edu/air/.