What does it really mean to acknowledge the land? In this episode, we have an insightful conversation with Primavera Reza-Nakonechny, director of Mt. SAC’s First Peoples’ Native Center and a descendant of the Tarahumara or Raramuri people. They are joined by Alisa Chiula, a Mt SAC student of Pueblo descent. Our conversation is led by our host Chisa Uyeki, guiding us through a conversation on the importance of language, the practices and meaning behind land acknowledgments, how Mt. SAC is working to craft a Land Acknowledgement with tribal input, and how we can go beyond statements into meaningful actions.

In addition, our guests share the importance of our spiritual connection to the land, honoring ancestors, plants, and animal kin alike. They also touch on how our daily lives, policies, songs, and prayers can honor the earth we live on. Join us as we explore what it means to move from acknowledgment to meaningful action. Enjoy!

RESOURCES:

First Peoples Native Center https://www.mtsac.edu/fpnc/

Native American & Indigenous Heritage Month

https://www.mtsac.edu/fpnc/naihm/naihm.html

https://native-land.ca/
Native Land Digital honors the sovereignty of all Indigenous nations, their lands, and their waters. We recognize that these boundaries and territories are representations of the sacred. This is an honouring of Indigenous resilience past, present and future.

Tips for Creating an Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement https://nativegov.org/news/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment/

Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) Grant

California Community College Chancellor’s Office:
On Land Acknowledgement for Community Colleges
American Indian and Alaska Native Student Success
Community College Land Acknowledgement Toolkit

My research

https://laist.com/news/politics/what-to-know-about-land-acknowledgment

National Museum of the American Indian https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/land-acknowledgment

Run time: 28:07 min

To find the full transcript for this episode, click HERE

Have you explored Mt. SAC’s First People’s Native Center yet?Today, we are excited to bring you an in-depth conversation with two special guests: Primavera Reza-Nakonechny, the director of Mt. SAC’s First People’s Native Center and whose family is from the Tarahumara or Raramuri in the unceded lands of Chihuahua, Mexico, and Alisa Chula, a passionate second-year student at Mt. SAC who is a descendant of the Pueblo Tribe.

They share the story of how the First People's Native Center was founded and its key role in empowering Native students. We also explore the Center’s vital role in fostering identity development, and a sense of belonging.

Join us as we explore the impact of the First People’s Native Center in student’s lives. Enjoy!

Resources:

First Peoples Native Center https://www.mtsac.edu/fpnc/

Native American & Indigenous Heritage Month

https://www.mtsac.edu/fpnc/naihm/naihm.html
Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) Grant

California Community College Chancellor’s Office: American Indian and Alaska Native Student Success

Mt. SAC Newsroom Nov. 15, 2022: First Peoples Native Center Opens

Center’s Opening Date in 2022 and additional details about the opening https://www.mtsac.edu/newsroom/news/posts/native_center_opens.html

Run time: 34 min 49 sec

To find the full transcript for this episode, click HERE

Each September 17th the Geography and Political Science Department hosts a campus-wide event to highlight Constitution Day.

This year, a student and alumna of the Mt. SAC Forensic program debated on forced choice voting, and a panel of faculty presented on election-related topics including the current issues motivating the political party bases, political communication, the psychology of polarization, how state election laws vary, and the California proposition process, as well as how to become a more informed voter.

In this episode we hear from students who attended the Constitution Day event and you’ll join me for a sit down with Kelly Rivera, Constitution Day organizer, Chair of the Geography and Political Science Department, and a friend of the POD, (that is, a friend of the Mt. SAC Podcast), to discuss Constitution Day. Kelly will share with us how the Constitution (and Constitution Day) connects to voting and elections in our democracy, and will suggest ways to encourage political engagement and voting.

Resources:

Celebrating Constitution Day from the National Archives https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/constitution-day

Not sure if you are registered? Check your status and register online https://registertovote.ca.gov/

California Same Day Voter Registration https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg

VOTE.org (nonprofit, nonpartisan voting registration and get-out-the-vote platform).

https://www.vote.org/

CAL Matters (nonprofit and nonpartisan) 2024 Voter Guide https://calmatters.org/california-voter-guide-2024/

Run time: 20:25 min

To find the full transcript for this episode, click HERE