News from the Intertribal Resource Center at UC San Diego

Issue #60 Winter 2023 - January

UC San Diego Intertribal Resource Center

Happy New Year from the Intertribal Resource Center!

We are open 10am-3pm Monday to Thursday. We are still located in Price Center West on the 2nd floor, but we'll be moving into our new location very soon!

As always, we invite you to follow us on social media to stay up to date.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or just to say hi!

itrc@ucsd.edu | itrc.ucsd.edu

Our 2022 Powwow Princess, 'Eshash Morales (San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians), attending the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade for UC San Diego on January 16th, 2023.

(Photo Credit: Erik Jepson/University Communications)

In This Issue

January Celebrations

Ask A Native Triton

What We've Been Up To

Upcoming Events

Native American Student Organizations

Campus News

Community News

We want to celebrate with you!

Share your birthday, tell us about a special accomplishment, or recognize another Native Triton!

Click below to share the love!

Native Triton Celebrations

Ask A Native Triton

Each month, we like to profile one of our amazing Native American students at UC San Diego. If you would like to nominate a native American student at UC San Diego for us to feature you can email us at itrc@ucsd.edu.

The ITRC is proud to introduce...

Christine Frazier

Tribal Affiliation: Cheyenne River Sioux

Major: Ecology, Behavior, & Evolution (School of Biological Sciences)

Hometown: Sacramento, CA/Tucson, AZ

Why did you choose UC San Diego?

I chose UC San Diego because of their prestigious STEM reputation. From the beginning, I knew that was an important aspect to me when applying and picking which college to attend because I wanted to enter into a STEM related field. I also chose UC San Diego because of the great location. I feel very lucky to be here in La Jolla with beaches and nice weather all year round.

What do you like to do for fun?

One of my favorite things to do is go to concerts and I am really excited this year because I am seeing Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift. Also, I love going to hockey games and I am finally going to a game for the first time since Covid to watch my favorite hockey team, the Arizona Coyotes. I recently rediscovered my passion for reading and have been rereading old favorites, while exploring different genres.

What advice do you have for incoming Native college students?

My advice for incoming Native college students is to become involved with campus organizations and activities that you have an interest in. Initially college can be really lonely, but joining organizations will allow you to meet so many new people. It is also important because it allows you as a student to take time to enjoy yourself and not be constantly stressed about school.

What We've Been Up To

We hosted our annual Holiday Party on Friday, Dec. 2nd, 2022. Native Tritons, community members, staff and faculty alike came together to share a meal, participate in a White Elephant gift exchange, and gingerbread cookie decorating.

As a treat to our Native Tritons, the ITRC offered care packages during Finals Week, as well as a Finals Study Jam, hosted by our Graduate Community Intern, Cheron and Student Assistant, Melanie. We enjoyed seeing some familiar and some new faces! We'll be offering another Refuel event during Midterms week. Be sure to stop by for a visit!

Winter Solstice Celebration

The SDUSD Title VI & Johnson O'Malley Indian Education Program held a Winter Solstice Celebration Dinner on December 7th. ITRC staff and their families were in attendance and enjoyed a potluck dinner feast with friends. A surprise visit from Santa was the highlight of the evening and all children in attendance received special gifts.

Celebration of Cultures

On December 8th, UC San Diego held the annual Celebration of Cultures. The event focused on amplifying the diverse cultures and perspectives in the communities that make up UC San Diego's staff, faculty, and leadership. The ITRC partnered with the Barona Cultural Center & Museum, Kumeyaay Frybread, and Fancy Shawl dancer, Kiara Love Flores to share Native American perspectives, cultures, food, and dance with attendees.

American Indian Faculty and Staff Association (AIFSA)

After several years hiatus, the American Indian Faculty & Staff Association is on the way to making a triumphant return! The organization recently held its first gathering celebrating the group's revival. AIFSA strives to be an important resource for the campus by bringing together professionals committed to building community and supporting tribal initiatives at UC San Diego. If you are an AI/AN staff or faculty member at UCSD interested in getting involved - reach out to aifsa@ucsd.edu.

UC San Diego Strengthens Native American Communities and Indigenous Scholarship

UC San Diego Today writer Kristie Dilallo featured the ITRC as well as several Native students, staff, and faculty in a recent article about Native American representation at UCSD. To read the article, click the image above or the "Read More" heading below!

(Photo Credit: Erik Jepson/University Communications)