News from the Intertribal Resource Center at UC San Diego

Issue #67 Fall 2023 - October

UC San Diego Intertribal Resource Center

Fall Hours: Mon-Fri. 9:00am - 4:00pm by appointment only, please email itrc@ucsd.edu

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

itrc@ucsd.edu | itrc.ucsd.edu

Our attendees from our annual Native American Welcome Dinner making silly faces!

Ask A Native Staff

Each month, we profile one of our amazing Native American students at UC San Diego. In addition, this year we are expanding to include Native American staff and faculty! If you would like to nominate a Native American student, staff, or faculty at UC San Diego for us to feature, you can email us at itrc@ucsd.edu.

The ITRC is proud to introduce...

Michaela Allen-Sanchez, M.A. (she/they)

Tribal Affiliation: Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas

Staff Position: Facilities, Operations, & Student Programs Coordinator at the Intertribal Resource Center

Hometown: San Diego, CA

1. Why did you want to work at the ITRC?

I've always been passionate about serving Native American students. This passion grew out of my work at UC Santa Barbra, where I was a Peer Mentor for the American Indian and Indigenous Cultural Resource Center. In grad school, I committed myself to cultivating belonging and community for Native students, and I could see no better place to do this work than at the ITRC and UCSD. I am excited to support our continuing and prospective Native Tritons as they navigate their educational journey!

2. What advice do you have for Native college students?

I know from first-hand experience that being a Native student in higher education can be, and often is, very isolating. Microaggressions, lack of representation, tokenism, and other issues can take a huge impact on your mental health. My advice to Native students is to find spaces where you feel affirmed and validated in your identities. Finding community is crucial in making UCSD a home-away-from-home. Whether at the ITRC, through a club/organization, or someplace else, find your community and don't be afraid to ask for help or support when you need it. You're not in this alone!

3. What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I like to read (science fiction and fantasy, mostly), do beadwork, spend time with my loved ones, and cuddle my two cats (Pax and Pickles). I'd love to chat more about any of these hobbies or just life in general, so don't hesitate to stop by my office in the ITRC! I can't wait to connect with you all.

What We've Been Up To

Annual Native American Welcome Dinner

On Friday, October 6th, the Intertribal Resource Center held its annual Native American Welcome Dinner for new and returning students, staff, and faculty. Our annual Welcome Dinner provides new and returning Native students a chance to foster community with each other as well as meet Native staff and faculty. ITRC staff highlighted various programs we hold throughout the year, the Native American/Indigenous Studies Minor, and the different Native student organizations we have on campus. Later, students had an opportunity to get to know one other while playing a Bingo scavenger hunt game. The night ended with a raffle where attendees won various UCSD and ITRC swag, as well as merchandise from Native American-owned businesses such as Eighth Generation and Kin Co. We also raffled off Chag Lowry's (Yurok), a UCSD staff member in the School of Public Health, comic books. Thank you to everyone who attended, we look forward to seeing you again soon!

American Indian Recruitment (AIR) Programs 30th Annual Awards and Fundraiser Banquet

On October 19th, ITRC Staff and UCSD Native American Tritons had the opportunity to attend the annual American Indian Recruitment (AIR) Programs banquet held at SDSU. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with others who engage in work with Native American youth across San Diego county. The banquet celebrated 30 years for AIR Programs and recognized outstanding Native American students in their program with awards and scholarships.