The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE


Media Contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627
kwent2@unm.edu

April 9, 2008

Native American Activist is Focus of Indigenous Nations Library Program Discussion at UNM

The Indigenous Nations Library Program at University Libraries is sponsoring two events focused on the life and interests of Larry Casuse on Wednesday, April 16 at Zimmerman Library on the University of New Mexico campus.

A brown bag event at noon in the Herzstein Room features an informal discussion with David Correla, University of Maine, and Frank Bosler, temporary faculty at UNM-Gallup. A panel discussion follows at 3 p.m. in the Willard Room in the West Wing of Zimmerman Library.

The topic will be Larry Casuse, a former UNM student and activist who died in a shootout with police in March 1973, after he kidnapped the mayor of Gallup, New Mexico. Casuse grew up in western New Mexico, frustrated with the alcoholism, racism and poverty he saw as a Native American. He became an activist and tried to organize his fellow students to fight some of the complex problems he saw. Today he is remembered with honor by Native Americans for his efforts.

Both events are free and open to the public.

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