Honoring Native Tradition and Community Through Academic Excellence
Viola Cordova Lecture Series on March 4, 2009
Sponsored by The Native American Studies Indigenous Research
Group (NASIRG)
Time: 2-5pm, reception following the event
Place: Student Union Bldg., (SUB), Santa Ana B
Call NAS at 277-3917 for further information
"What is a Community-Based paradigm
for Native American Studies?"
The NAS faculty will present on how we envision implementing our mission
of Community Building and what is community-based work in academia.
Each faculty member will present their work and perspective on a community-based
paradigm as it pertains to their respective fields including anthropology,
educationhistory, journalism and science.
Viola Cordova was the first Native American woman to receive a Ph.D. in philosophy. Even as she became an expert on canonical works of traditional Western philosophy, she devoted herself to defining a Native American philosophy. Although she died of a brain aneurysm before she could complete her life’s work, some of her colleagues have organized her pioneering contributions into a provocative book entitled: How It Is The Native American Philosophy of V. F. Cordova.
Nizhoni Days
Nizhoni Days was first conducted in
1955. Nizhoni Days is a
week of celebration and sharing of American Indian culture with UNM
students, staff, faculty, and the general public, held annually late
April. For more information contact KIVA Club: kiva@unm.edu
NAS Graduation
Convocation - May 13, 2009
The first Native American Studies
Graduation Convocation was held in May 2005 at the University of New
Mexico honoring graduates receiving the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Native
American Studies and recipients of the Minor in NAS. Since, NAS has made
a commitment to honor its’ graduates prior to and separate from the larger
UNM Graduation Ceremony. The NAS Convocation includes a reception and
recognition by the Dean of University College, Director of NAS, faculty
and other UNM leaders who have been instrumental in supporting students
and their families.
A short keynote talk is presented by an invited guest focusing on the completion of a goal in students’ lives and other acknowledgements are made on behalf of the Kiva Club and the Native American Studies Honor Society. Previous keynote speakers have included Dennis Banks (Ojibway- Activist), Lynda Lovejoy (Diné - New Mexico State Senator) and Alvin Warren (Santa Clara - Cabinet Secretary, NM Indian Affairs Department.