Bruin Highlight: Past, Present & Future This August 2024 we are highlighting Native Bruin Eva Thomas from the Walpole Island First Nation, a MA graduate of 2009 in American Indians Studies. Eva Thomas is an accomplished director, writer, and producer, with a strong commitment to bringing diverse Indigenous stories to the forefront of film and … Read more
Bruin Highlight: Past, Present & Future This July 2024 we are highlighting Native Bruin Patricia Bengochia (also known as Petey) from the Bishop Paiute Tribal nation, a graduate of 1976. Patricia Bengochia, is one of the first group of Native students that was recruited to UCLA. Pat majored in History with a focus on American … Read more
The UCLA Native community is deeply saddened by the loss of Philip Hale, a beloved member of both the Native Bruin family and the larger Native American community in Los Angeles. We affectionately called him “Phil” within our community, and his presence will be greatly missed. Phil, who was from the Navajo tribe and belonged … Read more
The Arianna & Hannah Yellowthunder Scholarship for 2024-25 Academic Year Eligible Students: Must be a UCLA student during the 2024-25 academic year Student must be an American Indian Studies Major, Minor or a Master’s degree student Or student must have proof of American Indian ancestry/lineal descent Undergraduate students must have 90 units or more during … Read more
SAN FERNANDO, Calif. (KABC) — “Our America: Reclaiming Turtle Island”brings to life the July 2022 National Geographic issue cover story, “We Are Here” and the conversation around Native sovereignty and the efforts Indigenous nations and communities are taking to reclaim Turtle Island — a common Indigenous name for North America. The documentary features narration by … Read more
It was the last resolution of the day but it was a stunner. The Oglala Sioux tribal council voted in an historic decision Sept. 7 to purchase 40 acres of Wounded Knee land from Jeanette Czywczynski for $500,000 – a move that now puts almost all of the Wounded Knee National Historic Landmark site under … Read more
Two issues were on the table during the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs’ hearing June 22: the Department of the Interior’s landmark investigative report on Indian Boarding Schools, and legislation intended to work in tandem with the department’s initiative to address trauma and bring healing to boarding-school survivors and their communities. The 106-page report—released last … Read more
On Friday the entire AIS community—students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends and family—gathered to celebrate the Native and AIS students graduating in 2022. This was our first in-person graduation ceremony since 2019, and emotions ranged from elation to tears to trepidation to relief to gratefulness. Student Services Advisor Tim Topper emceed magnificently, students were blanketed, and … Read more
This interview with Director Shannon Speed of the UCLA American Indian Studies Center discusses the launch of the new Hate Crime Map, which enables victims to report harassment and attacks based on race, gender, and religion. Watch the interview and check out the map at www.hatecrimemap.com.