November 9, 2023
Mesa College Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
Local Tribal Nation members will join Mesa for the flag raising ceremony
By Jennifer N. Kearns
San Diego, CA – All through the month of November 2023, San Diego Mesa College will
celebrate Native American Heritage Month with student panels, film screenings, resource
sessions and a flag raising ceremony. The Mesa College Committee for Diversity Action,
Inclusion & Equity (CDAIE) has worked closely with local tribal leaders and students
to plan culturally relevant events, and recently facilitated the adoption of a Land
Acknowledgement for the College.
“Acknowledging the indigenous peoples that dwelled on this land long before us is
just one part of our commitment to honoring our local community, and being the leading
college of equity and excellence,” stated Dr. Ashanti T. Hands, Mesa College President.
“Our connection, collaboration and relationship with the local tribal nations strengthens
us and adds to the rich community at Mesa, of which we are proud,” stated Dr. Edeama Jonah, Mesa College Associate Professor and Equity and Engagement Librarian.
The Flag Raising Ceremony on Tuesday, November 14, is being held in conjunction with
community members of the Tribal Nation and will feature the land acknowledgment, a
Kumeyaay Elder speaking briefly on Kumeyaay history, and singers lead by the Soaring
Eagles Native American Indian Cultural Dance Group.
Event: Native American Heritage Month Flag Raising Ceremony
Date/Time: Tuesday, November 14, 1:15 p.m.
Location: San Diego Mesa College Flag Pole
7250 Mesa College Drive. San Diego, CA 92111
Please see the Mesa College Campus Map
Parking: Members of the media please display media placards and park only in faculty/staff
spaces.
Visuals: Mesa College students, faculty, staff, and administrators gathered
with local tribal representatives
Raising the flag ceremonial elements
1:1’s with Mesa and tribal community representatives
Contact: Dr. Edeama Jonah, eonwuchekwa@sdccd.edu
San Diego Mesa College Land Acknowledgement
We, at San Diego Mesa College, acknowledge that the land we occupy is unceded territory
of the Kumeyaay people, indigenous to this region from time immemorial. The Kumeyaay
people continue to demonstrate strength in their ability to surmount generational
trauma, which started with the injustices of colonization and continues to this day.
The relationship of the Kumeyaay people with the land underlies their strong commitment
to protect the land, preserve their heritage, and work for balance and harmony. This land acknowledgment is our commitment to honor the Kumeyaay people and to establish
a relationship with them based on truth and mutual respect.
Learn About the Mesa College Restorative Action Plan.
About San Diego Mesa College
San Diego Mesa College is a fully accredited, comprehensive community college committed
to access, success, and equity. We honor those commitments as a diverse community
of students, faculty, professional staff, and administrators who collaborate to foster
scholarship, leadership, innovation, and excellence in an inclusive learning environment.
By promoting student learning and achievement that leads to degrees and certificates,
transfer, workforce training, and lifelong learning, we empower our students to reach
their educational goals and shape their future. Among the largest community colleges
in California, Mesa College serves 30,000 students per year, 25% of whom are full-time.
Mesa offers nearly 200 associate degree and certificate programs and is one of 15
California community colleges offering a four-year baccalaureate degree. Mesa ranks
as San Diego’s top transfer institution, is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution and
a Military Friendly School, serving more than 3,500 veterans and their families. www.sdmesa.edu.
Find San Diego Mesa College on Social Media:
Facebook.com: sandiegomesacollege
Twitter.com: sdmesacollege
Instagram.com: sdmesacollege
Youtube: youtube.com: sdmesacollege
Snapchat: sdmesacollege
LinkedIn: San Diego Mesa College
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Tags: Kumeyaay Flag, CDAIE, Press Release, Native American Heritage Month, Committee for Diversity Action Inclusion and Equity
