ESF celebrates native American heritage month

Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month

11/03/2020

Celebrating the unique and rich history of American Indians and Alaskan Natives at ESF is a year-long commitment for the Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (OIDE) the Center for Native People's and the Environment (CNPE), and the ESF Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee.

This November, as we commemorate National Native American Heritage Month, it is especially important to recognize how we celebrate the 574 federally-recognized tribes across the United States, and those unrecognized. In addition to the close of higher education institutions, many tribes have closed their reservations and businesses to reduce the spread of COVID-19. OIDE has responded to these space and economic challenges by stepping up virtual outreach through recruitment and celebration of indigenous people. For example, see the dates and times of these new outreach programs for students and the training and education available to employees. Faculty and staff are encouraged to engage students within the new outreach groups. Please contact OIDE if you are interested in participating or supporting them.

We remain dedicated in our efforts to:

Encourage faculty who have an National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to review a number of supplemental mechanisms that a faculty member can apply for that will fund expansion for research experiences of underrepresented high school and undergraduate students. Additionally, there are a number of opportunities that are targeted towards specifically increasing diversity in NSF programs.

Focus on outreach and recruitment efforts among CNPE, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and other entities. This includes (1) helping build/train the newly-formed Racial Equity Committee via ESF Alumni; (2) constructing grant-funded programs that will result in increased numbers of indigenous students and workforce; (3) promoting virtual events for students, alumni and employees.

Offer candidate search committees and admissions officers the tools they need to be successful in their outreach efforts to include American Indians and Alaska Natives for job opportunities and as ESF students. Along with Human Resources, OIDE is deepening its use of best practices.

OIDE's staff are available to answer your questions and help you navigate our recruitment sources that align with our institutional goals. Contact us directly at InclusiveExcellence@esf.edu or contact CNPE to learn more.