Native American / Indigenous Graduation

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Friday, May 19, 2023 | 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Arbor Lakes 

The Native American/Indigenous (NAI) Graduation Celebration is a ceremony to recognize the achievements and successes of all NAI graduating students. We honor the contributions that NAI students, staff, faculty, and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria are making to our growing community at Sonoma State University. The celebration also pays tribute to graduating students' families and the tribal communities who have contributed to their success. 

*We welcome all students who identify as Native American, American Indian, and/or Indigenous, including and not limited to Alaska Native, Indigenous Hawaiian, and Indigenous Latinx.

AGENDA

Faculty and Student Processional

Welcome and Land Acknowledgment 

 Alvin S. Rosa-Figueroa, Graduate in Cultural Resource, Management, Geoarchaeology Department of Anthropology, Sonoma State University

Greetings from University Leadership

Silvia Soto, Ph.D., Associate Chair Native American Studies and Assistant Professor, Chicano Latino Studies

Tribal Leader and Keynote Speaker

Patricia Miraz, Tribal Council Member of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and SSU Alumn 2014

Student Speaker

Trelasa Baratta, Enrolled Member of the Middletown Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians of California, Masters in Education

Presentation of 2023 Native American & Indigenous Graduates

Ashley C. Hall, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor, Native American Studies & Multicultural Studies 

Closing Remarks

Dr. Mary Churchill, Cherokee, Lecturer Native American Studies, American Multicultural Studies, Women and Gender Studies

Special thanks: Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, The HUB Cultural Center, SSU Alumni Association, Campus Prints, Conference & Event Services