MESA, Ariz. --- Oct. 1, 2024 Mesa Community College and Matriarch Ways invites the community to join in a conference-style celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day. Individuals may attend the day-long event featuring inspiring speakers, land/water defense panelists, holistic healing practices, poets, artists, cultural workshops and engaging performances including music by Blest One.
The celebration takes place 9 a.m. 4 p.m., Oct. 14, 2024, in the Navajo Room at MCC’s Southern & Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. Admission and parking are free for the gathering.
“We embrace a heart-driven approach to foster space and love within our community,” said Laura Medina, founder of Matriarch Ways. “We advocate for united efforts against extractive industries, aiming to ensure clean drinking water, breathable air, and access to land for all beings. Join us on Indigenous Peoples Day Arizona and immerse yourself in a vibrant array of activities that showcase Indigenous Excellence in Actiona theme that reflects our ancestor’s commitment to community empowerment.”
M. Talia White, Diné, Senior Student Services Specialist at the MCC American Indian Institute, shared, “We are truly honored to collaborate with Matriarch Ways in supporting their vision for this gathering. Since 2015, they have been hosting this event annually, and we are excited to be part of this year’s celebration.”
White continued, “At Mesa Community College, we take pride in serving over 1,200 Native American students. This fall, we have representation from 18 of the 22 Tribal Nations in Arizona, as well as from other Tribal Nations across the country. Partnering with Matriarch Ways, a non-profit dedicated to uplifting Indigenous voices, knowledge, and traditions, aligns seamlessly with the mission of the American Indian Institute. Together, we strive to provide healing, strength, and preservation for future generations through education, cultural programming, and community engagement.”
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Contact: Julie Ruiz, 480-461-7283, julie.ruiz@mesacc.edu
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.