Rigoberto Madrid
News Reporter

The Native American Student Council (NASC) celebrates their significant month in November.
According to the 2007-2010 student profile census, enrollment for Native and Alaskan American students at Mesa State was 1.2 percent (about 92 students). The NASC is a small but dedicated group looking forward to bringing awareness to campus.
“You don’t have to be Native American to be a part of the club. I think that’s pretty key,” said Chantelle Colton, N.A.S.C. club president. “It’s all about their desire. I want them (students) to have a deeper understanding, and respect for the culture we’re living in. There is a sacredness that surrounds us and I feel as if people may negate it, desecrate it, or mock it. I would just like to inform people and get those people to participate.”
Through November, there is a display case in the Tomlinson Library showing the culture, and history of Native Americans.
On Nov. 29, the NASC will do a walk in remembrance of the Sand Creek Massacre. The NASC will walk from MSC to the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, located at 655 Struthers Ave. off of Riverside Parkway. The Sand Creek Massacre took place on the morning of November 29, 1864, when a 700 members of the Colorado Territory militia attacked a village of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians.
On Nov. 16, the NASC will host a café day with special traditional recipes from Native American culture and will also welcome a Native American singer.
Tim Trujillo from Native Ink Tattooing is a devoted Native American who will be singing and drumming ceremonial songs from the Native American culture.
“It is a great honor to be able to share my culture to the public and the ways of the Native American,” said Trujillo, a Navajo adopted into the Lakota ways.
The NASC meets every Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. Their club activities include games, nightly activities, and travel opportunities. For more information on any NASC event, please call 248-1193.
u
remadrid@mesastate.edu