Mesa Community College American Indian Institute

By Alianna Avila | November 25, 2024
Contributing Writer

In honor of Native American Heritage Month 2024 and in support of the NAC-State of New Mexico’s initiatives of Capacity Building and Education, Leo Dayish, NAC-SNM President, joined Mesa Community College American Indian Institute on November 14, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona.

 

 

The American Indian Institute (Institute) invited Leo to lead a Cultural workshop as part of MCC’s Native American Heritage Month events.  As workshop leaders for the Living Traditions Workshop, Leo and his wife, Dr. Delphina Dayish, offered participants an opportunity to experience and learn about the cultural significance, craftsmanship, and sustainable design of the tipi.  “It was a very impactful experience for staff, instructors, and students on our campus, and we are so grateful for the leadership and mentorship of Mr. and Dr. Dayish, and for relatives coming out to support our students,” said M. Talia White, Mesa Community College (MCC) Sr. Specialist, who planned the workshop.  As students sat in the circle, they expressed appreciation and reflections.  Several commented that they were moved by seeing the tipi on campus and that the structure reminded them of their elders’ teaching and home.

The last time MCC had a tipi on campus was in the early 2000s, which was facilitated by the late Loretta Damon.  “We wanted to bring it back in 2024,” Talia said.  Ms. Damon played an instrumental role in the Institute’s significant growth.  Talia continued, “it is important for higher education institutions to acknowledge the lands that our Native students come from, their languages, and the values that are instilled in their native communities.”   Traveling from Farmington, NM, Emerson Farley, joined and assisted with the workshop.  “I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of mentorship and to see the experience made available to students so they can thrive in their academics, their profession and personal growth,” said Emerson.

A shout out to David Montiel, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, for generously providing the tipi for the workshop.  A note of gratitude to Emerson and Vivian Farley for their hands-on support at the workshop.  Thank you to Talia White for your role that supports the successful completion of post-secondary education of Native American students.  Thank you for leadership in bringing all the elements together for the Workshop.

The MCC workshop follows a similar program held at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. On August 23, 2024, Leo was hosted by the Native American Center, Native Skyways to Success Program during new student orientation week.  On Day 6 of the orientation, Fort Lewis College Native American students met with mentors.  As they sat in the tipi circle that they helped construct, they reflected on the past week of orientation, discussed the college experience, and hopes for the coming school year.

Author’s note:  As a young writer, I am so thankful for the opportunity to share this story with you.  It is always a learning experience to see the tipi go up and to take in its beauty, grace and resilience.  I join the sentiment of the MCC students who participated in this workshop and say, “thank you for sharing the teachings with us.”

Copyright 2024, NAC-State of New Mexico