National Native American Heritage Month

Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity

Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor and celebrate the vibrant traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. This year's theme, "Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity," underscores the paramount significance of tribal sovereignty, ensuring that decisions affecting tribes, their property, and their citizens are made in collaboration and with their consent. The federal trust responsibility signifies the United States' moral obligation and highest responsibility toward Indian tribes, a commitment we steadfastly uphold. Studio 5 encourages everyone to explore the rich history and heritage of Native Americans by taking a moment to peruse the resources thoughtfully curated below.

NAHM 2023 Theme

Coffee Talk with Sharleen

This November, Studio 5 is delighted to extend a warm invitation to join us for Coffee Talk with our esteemed guests, Sharleen Lowry Krater, Dr. Deserea Langley, Amber Noel-Camacho, and Frankie Torres, who are representatives from The Office of Tribal Relations at California State University, Chico. During the Coffee Talk, we will learn from our guests as they share with us about the impact of The Office of Tribal Relations on Native American faculty and staff. Our guests will also share how they have spent their careers championing Native presence and voices in higher education, including some successes and challenges. Let us unite in our support and commitment to ensuring their legacies thrive for future generations.

Meet Our Host

Sharleen Lowry Krater

Sharleen Lowry Krater is currently the Director of AS Programs, a first-generation student, and a proud alum of CSU Chico. She has worked for the Associated Students of CSU Chico for 17 years holding several positions all supporting shared governance and student development.
Tribes: Maidu, Washo, Pit River, and an enrolled member of the Susanville Indian Rancheria

Meet Our Guests

Amber Noel-Camacho

Amber Noel-Camacho is the Associate Director for the Office of Tribal Relations. She did her undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley and her master’s at Chico State. Amber is a first-generation college student, military wife, and a mother of four.
Tribe: Maidu

Frankie Torres

Frankie Torres is a 4th-year Criminal Justice Major with a minor in American Indian Studies and is a para-professional at The Office of Tribal Relations at CSU, Chico.
Tribes: Paiute and Shoshone

Dr. Deserea Langley

Dr. Deserea Langley (she/her), an enrolled Susanville Indian Rancheria member, is an unwavering force. As an Assistant Professor in Multicultural and Gender Studies at CSU Chico, her expertise lies in American Indian Studies. Driven by her 2021 Ph.D. in Native American Studies from UC Davis and her 2016 NAS master's, she's dedicated to uplifting Native American students and communities by championing Native presence and voices in higher education.
Tribe: Enrolled member of the Susanville Indian Rancheria