This project is a five part series, explaining the unique situation Indigenous students are in by attending DU, considering the institution’s history in the Sand Creek Massacre; highlighting the struggles these students face on campus and on their journey through higher education; telling stories of their resistance and survival on campus; and more. It serves as a space in which Native students at DU can tell their own stories — stories often shared by many Native students around the country. It serves to educate those outside of the community, and give insight to the devastating national statistics about the retention of Indigenous students in higher education.

Read more about why this project was started here.

About the Author:

Grace Carson is a fourth-year student from the University of Denver (DU) majoring in journalism and political science, with a minor in English. Besides being a student, she serves various roles at DU. She serves as secretary and pow wow co-chair for the Native Student Alliance, is the Executive Editor at the Clarion, and is a Community-Engaged Fellow in Access & Education at the Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning (CCESL). Beyond her roles at DU, she is passionate about social and racial justice, writing, and serving her community. Next fall, she plans on attending UCLA School of Law in both the David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy and the Critical Race Studies program. Find out how to contact Grace here.