Michrina Lecture Series Presents National Writer-Artist Esther Belin to Campus

Colorado Mesa University will host Belin in partnership with the Michrina Fund, an endowment established in remembrance of the late Dr. Michrina who taught at CMU including courses on Native Americans.

While on campus Belin will explore, among other topics, the Indian Relocation Act of 1952. The historic legislation intended to encourage Native Americans in the United States to leave reservations, acquire vocational skills, and assimilate into the general population. Urban relocation efforts began when nearly eight percent of Native Americans lived in U.S. cities. According to the 2000 Census, the Native American population living in urban contexts today is roughly sixty-four percent.

“The Michrina Memorial Lecture Series is an essential resource for creating a place where western Colorado’s community can connect with the nation’s most thoughtful and contemporary thinkers and artists,” says Vincent Patarino, Associate Professor of History at CMU. Patarino is one of the coordinators of the series and continued, “Belin is one of those people who combines art with policy in a way that gives voice to the voiceless and the Michrina Memorial Lecture Series is pleased to host her this fall.”

Belin will speak to Western Colorado from the Meyer Ballroom on Monday, October 8, 6:30pm with refreshments and discussion to follow. Dr. Michrina’s commitment to Native American cultures can be further celebrate through donations to the scholarship fund can be made through the Colorado Mesa University Foundation. Check out our website at coloradomesa.edu/michrina.