Cole Morales (transcript)

Title

Description

An oral history with Cole Morales, Chico State Enterprises at Chico State’s Tribal Relations who resides in Chico, California. This interview was conducted for HNRS 300 Ethnic Studies Methodologies Oral History project for California State University, Chico. The purpose of this interview was to gather information on the current relationship between the university and the local Mechoopda tribe. This interview details the origins of Tribal Relations on Chico State campus and what the program does to lend aid to the local Native community. The Mechoopda have generations of history within Chico and Morales entails what has been done between the University and Tribal Relations to maintain their relationship. Morales details the progress of giving land back to the Mechoopda, how this has affected the University’s policy, and how the community has transformed from its beginnings in the 1950’s. Due to the lack of representation and resources on campus, students who formed a Native American Club began to push for a larger scale program to house these needs. This interview describes the push that led to the formation of Tribal Relations and its contributions such as becoming much more involved in gathering a community that was pushed away in Chico’s past. Furthermore, the Mechoopda’s involvement within campus such as granting land to be disturbed and offering blessings to these sites. This was seen most recently with Chico State’s newest College of Behavioral and Social Sciences building; before any plans could be made, the University first had to get permission from the Tribe’s council to uproot the ground and proceed with construction. Once the building was completed, the Council was also present to bless the site. Not only does Morales cover the University’s relationship with the Mechoopda, but he also describes the relationship with the community and how the program has helped form a larger group of people. Many times throughout the year, local tribes and Native peoples gather at Big Time. A California Big Time is a social gathering and celebration amongst California Native Tribes. It is an opportunity to share cultural heritage through demonstration dances, storytelling, games, food and other cultural practices. Big Times are often rooted in tradition, but inclusive community events to foster intertribal connection and cultural exchange. The community has become closely knit and has been steadily growing since the formation of Tribal Relations and their determination for representation. Throughout campus, there are also murals and exhibits that remind students that the Mechoopda have generational ties to the land and their presence within the community is prioritized to the University.

Interviewee

Cole Morales

Date Created

November 14, 2024

Document Format

pdf

File size

148 KB

Item