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Native American Heritage Month: Resources

Campus Resources

Native Resource Center

The Native Resource Center at San Diego State University, residing on Kumeyaay Land, facilitates the academic and personal success of Native American and Indigenous identified students through: relevant and accessible programming and resources, services to identify and address barriers to academic achievement, community building, on and off-campus partnerships, and advocacy for the inclusion of Native American/Indigenous peoples’ unique histories, cultures, and perspectives in campus programs and curriculum. 

Latin American Studies Student Organization (LASSO)

LASSO is an SDSU student organization that is open to all grade levels and disciplines. Its members are active not just in academics but in advocacy, activism, art, community service and all other arenas that raise awareness and knowledge of LAS-related topics, activities and events in San Diego and beyond. Our purpose is to gain an understanding of Latin America’s place in many academic disciplines as well as to enhance the student experience in their various degree programs through exploring the cultures and influences of Latin America. Membership is open to all SDSU students with an interest in Latin America.

Our purpose: to gain an understanding of Latin America’s place in many academic disciplines as well as to enhance the student experience in their various degree programs through exploring the cultures and influences of Latin America.

Latin America is a region. It is a concept. It is a symbol. It is a place and a notion that exist both geographically and ideologically, tangible yet not and ever-changing yet concrete, like the ancient ruins that freckle its weary and wary landscape. For these reasons and so many others, Latin American Studies is an academic realm unlike any other, and much like the region that governs its title; it is in constant flux and perpetual motion. 

From its rightful name, to its true foundations, to its unfathomable future, Latin American Studies defies a definitive lineage, so like many before us and the many to come, we the members and supporters of SDSU's LAS Student Organization are no more and no less than moving parts in the evolution of Latin American Studies, and will contribute toward its future as we see it, painted by our own perspectives and textured by our own beliefs. It is only through diversity in methods of exploration that we can achieve something akin to full understanding.

Take a glance through our page to find out more about us and our activities. Remember, it is our diverse student membership that makes our organization flourish: we hope you’ll join as the next LASSO member!

Funds

History

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) takes place September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community.

Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week”, but it was later extended to a month in 1988. Since then, HHM has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more. The month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries, including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15th, Mexico on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th. They also include holidays that recognize Hispanic contributions such as Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day that is celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In his presidential proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month, President Joe Biden wrote:

“I have often said that America can be defined in one word:  possibilities.  The Hispanic community has always embodied that ideal.  It lives in the dreams of those who have only just arrived here and in the legacy of families who have been here for centuries.  Latinos have helped chart America’s course since our start — as doctors and engineers; artists and entrepreneurs; and leaders in science, business, labor, government, and military and across grassroots movements.  Their faith and drive have pushed our country to grow, prosper, and pursue its highest ideals.”

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona released a video commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month and shared how the U.S. Department of Education is raising the bar for an excellent, equitable, and more inclusive education for every Latino student, family and community.

Read FACT SHEET: The Biden-⁠Harris Administration Advances Equity and Opportunity for Latino Communities Across the Country

Check out the Initiative’s Calendar to learn of in-person and virtual events that the Initiative and our federal partners are hosting during Hispanic Heritage Month.


Resources:

Source: U.S. Department of Education. “National Hispanic Heritage Month”. https://sites.ed.gov/hispanic-initiative/national-hispanic-heritage-month/. Accessed 12 Oct. 2023.