The Forever Buffs American Indian group is committed to providing a platform for alumni to connect, network, and stay engaged with our community. Our annual alumni tailgate party during homecoming week is just one of the events we host, and our page and Ìýare central sources for CU Boulder American Indian alumni news.
Mission Statement
The American Indian Alumni Club’s purpose is to foster community with alumni and students, create space to celebrate accomplishments, provide a network with our fellow Indigenous alums, and elevate the presence and experience of the Native community at the University of Colorado.Ìý
We help sponsor student events with the Native American student group, Oyate, and offer support to Native Graduate and Law students. The American Indian Alumni Club sponsors the annual Native Graduation Celebration cohosted by the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies (CNAIS) in the Spring.Ìý
Our primary and most popular event is in the fall during Homecoming week where alumni from all over the country make their way back to Boulder for epic laughs and cheering our football team.Ìý
American Indian History at CU BoulderÌý
1960’sÌý
During the era of protest, the Student Crusade for Amerind Rights (SCAR) emerged as a brief but impactful student organization. It united both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in advocating for Native American rights. SCAR focused on advancing Indigenous enrollment, enriching the curriculum with Indigenous perspectives, and safeguarding student rights on campus.
1970’sÌý
The Oyate Indian Club was first listed in the University of Colorado Student Directories during the fall semester of 1973. It appears that Oyate was formed partly to carry on the efforts of SCAR. Additionally, its mission included supporting Indigenous students as they transitioned to the university environment and fostering connections with the Indigenous community on campus.
1980’s
The Cheyenne Arapaho residence hall at CU Boulder pays homage to the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples. Formerly known as Nichols Hall, the decision to rename the hall followed a two-decade-long campaign spearheaded by students from diverse backgrounds, student governments, Oyate - the Native American Student organization at CU Boulder, as well as dedicated staff and faculty. To gain a deeper understanding of the history behind Nichols Hall, it is important to recognize that the movement commenced in 1968 and reached fruition in 1987. Thanks to the unwavering advocacy of Norma Rendon, an Oglala Lakota, and other committed students, the Board of Regents eventually resolved to change the name of the residence hall. Even after the decision, protests persisted, and it wasn't until 1989 that Roberta Manuelito, a Diné student, along with her peers, witnessed the Board of Regents officially adopt the name Cheyenne Arapaho Hall. Learn more about the full story of Nichols Hall.
2019Ìý
Charles Cambridge, a Diné student, was instrumental in advocating for American Indian students from Federally Recognized Tribes to attend CU Boulder as in-state tuition students and also holds the distinction of being the first American Indian to earn a doctoral degree from CU Boulder. Read more about Dr. Cambridge and his contributions to the university.
2020
Notably, in October 2020, CU President Mark Kennedy issued the first official Land Acknowledgment statement for the CU System. .
2021
Additionally, after 50 years of collaborative efforts, alumni, and the Board of Regents, Gov. Jared Polis signed the in-state tuition bill on June 28, 2021, benefiting Native American students historically linked to Colorado.
2023
Benny Shendo Jr., 1987 CU Boulder graduate, is appointed Associate Vice Chancellor for Native American affairs. Benny will join the Office of Government and Community Engagement, whose employees report to the chancellor. Primary functions of the job include liaising with tribal governments and communities throughout Colorado and the wider region and interfacing with state and federal entities that have roles in tribal affairs and higher education.Ìý
2024
Benny Shendo Jr., 1987 CU Boulder Alumni, is awarded the George Norlin Award, the most prestigious of University of Colorado Alumni Awards. Currently Benny serves as a New Mexico state senator and a former tribal administrator and lieutenant governor for the Pueblo of Jemez.
