Assistant professor is defining the future of Native American activism in her community

Daisy Ocampo (Caz’Ahmo Indigenous Nation of Zacatecas) is an assistant professor of history at Cal State San Bernardino. As a Native American faculty member, Ocampo has made it a priority to have conversations and engage with California Indian people to produce projects oriented toward the needs here. Ocampo has developed the virtual museum “Brave Hearts: A Virtual History of Sherman Indian Boarding School,” which features the history of Sherman Indian Boarding School, the students who attended, and its legacy in Native communities as well as the larger Inland Empire. For Ocampo, it is important to be in a position where she can write her own history and research with people who are family because it brings in what she knows about her people and their ties to the land, all of which Ocampo connects to her teaching, research, projects and service.

Each November, CSUSB celebrates Native American Heritage Month with thoughtful, insightful and representative activities, events and guest speakers structured to provide a safe place for our Native American students, staff, faculty and surrounding communities to continue to have their voices heard and perspectives felt across campus. The events honor and celebrate Native American culture, traditions and contributions. This year’s theme echoes last year’s: “Decolonizing Across Communities.”