Established in the Fall of 1977, the Native American Student Union has brought awareness of Indigenous identities to Colorado College and Colorado Springs.  NASU hosts varied events during Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Native American Heritage Month.  Throughout the school year, they bring a powerful voice on positive social change, land and water protection, sponsor various events and celebrations, and host an annual powwow.  They have invited various Indigenous speakers and artists to campus.

• Facebook NASU (Native American Student Union) | Facebook
• Instagram NASU (@coloradocollege_nasu) • Instagram photos and videos
• NASU-L Mailing List NASU-L@listserv1.ColoradoCollege.edu
• Bulletin Board in Worner (event flyers)

NASU has an Indigenous medicine garden by the labyrinth.  These medicines (sweetgrass, prairie sage, and tobacco) will be harvested and used for smudging and other ceremonial uses.

(formerly Revitalizing Nations)

Nationhood Collective is a living community in Blanca Apartments that consists of students that agree to a specific set of community guidelines and hold similar social identities or interests.

When the Application Process for Lifestyle & Living Communities has closed, you may update your 'Preferences' in Student Housing Banner to reflect any interest and so that housing can use that to consider any additional placement offers throughout the academic year.  Watch for Housing Selection dates and instructions.

What Is Smudging?

Smudging is an ancient ceremony where smoke from burning prairie sage, white sage, sweetgrass, cedar, or other medicinal plants are used to cleanse and purify a person, the air, and space.

Who Can Smudge?

Indigenous and Native American students, staff, faculty, and guests who fill out the Ceremonial Use Notification Form may smudge in their dorm room, office, or any outside area.  When there are Smudge Circles for the campus, everyone is invited to participate.

Community Smudge Circles, blessing, or prayer circles are offered to the college community during week One of each Block.  The date may change to align with other events.

Policy

In support of the cultural integrity of our Indigenous/Native American students, faculty, staff, and guests, and in accordance with the 1978 American Indian Religious Freedom Act, Colorado College has developed this Smudging and Pipe Ceremonies Policy. The smudging and pipe ceremonies described in this policy are the only exceptions to Colorado College smoking, tobacco, and fire regulation policies. The practice of smudging and pipe ceremonies are protected under Colorado College’s Anti-Discrimination Policies and Procedures.

Respected elders, spiritual leaders, and community members are invited to conduct a smudge and offer spiritual cleansing, purification of space, bring balance, harmony, and blessings for everyone in attendance.  No previous experience is necessary. 

These smudge circles are open to all campus community members, regardless of faith, identity, and beliefs.

Indigenous/Native American students, staff, faculty, and guests who wish to engage in smudging and/or pipe ceremonies are welcome to participate in this spiritual practice at CC. We ask that those individuals who wish to do so please complete and submit a Ceremonial Use Notification Form.

Talking circles are grounded in the ancient wisdom of the world’s indigenous cultures.  Their foundation principles of encouraging discourse, respect, and dialogue make them ideal for deepening understanding, creating connection, and exploring issues.  The energy in a talking circle is created through a sense of interconnectedness, being intentionally thoughtful, and creating a non-competitive environment for sharing and listening.  It is an intentional space for students to explore the intersections of spirituality and identity through conversation and community.

The American Indian Religious Freedom Act legalized traditional spirituality and ceremonies, overturning local and state regulations still on the books banning American Indian spiritual practices. American Indians are the only Americans whose religious practice is covered by a law other than the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Situates Indigenous knowledge and experience at the center of learning.

Focused study of the region and the methods of regional study that examine the intersection of place, people, and power in the greater Southwest.