Ute Indian Tribe member Forrest S. Cuch will give a presentation, “How to be Native in College and Beyond,” from 12:30 to 2 p.m. April 28 in the Nebraska Union’s Chimney Rock Room.
Drawing on his own experiences in leadership roles within Native American communities, Cuch’s talk will explore the many contributions of Native Americans to the United States and how any individual can contribute their talents and gifts to the greater good.
“He is going to be speaking from 40 years of experience working as a business person and a political leader — at the tribal and state levels,” said Max Perry Mueller, associate professor of classics and religious studies. “He advocates for all to understand how Native American people have contributed to this country. He’ll talk about how all Huskers can appreciate Native contributions to American life, and learn and practice the Native ways of giving.”
Cuch, a Native American leader and advocate, was born and raised on the Uintah and Oray Ute Indian Reservation. He graduated from Westminster College in 1973 and went on to hold numerous leadership positions, including director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, a position he held from 1997 to 2011.
The event is sponsored by the Institute of Ethnic Studies and is open to all students, faculty and staff. A box lunch is included, and those planning to attend are requested to email Mueller at max.mueller@unl.edu, though it is not required.