The University of California Land Grab: Accounting for the Past and Actions Towards Justice symposium was held on March 7, 2025, at UC Davis.
The event, convened by UC Davis Grand Challenges: Reimagining the Land-Grant University, UC Berkeley Native American Thriving Initiatives, and UC Berkeley Joseph A. Myers Center for Research on Native American Issues, brought together Native leaders, scholars, and university affiliates to critically examine the harmful origins of the UC system and identify actionable steps to support California Native communities. Following the event, we’ve developed and published a report: The University of California Land Grab: Accounting for the Past and Actions Towards Justice.
We welcome you to view the Report and videos of keynote presentation below.
We hope this report encourages reflection and action towards justice. We look forward to continuing this dialogue.
Keynote Speakers
TRISTAN AHTONE
Journalist & Co-Author of Land-Grab Universities
UC Davis Grand Challenges
ROBERT LEE
Associate Professor of History, University of Cambridge; Co-Author of Land-Grab Universities
UC Davis Grand Challenges
KAREN BIESTMAN
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Equity and Inclusion, UC San Diego
UC Davis Grand Challenges
GREG SARRIS
University of California Regent and Chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria
UC Davis Grand ChallengesSymposium Recordings
- The University of California Land Grab: Accounting for the Past and Actions Towards Justice (Part 1)
– Welcome by Campus Leaders
– UC Land Grant History by Phenocia Bauerle
– Land Grab Universities: Past, Present and Future Keynote Address by Tristan Ahtone and Robert Lee
- The University of California Land Grab: Accounting for the Past and Actions Towards Justice (Part 2)
– Introduction by Campus Leaders
– Keynote Address by U.C. Regent and Chairman Greg Sarris
– Indigenous Peacemaking as Conflict Resolution by Karen Biestman
– Breakout Groups Facilitated by Merri Lopez-Keifer
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