The need to decolonize the historical records of the United States is urgent, as many universities and institutions continue to mislabel, lose, or damage Indigenous Peoples’ histories. Given the complex pre-colonial systems of communication and commerce between Indigenous nations on the North Coast and others across the Americas, three critical questions arise: 1) How do archival records shed light on the processes and impacts of settler colonialism on the North Coast? 2) How do these historical dynamics continue to shape contemporary social, political, and cultural contexts? 3) How can researchers use archives from colonial institutions to promote knowledge of pre-colonial history and the ongoing survivance of these cultures? This study employs methodologies rooted in decoloniality and based on the principle of ‘research from the inside out,’ as articulated by Linda Tuihai Smith. The analysis presented here is conducted from the perspective of an unaffiliated North Coast, Mixed Indigenous person, using a combination of critical archival studies, Indigenous Studies, and autoethnography, to illustrate the story and purpose behind collecting and interpreting historical data. Archival research uncovers primary sources including photographs, government documents, correspondence, newspapers, and legal records. It provides insights into the policies, practices, and ideologies underpinning settler colonial expansion, Indigenous dispossession, and repatriation on the North Coast. By critically examining these records, this study reveals the ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and contributes to the broader effort of decolonizing historical narratives. Ultimately, the research seeks to enhance understanding of precolonial history and support the continued cultural survivance of Indigenous communities, promoting a more accurate and inclusive historical record.

Ingrid Panameno Cal State Dominguez Hills Abstract: This poster presentation details a comprehensive research project conducted over the summer, utilizing resources from the National Library of Medicine digital archives, Cal State Dominguez Hills library archives, USC archives, and Rancho Los Amigos Archives. The study traces technological advancements in the treatment of paralysis and explores evolving social attitudes towards conditions such as syphilis, polio, and injuries resulting from accidents and war. This poster will showcase the initial findings from research at the Cal State Dominguez Hills Archives and the USC Archives, focusing on critically analyzing the processes through which society has objectified the paralyzed body throughout the 20th century. By combining historical data with technological and medical developments, this research provides a slight understanding of how perceptions and treatments of paralysis have evolved, highlighting the interplay between medical advancements and societal attitudes.

A growing concern is the negative impact that the climate crisis has had on mental health and future generations. Ten individuals will be interviewed about their views on the climate crisis, including terms such as climate anxiety, climate stress, and ecological grief in addition to the impact of the climate crisis on family planning. Five individuals will be students currently attending Stanislaus State, the other five will be individuals who are not attending Stanislaus State and who were born before 1980. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impacts the climate crisis has on students at Stanislaus State and to contrast the views regarding the climate crisis between generations. This research can be used to address climate anxiety and for implementing policies to better support students and educate communities.