Continuing through Nov. 19, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is celebrating Native-American Day with several unique events illustrating this year’s theme, “Storytelling: Traditional and Contemporary Voices.” UCSD’s Native-American population is only roughly 1 percent of the student body and has sometimes been at odds with the university’s diversity policies. As recent as May, the Native-American Student Alliance had spoken out regarding the on-campus Sun God festivities that included mock Native-American attire, stating they were “disrespectful and degrading to the traditions and culture of Natives as the attire is sacred to many Native-American tribes.” How UCSD will address the festivities for 2011 has not been disclosed. Although California’s Native American Day is a relatively new official state holiday at only 12 years old, its celebration is an integral way for people to learn about the vibrant history of the state’s tribal residents. Native American Day at UCSD • Essay and picture contest: When: Deadline Oct. 15. What: Students from grades 9-12 are invited to submit art that tells a story using pictures. • Native American storytelling exhibit: When: Oct. 18-29 Where: The Price Center, UCSD • “Reel Injun” film screening and discussion: When: noon, Oct. 21 Where: The Cross-Cultural Center, UCSD What: The screening will explore Natives through the history of cinema. • “[Re]Claiming Alcatraz” art exhibit: When: 4 p.m., Oct. 27 Where: The open art space in the Cross-Cultural Center, UCSD What: The exhibit will feature photos from the Alcatraz Island take-over by various tribes. • Campus Community Center’s Social Justice reading circle: When: Noon, Oct. 27 Where: Cross-Cultural Center, UCSD What: The reading circle will focus on Native identity, gender, sexuality and other intersecting identities.