ITRC Roots of Community

The Intertribal Resource Center (ITRC) at UC San Diego, situated on the ancestral homelands of the Kumeyaay Nation, is one of seven Campus Community Resource Centers and Programs within the Office of the Vice Chancellor - Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion. We are committed to fostering the academic, cultural, and personal success of American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous students through the decolonizing principles of representation, respect, relational reciprocity, and relevance (Kirkness & Barnhardt, 2001).

• Representation: The Intertribal Resource Center is a forum of representation for Native American and Indigenous communities, empowering tribal peoples to share their voices, experiences, and knowledge. Employing a strengths-based approach, the ITRC strives to amplify Indigenous voices on campus and from the community at UC San Diego.
• Respect: The Intertribal Resource Center shows due regard for the histories, cultures, rights, traditions, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, with particular acknowledgment and respect for the Kumeyaay peoples on whose land UC San Diego resides. Respect is a recognition of the interconnectedness that Indigenous peoples have with place.
• Relational Reciprocity: The Intertribal Resource Center commits to engaging in and fostering mutually beneficial relationships with local tribal communities and the UC San Diego community. The ITRC prioritizes kinship and accountability, foregrounding reciprocal relationships with land, nature, ancestors, communities, and the future generations to cultivate positive Indigenous realities. Through shared learning and meaningful engagement facilitated by mutual support and commitments that generate trust, the ITRC cultivates lasting and respectful relationships.
• Relevance: Drawing upon Indigenous epistemologies and worldviews, the Intertribal Resource Center develops culturally rooted academic support services, mentorship, leadership development, and extracurricular programming that are essential to the success of Native American and Indigenous students.

The ITRC serves as a vital resource for all students, creating a sense of place and community, and offering a comprehensive support system. By integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices, we aim to enhance the educational experience and well-being of our students, while also promoting the understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures across the UC San Diego campus.