Hilltop Inclusivity +
One of Hilltop’s values is Inclusivity: respecting individual differences, ensuring equal opportunities, and condemning prejudicial actions. Many cultures, heritages and diverse groups are represented within Hilltop and the community we serve. We strive to recognize, celebrate, and educate on the importance of our full spectrum of diversity.
Real progress on diversity and inclusion doesn’t happen without real work. We need to learn and relearn, have uncomfortable conversations, and examine our conscious and unconscious biases if we’re going to produce genuine change. Explore the content below to learn new concepts, understand the experiences of others, and reflect on how to turn these ideas into action.
Featured Content
Native American Heritage Month: Honoring Indigenous Resilience, Creativity, and Advocacy
This Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous Americans, while acknowledging the ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities.
The Legacy of Colonization and its Modern Impact
Colonization altered Indigenous life profoundly and continues to have far-reaching impacts today, from land loss to systemic disparities in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Today, many Indigenous communities still face structural obstacles stemming from these historical injustices, yet they continue to preserve, uplift, and enrich their culture.
This month, we recognize the challenges Indigenous Americans face and the tireless work of those advocating for systemic change, land and resource rights, and cultural preservation.
Celebrating Indigenous Voices
Throughout history, Indigenous writers, artists, and activists have been voices of resilience, empowerment, and social change. Here are just a few individuals whose work and legacy have made an indelible impact:
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (Salish-Kootenai)
As a contemporary artist, Jaune incorporates Native iconography with bold commentary on colonialism and environmentalism. Her art pieces urge viewers to see Native American life from both historical and modern perspectives.
Joy Harjo (Muscogee Creek Nation)
The first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate, Harjo’s poetry captures the strength, beauty, and challenges of Indigenous life, often intertwining spirituality, connection to land, and a call for resilience and remembrance.
Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo)
As the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Haaland made history as the first Indigenous person in this role. She works on behalf of Native communities and the environment, advocating for land and water conservation and Indigenous rights.
Indigenous Lead Podcasts for November
This Land
Produced by Crooked Media, this investigative podcast by Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee Nation) covers major legal battles impacting Native American land rights and sovereignty. The series dives deeply into the historical and legal struggles faced by Indigenous communities.
Native America Calling
A long-standing call-in program that brings Native voices and perspectives on current events, social issues, and Indigenous culture. Hosted by Tara Gatewood (Isleta Pueblo), this program covers a broad range of topics and engages listeners across Turtle Island.
Toasted Sister Podcast
Hosted by Andi Murphy (Diné), this podcast centers on Indigenous food and food sovereignty. Murphy interviews Native chefs, farmers, and activists who are reclaiming and reviving Indigenous culinary traditions.
All My Relations
Co-hosted by Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip) and Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation), this podcast explores Indigenous identity, relationships, culture, and history. Episodes delve into topics like reclaiming Indigenous food, cultural appropriation, and environmental justice.
Join Inclusivity+ Committees
Inclusivity+ Committees are we were we can share our experiences at each campus, and create a community where everyone belongs. Reach out to LehuaL@htop.org for a calendar invite to the Inclusivity+ Committees.
The Commons: 1st Tuesday of the Month from 2-3PM @ the Private Dining Room
Grand Junction FRC: 2nd Tuesday of the Month 11-12PM @ 1st floor Conference Room
Montrose FRC: 2nd Wednesday of the month 2-3PM @ The Large Conference Room
Life Adjustment Program: 3rd Monday of the month from 2-3PM @ the Large Conference Room
The Fountains: Coming Soon
Support Services: (Corporate, IT, and PSW) Coming Soon
Calendar of Events
Leave a comment to share your own story or idea – let your voice be heard! Contact Hollie VanRoosendaal with questions, thoughts, concerns, or if you are looking for ideas for personal growth or team development. holliev@htop.org | 970.244.0451
Here’s another book for the Asian American perspective on being Asian in America: Farewell To Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston. It is an autobiographical account of her experiences during her time in an American WWII Japanese internment camp. I read this book while in Middle school and found it to be a poignant and thoughtful accounting of what it meant to be Asian in America during that time.
Looking forward to Pride activities. I haven’t participated for several years. We have come a long way since the 60’s!
Go women’s soccer!!
https://www.npr.org/2022/02/22/1082272202/women-soccer-contracts-equal-pay-settlement-uswnt
Hi there Hilltoppers! For those of you living in the Delta, Montrose, Ridgeway, and Ouray communities…I just wanted to update you that a Pride event is taking place on July 25th from 4:00 to 8:00 at Hartwell Park in Ridgeway! It’s the first annual Ouray County pride fest!
I love this! Thank you for getting this going! There is not enough conversation about diversity and inclusivity (especially in many smaller towns) and I am so proud to work for an organization so willing to address that ❤
Trying the link to the Ted Talk “Difference between being “not racist” and “anti-racist” again….https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCxbl5QgFZw
Hi again! Just wanted to share some more resources for everyone to take a deeper dive into Black History month, current topics that affect Black Americans in the United States, and how to be an ally to the Black community. Several of these resources have been read, watched, and discussed by Hilltop leadership and we thought it was fitting to share these resources and learning opportunities with you!
Black Americans making history in 2021 – https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/gma-inspiration-list-making-black-history-2021/story?id=75228763
White Fragility Ted Talk – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ey4jgoxeU
White Fragility Book (Robin DiAngelo) – http://www.beacon.org/White-Fragility-P1631.aspx
Understanding Anti-racism Ted Talk – Difference between being “not racist” and “anti-racist” -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCxbl5QgFZw
How To Be An Anti-Racist Book (Ibram X. Kendi) – https://www.ibramxkendi.com/how-to-be-an-antiracist
13th Documentary (Ava Duvernay) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krfcq5pF8u8
Just Mercy Official Movie Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVQbeG5yW78
Just Mercy Book (Bryan Stevenson) – https://justmercy.eji.org/
Want to access these books and videos for free? Mesa County Public Library has all these and more! I’ve included their instruction page for getting a library card and using their on-line system to check-out books, videos, and so much more! Did you know that there’s also a free app you can load on your phone to access books and audio books for free through the library? It’s called the Libby App and I’ve included a link for you to learn more about it and load it on your phone, computer/laptop, tablet, etc. Enjoy!!
Library card & online book/video rental information – https://mesacountylibraries.org/services/library-cards/
Libby App (Free book & audio book library rentals) – https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/
Hollie and Dylan, thank you for creating this site. I enjoyed watching the Local Profile Spotlight featuring, Mona Highline.
I love this so much! Thank you for all of your work, Hollie and Dylan.
Hi all! It was brought to my attention that the link above to the PBS documentary series on the Reconstruction requires a monthly subscription to PBS passport. Here is the free option through YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97JqxwjTuf8 Part 1&2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsi9uJy5azE Part 3&4
Love, Love, Love EVERYTHING about this page! So proud of Hilltop and Hollie for making this initiative a priority!
I love this new page!