GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Colorado Mesa University (CMU) invites the community to the 2025 Barry Michrina Memorial Lecture Series, featuring Ernest House Jr., Senior Policy Director at the Keystone Policy Center and a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe’s Weeminuche Band.
Titled “Power of Place,” the lecture will cover the deep ties between the Ute (Nuchu) people and the landscapes of what we now call Colorado, past, present and future.
The event will be held on Friday, March 28, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm in the Maverick Center, Room 155. Admission and refreshments are free courtesy of the Native American Student Alliance (NASA).
House, a seasoned advocate for Indigenous communities, brings a wealth of experience to CMU. As director of the Center of Tribal and Indigenous Engagement at Keystone, he’s worked to bridge tribal and non-tribal worlds through policy and collaboration. A former executive director of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, House has spent years amplifying Native voices—an effort that resonates with the legacy of Dr. Barry Michrina, the beloved anthropology professor this series honors.
“Ernest House Jr. embodies the spirit of connection and cultural understanding that Dr. Michrina championed,” said Associate Professor of History and Barry Michrina Memorial Committee Chair Vincent Patarino Jr., PhD. “His talk will shine a light on the Ute people’s history and the power of place in shaping their identity, while inspiring us to build stronger relationships moving forward.”
In “Power of Place,” House will trace the Ute’s historical presence across Colorado’s rugged terrain, from their pre-colonial stewardship of the Rockies to the challenges of relocation in the 19th century. He’ll explore why these lands remain vital to Ute culture and sovereignty today, calling for future partnerships to preserve this legacy. Expect a blend of personal insight and policy expertise, delivered with the accessibility that’s made the Michrina series a campus community favorite.
The event kicks off with an introduction by Dr. Tim Casey, followed by House’s presentation. Doors open at 4:30 pm, with snacks and drinks provided by NASA—a perfect warm-up for the 2025 Pow Wow which will occur at CMU’s Brownson Arena, on March 28-30. The lecture’s timing was chosen to dovetail with the Pow Wow, a vibrant celebration of Native American dance, music and tradition, amplifying the cultural energy on campus.
Sponsored by CMU’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, NASA and the CMU Foundation, the Michrina Lecture Series continues its tradition of tackling big questions through Indigenous lenses. Past speakers like John Seebach, who uncovered Grand Junction’s boarding school history, and Stacey Oberly, who fought for the Ute language’s survival, have set the stage for House’s timely message.
Proceeds from the Barry Michrina Memorial Fund, which supports the lecture, also provide a scholarship for a student of Native American ancestry each spring.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with a powerful story of place and people. For more details, visit CMU’s event page or join the conversation at the Maverick Center on March 28. It’s free, open to all, and serves as a night to remember what makes western Colorado—and CMU—truly special.
Event Information:
Barry Michrina Lecture Series - Ernest House, Jr.
March 28 | 4:30-6:30 pm
Maverick Center, Room 155
Grand Mesa Pow-Wow
March 28-30
Brownson Arena