Day 1: Move-in and team building
Participants move into their residence halls and settle into campus housing. In the afternoon, students are introduced to the Native American Center, meet their peer mentors, and participate in cultural team-building activities that begin building community. The evening includes dinner and time to explore campus spaces such as the Student Union and Student Life Center.
Day 2: Finding community and navigating campus
Students learn about the Diversity Collaborative and other resources at Fort Lewis College. Participants take a guided campus tour with peer mentors and take part in activities that help them feel confident navigating campus.
Days 3–4: Resources and connection
Participants meet with campus offices and programs such as the Center for Southwest Studies, WellPAC, the Counseling Center, Title IX, the Student Life Center, the Student Involvement Center, GRUB Hub, STEM programs, and Financial Aid. These sessions introduce students to the support systems available across campus.
Afternoons include cultural crafts, community-building activities, and opportunities to connect with Indigenous faculty and staff.
Day 4: Health and exploring Durango
Students learn about campus health services, including information from Indian Health Services. The group then travels to downtown Durango to explore the community and surrounding area. The evening concludes with a group dinner and a cultural activity.
Day 5: Exploring the Four Corners region
Participants travel to Ignacio to visit the Southern Ute Museum, the Cultural Center, and the Medical Center. Students also visit Sky Ute Casino Resort for bowling with peers and mentors.
Later, the group participates in rafting on the Animas River, building camaraderie through shared adventure and water teachings. The day ends with a celebration dinner.
Day 6: Reflection and preparing for the school year
The final day focuses on preparing students for orientation and the academic year ahead. Participants meet with peer mentors for guided reflection and goal setting. The program concludes with a blessing from a Tribal leader, sending students into the school year grounded in culture, community, and confidence.