In-Person Author Talk: SSU Professor Dr. James Mestaz

Sonoma State University's Dr. James V. Mestaz discusses his first book "Strength from the Waters: A History of Indigenous Mobilization in Northwest Mexico" (Oct 2022). In Strength from the Waters James V. Mestaz demonstrates how the Mayo people used newly available opportunities such as irrigation laws, land reform, and cooperatives to maintain their connection to their river system and protect their Indigenous identity.

Dr. Mestaz’s courses—which have included Environmental History, Latin American Revolutions, Latinx Immigration, Mexican History, and Modern Latin American History—focus largely on the histories of marginalized groups, allowing students to draw connections between past and current social and environmental justice struggles. This approach fits into his commitment to linking students to grassroots and community organizations in both the U.S. and Latin America.

This event is made possible through a collaboration between the Sonoma State University Center for Community Engagement and the Sonoma County Library.  

This program is part of Sonoma County Library's celebration of Native American Heritage Month.