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the Sacramento Union
April 3, 1971

DQU Gets Deed For Its Land
By KAREN VITLIP
Sacramento Union Staff Writer

DAVIS -- The peace pipe was passed and so was the deed to the land. On Friday, Deganawidah-Quetzacoatl University (DQU) officially found a home.

Nearly 300 persons gathered to celebrate under the Davis sunshine the birth of the nation's first American Indian-Chicano institution of higher learning.

A piece of paper representing 643 acres of land west of Davis where a U.S. Army communications base used to be was turned over to David Risling, chairman of the DQU board of trustees.

"May (DQU) thrive in peace, harmony and human understanding," said Sol Elson, director of the Office of Surplus Property Utilization of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, as he made the presentation.

Risling held the deed aloft, his face a picture of pride, happiness and hope. The Indians and Chicanos who comprised the  majority of the audience applauded and cheered.

"The first success is today," Risling, had commented at a press conference earlier as the champagne flowed and toasts rang out.

"There's a long way to go up the ladder. But the ladder is strong and we're on our way."

Dr. Jack Forbes, a Powhatan, who is secretary of DQU's board of trustees and a professor at the University of California at Davis, discussed the legacy of the Native-American and the Chicano.

"This is the kind of university that will probably save America," he emphasized. "The significance of this will not just be in the training... but we will try to revive and make whole again the kind of life that is healthy in beauty and in harmony."

The story leading to Friday's deed presentation began last November when about two dozen Indians--most of them Northern California college students--invaded the base and set up a tepee.

DQU eventually became the sole applicant for the federal surplus land when UCD withdrew its application. Then in February, a temporary use permit for the maintenance and custody of the land was received.

Friday, the university was officially given the $3-million property at no cost for the maintenance of an education program for 30 years. After that, DQU will have clear title to the land with all restrictions removed.

The crowd was colorful in its attire and festive in its actions. Songs, speeches, a tree planting and an Indian peace pipe ceremonial dance led up to the presentation.

Adam Nordwall, chairman of the Bay Area Council of United Indian Affairs, lit the pipe and it was passed among the federal, state, Chicano and Indian officials.

"This ear of corn we give is like the seeds of knowledge that will be planted at the university," said Nordwall. "Let us build a future that will combine the best of both of us."

Classes "geared to reservation and barrio realities" will open this spring on a part-time basis.

[[image: monochrome photo of Indian chief in native robes, a man in Mexican-style clothes and 5 men in western suits, stand in a line outside a fairly contemporary 2-story building]]
[[caption]] Taking part in the presentation, Sol Elson, director of the Office of Surplus Property Utilization, along with other officials, takes a puff from the pipe in honor of the American Indian-Chicano institution. [[/caption]]
[[photo credit]] Staff Photo by Bob Moore [[/photo credit]]

Transcription Notes:
Added a couple of missing words and amended the caption to describe the person I assume is a representative of the Chicanos.