Presenters
International Archaeology Day 2024
To celebrate IAD 2024, presentations on various topics in history, archaeology and culture will be available to guests throughout the event. All presentations will be held in a covered three-sided tent with seating. Reservations are not required. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy our incredible line-up of presenters! Please see below for information.
Joie Ha
Catharine McCord
Joie Ha and
Catharine McCord
Colorado Asian Pacific United
Reclaiming Denver’s Forgotten Chinatown
In the late 1800s, Denver was home to a vibrant and thriving Chinatown within downtown Denver. Several factors led to the driving out of the Chinese community in Colorado, including Denver's Anti-Chinese Race Riot of 1880, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and a general hatred for those who were different. Today, Denver's Chinatown has little to no physical existence, however, indicators of its history now stand as a testament to community grassroots efforts Learn about the efforts that led to raising the profile of this forgotten history, including the installation of historical markers, murals, a documentary and an official apology from the City of Denver.​
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Joie Ha (she/they) is the daughter of refugees and has been an organizer for minority communities in Colorado for over 15 years. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology and an M.A. in Development Practice, focusing on holistic mental health treatment for Vietnamese refugees. Joie has served in Malaysia as a Community Development Officer and in Cambodia as a researcher regarding how hip-hop can create fictive kin for youth. Joie currently serves as Executive Director for Colorado Asian Pacific United, striving to open the first Asian American Pacific Islander history and culture museum in the Rocky Mountain region.
Catharine McCord (she/her) is a proud Taiwanese American who has dedicated her career to supporting and elevating underserved communities. She holds a B.S. in Microbiology and Molecular Biology, an M.A. in Biochemistry, and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture with a focus on integrating mindfulness and wellness practices into community development. Catharine is the Marketing & Operations Coordinator for Colorado Asian Pacific United (CAPU) and the Program Manager for the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network (CACEN). Additionally, she works as an educator and mindfulness guide for Veterans to Farmers, promoting holistic wellness and supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life.​
Oct 19th, 9:15-9:45 am
Virgina Castro
President of the Auraria Historical Advocacy Council
The Displaced Aurarains
Virginia currently serves as President of the Auraria Historical Advocacy Council (AHAC) whose membership is primarily Displaced Aurarians and their descendants. AHAC is a constant volunteer presence on the Auraria Campus. Their mission is to bring Recognition, Reparation and Respect for the over 300 families removed from their community known as the "Old Westside" through eminent domain, to make way for the Auraria Campus. Between 1969 and 1973 they lost their homes, schools and community. During the last seven years, AHAC has made significant progress toward this mission.
Virginia is proud that MSU instituted the Richard T. Castro and Virginia M. Castro Distinguished Visiting Professorship which presents a yearly event in their honor. Virginia also received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award from MSU in 2019.
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Virginia Castro is a longtime community activist, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She received her BA from Metropolitan State College and MSW Degree from the Denver University Graduate School of Social Work. She retired from Denver Public Schools after 27 years as a school social worker, the last eleven served as Supervisor of the Social Work Department. After retirement, she started a small tree trimming and landscaping business with three of her sons. ​​
Oct 19th, 10:15-10:45 am
Virginia Castro
Lewis Tallbull Sr.
Cultural Consultant for Colorado Native Organization
Lewis Keith Tallbull Sr. is a full-blood Southern Cheyenne and serves as a Cultural Consultant for the Colorado Native Organization. Deeply rooted in his heritage, he has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the rich history and traditions of the Southern Cheyenne people. With a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations, Lewis is a respected voice in his community, offering insights into the cultural legacy and historical experiences of his people.
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Lewis Keith Tallbull Sr. will speak on the Southern Cheyenne’s history in Colorado, focusing on the pivotal moments of the last Indian Wars between the Southern Cheyenne and the U.S. Army. He will also address the Indian burial sites connected to these conflicts, exploring their significance and the need to protect and honor these sacred places
Oct 19th, 11:15-11:45 am