Indigenous languages have been spoken in these lands we now call ‘the Americas’ since time immemorial. Despite centuries of colonialism, Indigenous peoples have resisted, and their languages have persisted.

This exhibit highlights materials from UCR Special Collections & University Archives that contain Indigenous languages, from items with just a few words of the language to items completely written or printed in that language. Items range in age from the 1900s to the 2020s, representing a wide spectrum of cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Drawing from fields as diverse as Indigenous futurisms, critical archival theory, and linguistic imperialism, we explore how these materials continue to speak to us across time, and examine some of the ways their use of language intersects with history, power, and identity. You can download the exhibit guide by here or pick one up in person. View the exhibit Monday - Friday, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the 4th floor of the Rivera Libary in Special Collections & University Archives. Please note, we will not be open on Monday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. 

While every effort has been made for this exhibit to identify all Indigenous languages represented across UCR Special Collections & University Archives holdings, it is possible some languages and materials were missed. If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Enriquez at sandy.enriquez@ucr.edu. 

Event: Speaking Across Time: Indigenous Languages of the Americas

Location: Tomás Rivera Library, 4th floor, Special Collections & University Archives

Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Dates: May 22, 2023 - June 27, 2023

Parking: Free Visitor Parking is available on Fridays, starting at 12 p.m. through 6 a.m. Monday morning in the unreserved spaces of the following parking lots/structures:

• Lot 6 Blue
• Lot 13 Blue
• Big Springs Parking Structure 2
• Lot 26 Gold
• Lot 30 Gold
• Lot 50 Gold

Paid Visitor Parking information can be found here.