THE INDEPENDENT

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Indigenous People's Day 2025 Indigenous People's Day 2025

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | Written by Mya Simon, Photographed by M'iitra Pino

Indigenous People's Day 2025

October rain does little to keep FLC from celebrating Indigenous culture 

Banging Heads in Buckley Park Banging Heads in Buckley Park

Thursday, October 2, 2025 | Mya Simon and Garrett Middleton

Banging Heads in Buckley Park

Locals share an inside look into Durango's metal scene. 


Safety First, Because Accidents Last
Safety First, Because Accidents Last

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Nels Christensen

Safety First, Because Accidents Last

Fort Lewis police report safety statistics in recent years. 

Hotels: the new Dorms?
Hotels: the new Dorms?

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Jimena Lopez

Hotels: the new Dorms?

Back to school! While some Fort Lewis students were making sure they had their backpacks ready to go, others were making sure they had somewhere...
59th Annual Hozhoni Days Powwow
59th Annual Hozhoni Days Powwow

Friday, May 2, 2025
Written by Junior Parrish, Photographed by Donovan Riley and Junior Parrish

59th Annual Hozhoni Days Powwow

An event that brings joy and beauty, Hozhoni Ambassadors and First Attendant said.
Students Test the Waters
Students Test the Waters

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Nels Christensen

Students Test the Waters

Students take leaps for public health.


All News

Pack a Mask: COVID-19 doesn’t temper tourist crowds

By Jack Boggs Indy Staff Writer

Although there still is a global pandemic, that is not stopping historic Durango from being a destination for tourists from around the country. However, the increasing tourist population does bring concerns about local guidelines regarding COVID-19.

Although there still is a global pandemic, that is not stopping historic Durango from being a destination for tourists from around the country. However, the increasing tourist population does bring concerns about local guidelines regarding COVID-19. La Plata County has been in COVID-19 level yellow since Feb. 12. This means that high risk populations are advised to stay home, capacity for...

Two’s company, Three’s a Crowd

By Travis Dalenberg Indy Staff Writer

Seniors express gratitude but harbor disappointment in this year’s commencement ceremony.

On the day of the commencement ceremony, a big moment for graduates is walking the stage to the tune of adoring loved ones and fellow classmates, shaking Fort Lewis College President Tom Stritkus’ hand and receiving the diploma, captured by the photo op.  Then, the turning of the tassel marks the ceremony complete. Unfortunately, this time-honored tradition was lost in the wake...

FLC places COVID-19 vaccine mandate

By Coya Pair Indy Staff Writer

Here’s how the decision was made and what the student response has been.

Fort Lewis College President Tom Stritikus sent out an email to all students and prospective students on April 2 announcing that everyone enrolling at FLC for the Fall 2021 semester will be required to get a COVID-19 vaccine. In the email, Stiritkus wrote that this requirement is in order to protect the FLC community and get things back to normal, such as participating in group work in...

Confessions of a Student Athlete: Reflecting back on 18 years of athletics before entering the real world

by Mandy Lorenson Indy Staff Writer

Throughout my life, I have always introduced myself as a softball player. It has been my identity, the thing I fell back on when, on the first day of class, the teachers ask to tell them and your fellow classmates something about yourself. But come the middle of May, I will no longer be able to call myself a softball player because I am graduating with my degree in journalism and multimedia studies with two minors in psychology and marketing. 

      Hi, my name is Mandy Lorenson, and I am a softball player, well, at least I will be for the next couple months.   Throughout my life, I have always introduced myself as a softball player.    It has been my identity, the thing I fell back on when, on the first day of class, the teachers ask to tell them and your fellow classmates...

It's a God-damned Travis D!

by Travis Dalenberg

Sometimes puff but mostly rough, it seems these days that everything’s falling apart. Turn on the news, browse the web, or scroll through twitter and you’re sure to come across media that fills your brain with hazardous waste, leaves you feeling disenfranchised and as an apparant antidote offers nothing but vapid platitudes. Some might say it’s a shame, many will ignore it but I say it's a God-damned travesty, or as I will refer to it in this column, a God-damned Travis D. 

Sometimes puff but mostly rough, it seems these days that everything’s falling apart. Turn on the news, browse the web, or scroll through twitter and you’re sure to come across media that fills your brain with hazardous waste, leaves you feeling disenfranchised and as an apparant antidote offers nothing but vapid platitudes. Some might say it’s a shame, many will ignore it...

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