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

Carson Brings RENT to Life at the DAC: A Night of Broadway on 2nd Ave

Story by Jamie Draper, Graphic by Julia Volzke, Photography by Brent Belone

This coming weekend marks the last performances of the Durango Arts Center’s ongoing production, “Rent.” The musical was first performed on Broadway in New York, NY, in the spring of 1996, and the show remains significant this fall on Durango’s 2nd Avenue.

This coming weekend marks the last performances of the Durango Arts Center’s ongoing production, “Rent.” The musical was first performed on Broadway in New York, NY, in the spring of 1996, and the show remains significant this fall on Durango’s 2nd Avenue.   Even though the issue of AIDS in the United States is less prevalent today, discussion around the...

Polarizing the Polls

Story by Keenan Malone, Archer Gordon and Lauren Hammond, Graphic by Julia Volzke

Since the late 1970s, the United States government and its politics have become increasingly polarized. There is an extreme, visible version today in the current presidential primaries.

Since the late 1970s, the United States government and its politics have become increasingly polarized. There is an extreme, visible version today in the current presidential primaries.   Michael DIchio, assistant professor of political science at Fort Lewis College, said political polarization is, more the norm than the exception when it comes to U.S. politics. The U.S. political...

Ska Leads Heavy Metal Extra Pale Ale - EPA

Story by Keenan Malone, Photography by Nate Obici

Ska Brewing was in the beginning stages of their most recent batch of charity driven beer, the Heavy Metal Extra Pale Ale, on August 6. The beer was inspired by the Gold King Mine spill which occurred a day prior to the formation of the idea.

Ska Brewing was in the beginning stages of their most recent batch of charity driven beer, the Heavy Metal Extra Pale Ale, on August 6. The beer was inspired by the Gold King Mine spill which occurred a day prior to the formation of the idea.   The Spill   The spill resulted in 3 million gallons of wastewater being released accidentally from the abandoned Gold King Mine...

Board of Trustees Renews Thomas' Contract

Story by Alison Uralli and Jarred Green

Dene Thomas, president of Fort Lewis College, has been reviewed by faculty and students to help the board of trustees decide whether or not to renew the contract for another three years.

Dene Thomas, president of Fort Lewis College, has been reviewed by faculty and students to help the board of trustees decide whether or not to renew the contract for another three years.   The board of trustees performs what is called a 360 survey of Dene Thomas, Dugald Owen, president of the faculty senate, said. This is a review of Thomas' performance over the last three...

Thrive! and Ben and Jerry’s Fighting for Living Wages in La Plata County

Story by Catherine Wheeler and Luke Perkins Graphic by Julia Volzke

La Plata County Thrive! Living Wage Coalition is hosting their annual spring event on Wednesday, April 15. An afternoon presentation is scheduled at Fort Lewis College at 4 p.m. in Noble Hall and a second presentation will take place at the Durango Public Library on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

 

La Plata County Thrive! Living Wage Coalition is hosting their annual spring event on Wednesday, April 15. An afternoon presentation is scheduled at Fort Lewis College at 4 p.m. in Noble Hall and a second presentation will take place at the Durango Public Library on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.   Thrive! Living Wage Coalition is a coalition that strives for living...

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