Hassanamisco Nipmuc member Athena Callender will present ‘Bridging the Gap’ 

The Community Engagement and Volunteering (CEV) Speaker Series continues Nov. 30 with “‘Bridging the Gap’: How to Honor Indigenous Heritage to Pave the Way to a Brighter Future,” a lecture by Athena Callender in honor of Native American Heritage Month.

Callender is a member of the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Tribe and is a plant-based diet expert and certified holistic consultant. She provides transformational, holistic healing practices to professional women to help them reignite their creative spark, gain clarity, and build confidence. In her talk, she will highlight her journey as an Indigenous woman living a spiritual lifestyle and leading a successful company, Restoring Health and Wellness.

“We are excited to welcome Athena Callender to campus for Native American Heritage Month,” said Domenica Perrone, director of the Community Engagement and Volunteering office, sponsor of Callender’s Nov. 30 lecture. “Athena will share her story with us and expand on her expertise in holistic healing.”

Before she comes to the Clark campus, Callendar will present a virtual lecture for UMass Chan Medical School on Nov. 29, exploring the relationship between modern health care providers and Indigenous populations. In an interview with UMass Chan News, she described her passion for bridging the gap between native holistic medicinal practices and science-based medicine. This means providing members of the tribe with crucial information and empowering them to take action to maintain their health. Many native communities, including the Hassanamisco Nipmuc, hesitate to visit the doctor due to discomfort and mistrust, she said.

The Community Engagement and Volunteering Office’s CEV Speaker Series highlights local leaders and experts by inviting them onto Clark’s campus to share their stories and experiences. The series curates an intimate experience where community members can engage with students, staff, and faculty over different subject areas.