Natalie Avalos is an assistant professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies in the Ethnic Studies department at University of Colorado Boulder. She was also a contributor to Faith in the Story: Trialogues for Enhancing Religious Literacy. As an ethnographer of religion whose teaching and research examines Indigenous religious life, land-based ethics, healing, and decolonization, Dr. Avalos sat down over zoom with Rebekah Go, the Ansari Institute’s Program and Communication Manager, to talk about her research and scholarship. 

The Ansari Institute's Book Prize on Religion & the World highlights the work of scholars who reimagine the connection of religion and global affairs. The Prize was known as the Nasr Prize in its first two years, thanks to the generous support of Drs. Sherif Nasr and Randa Nasr. Each year, the Ansari Book Prize recognizes the winning author with a significant cash award. In addition, a multifaith symposium highlights the year’s award-winning book while also facilitating important dialogue among scholars from other faith traditions. Past award winners are Sandtalk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World by Tyson Yunkaporta which won in 2022 and Cathonomics: How Catholic Tradition Can Create a More Just Economy by Anthony Annett which won in 2023. The Ansari Institute is currently seeking nominations through May 31, 2024.

Religious literacy and cultural awareness are important skills. It’s helpful to know about the traditions and celebrations that are important to students and colleagues so you can provide accommodations and support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

With that in mind, the Ansari Institute maintains this calendar of global religious observances. We want it to be a helpful resource for your university or workplace. Please use it as a resource to build awareness and promote inclusion and representation.