Editor’s Note: On Thursday, March 7, Acting President of Haskell Indian Nations University, Dr. Dan Wildcat, released an official statement on the previous night’s events. We have updated this story to include the full text below. We have also updated the text of the original piece for clarity and to include our classmate’s tribal citizenship.
ROE CLOUD HALL- Haskell Indian Nations University has come together with heavy hearts. After we lost one of our own, Acting President Dr. Dan Wildcat, Vice President of University Services Tonia Salvini, and an officer from the Lawrence Police Department called a dorm meeting at Roe Cloud Hall tonight regarding the passing of Darrian Diwayan of the Laguna Pueblo. Dr. Wildcat addressed those in attendance.
“Campus is in mourning, it is a great tragedy to lose a family member. That’s was Haskell is, a family. During times like this we stay strong and come together. I have spoken with her family and have expressed our deepest condolences on behalf of the university. Right now, students are organizing something in remembrance of Darrian. With the help of facilities, a fire will be built on front of the auditorium as soon as possible “
The LPD officer took the time to stay and help answer any questions students might have and offered his prayers and condolences to family and friends. Students, faculty, and staff gathered in the second-floor lobby of Roe Cloud to offer their support.
Rooms on the first and second floor of Roe Cloud have been open for students who need support to come and talk to counselors from Haskell and Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. The smudge and mediation rooms are also available to students who wish to use them. Any Haskell student who needs support or just needs to talk to can make an appointment at the Haskell Indian Health Center by calling (785) 843-3750.
“No matter what you are going through, what you are struggling with, Do not be afraid to reach out for help. You are important. You are loved. We are family and we are hurting. Our hearts go out to the family.” said Student Senate President Lindsey Robinson.
Stay strong Haskell family.
AHO- Kayla Bointy
Official Haskell Indian Nations Statement:
To the Haskell Family –
Today will be different at Haskell.
It is with deep sadness that I must report we lost one of our Haskell family members, student Ms. Darian Diwayan, Laguna Pueblo, died yesterday late afternoon in Roe Cloud residential hall. No words can express our grief at this moment, so today be will different. We have lost a beautiful young woman to our Haskell family.
I ask everyone here at Haskell to be mindful, as they carry-out their duties today, that we have students, faculty, staff and family members grieving.
Grief and crisis counselors spent the evening in Roe Cloud meeting with students. The residential hall staff, counselors, faculty and everyone at Haskell responded professionally and respectfully to this tragic event. We are making arrangement to have grief counselors available for anyone requesting that service over the next week.
The fire has been lit in front of the auditorium in remembrance of Darian and is there for people to use – for everyone to use in ways consistent with their own traditions. Students are planning a candle light vigil tonight in remembrance of Darian. Also, students have turquoise ribbons they are distributing for us to wear in remembrance of Ms. Diwayan.
Ms. Diwayan’s family drove all night to get here. They are in Lawrence now and I will meet with family today. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we are working to assist them during this tremendous time of loss.
Let us come together as family to support each other during this period of grieving. It is time to be Haskell strong and caring – to come together as families do in such times.
Dr. Wildcat, President (acting)
