Events

2024 Homecoming parade on Main Street in downtown Moscow, Idaho.

Celebrate culture. Build community.

Tribal Nations Student Affairs (TNSA) and the Native American Student Association (NASA) host events throughout the year that celebrate Indigenous culture, heritage and identity. Open to students, employees and the community, these gathering provide opportunities to connect, reflect and honor Native traditions together.

Highlights include the annual Tutxinmepu Powwow and presentations from invited guest speakers who address tribal issues, cultural topics and community concerns. Each event honor traditions, strengthen community ties and create spaces for understanding and shared experiences.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Every October, University of Idaho honors Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a time to reflect on Native histories, celebrate cultures and recognize the resilience and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

Through campus events, guest speakers and community conversations, this annual celebration invites all Vandals to listen, learn and stand in solidarity with Native nations.

This day is about:

  • Honoring Indigenous resilience in the face of colonization
  • Celebrating Native cultures and communities past, present and future
  • Creating space for education and open dialogue

Historical context

Christopher Columbus’ arrival in 1492 marked the beginning of European colonization in the Americas — and centuries of displacement, violence and cultural erasure for Indigenous peoples who had lived on this land for thousands of years.

Across the U.S., schools, cities and states have begun shifting away from Columbus Day to honor Native communities through Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.

  • Local observances:
    • Moscow was the first city in Idaho to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2017. U of I proudly follows this recognition with campus-wide observances.
  • State-level recognition:
    • In 2019, Idaho’s governor issued a statewide proclamation recognizing Indigenous People’ Day.
  • National trend:
    • Across the United States, organizations and governments have been increasingly replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
The Native American Student Center, in conjunction with the Native American Student Association and the University of Idaho, hosts the Tutxinmepu Powwow 2023 in the ICCU Arena.

Tutxinmepu Powwow

Celebrate Native culture, tradition and community through drum, dance and honoring our graduates at U of I’s annual spring powwow.

Learn more about the Tuxinmepu Powwow

Native American Heritage Month

During November, U of I celebrates Native American Heritage Month with a full calendar of events from cultural exhibits and storytelling to workshops and guest speakers.

It’s a time to honor Native excellence, past and present, and to spotlight the voices, experiences and contributions of Indigenous peoples throughout history and today.

This month is about:

  • Celebrating Native identity, tradition and resilience
  • Promoting learning and cultural understanding
  • Creating space for Indigenous students to share their stories and lead conversations

Historical context

While the official designation of the month took place in the late 20th century, the idea of honoring Native American heritage has deep roots that trace back nearly a century.

  • Early efforts (Early 20th century):
    • Activists like Dr. Arthur C. Parker (Seneca anthropologist) promoted a day to honor Native Americans.
    • Rev. Sherman Coolidge (Arapaho minister) declared the second Saturday of May as "American Indian Day" in 1915.
  • State-level observances:
    • Various states began recognizing Native American Days over the years.
  • National recognition:
    • 1986: President Ronald Reagan proclaimed “American Indian Week.”
    • 1990: President George H.W. Bush declared November as Native American Heritage Month through a joint resolution.

Tribal Nations Program

Tribal Nations is a student-led initiative where you can share your culture, connect with Native youth and take an active role in community outreach.

From leading college-prep workshops to organizing cultural showcases at U of I events — including Vandal athletic games — you’ll have the chance to celebrate Indigenous traditions and inspire others through visibility, leadership and creativity.

Contact natives@uidaho.edu for more information on how to get involved.

Tribal Nations Night

Tribal Nations Night is a collaborative event between U of I Athletics and the Tribal Nations Program that celebrates Native American culture. Each year, we select a men’s or women’s home basketball game to showcase Native American culture through a special halftime presentation and in-game announcements that acknowledge the traditions, contributions and presence of Native American communities.

Contact natives@uidaho.edu for more information on how to get involved.