Native-American Heritage Month

The U.S. has recognized the need for Native-American celebrations for almost 100 years. In November 1990, President George H.W. Bush declared the first Native American Heritage Month to honor and recognize contributions of the indigenous people of what is now the U.S.

Events are sponsored by the U of I Native-American Student Center, Native-American Student Association, Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Tribal Relations.

Upcoming Events

Native American Heritage Month Opening Ceremony

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 4, 2020

Fostering Native Wellness by Dr. Hailey Wilson (Nez Perce)

Beyond Awareness: Panel of Experts on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People

5:30 - 7 p.m.

Nov. 9, 2020

The Voices for the Voiceless Series is a collaboration between the UI Women’s Center, Native American Student Association, Native American Law Student Association and the Native American Student Association. Funding for these events is provided by a grant awarded to the Women’s Center by the Office of Violence Against Women in the U.S. Department of Justice.

Reintroducing Family Values Through Hand Game: A Cultural Education Perspective

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 10, 2020

Traditional Games Workshop

Presented by:

Orlando Avery, Cheyenne River Lakota

Avery is a K-12 educator, artist, singer, community organizer and traditional arts instructor with Oglala Lakota College.

Grant Weston, Oglala Lakota

Weston is a community organizer, singer, song composer and traditional games instructor from the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Honoring Stolen Siblings Vigil

6:45 - 7:45 p.m., Nov. 16, 2020 

Sponsored by Voices for the Voiceless committee which is a collaboration between the UI Women’s Center, Native American Student Association, Native American Law Student Association, and the Native American Student Association. Funding for these events is provided by a grant awarded to the Women’s Center by the Office of Violence Against Women in the U.S. Department of Justice.

RESILIENCE

Noon to 1 p.m.

Nov. 17, 2020

Keynote Address: Marcie Rendon

Marcie will share her writing and speak on the topic of resilience in Native American communities. Rendon is an enrolled member of the White Earth Nation, author, playwright, poet, freelance writer, and community arts activist supporting native artists, writers and creators to pursue their art. For more information, visit https://www.marcierendon.com/