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)
Native American Heritage Month Opening Ceremony
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.
Beyond Awareness: Panel of Experts on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People
Voice for the Voiceless Series
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.

Reintroducing Family Values Through Hand Game: A Cultural Education Perspective
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.
Honoring Stolen Siblings Virtual Vigil
Voice for the Voiceless Series
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/
RESILIENCE
Native American Heritage Month Keynote Speaker: Marcie Rendon
