Northern Arizona University is celebrating Native American Heritage Month with various activities throughout November to commemorate the traditions and culture of indigenous people.
In 1990, President George H.W. Bush proclaimed November as National American Indian Heritage Month, providing Native Americans the chance to educate the public on issues surrounding tribes, share culture and traditions and collaborate in assisting tribal communities.
With a mission to become the nation’s leading university serving Native Americans, NAU attracts more than 1,500 indigenous students from 127 tribal nations throughout the country.
Come learn more and celebrate Native American heritage at NAU. For more free events, see the flier, the NAU Events calendar or the Facebook pages for Native American Cultural Center and Office of Indigenous Student Success.
Indigenous Film Series
- 6 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Native American Cultural Center (NACC): Watch the 2017 documentary “Mankiller,” a story celebrating the life of Wilma Mankiller, the first woman elected principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
- 6 p.m. Nov. 9 at the NACC: Watch “Rumble,” featuring Vice President of Native American Initiatives Chad Hamill.
- 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at the NACC: Watch “Te’Ata,” a 2016 movie based on the life of Mary Thompson Fisher, one of the greatest Native American performers of all time.
Indigenous Bash, 3:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Dub Ballroom
The CHEI Club (Connecting Higher Education Indigenously) is sponsoring this night of indigenous culture, performances and art.
Native American Veterans Panel, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the NACC
NAU Veterans Services is hosting this panel, which gives audience members a chance to hear about the unique challenges that Native American veterans face.
Native American themed lunch and dinner menus, Nov. 6-8 at the Hot Spot
Tickets cost $8 and can be purchased in Room 100E at the Native American Cultural Center. Cash only, please.
Rock your Mocs Week, Nov. 13-18
Learning from Our Elders
- 5 p.m. Nov. 13 at the NACC: Native American Elder Lorenzo Max will give this special evening lecture and reception. Max is one of two elders at NAU who teach classes and counsel with students.
- 5 p.m. Nov. 15 at the NACC: Elder Marina Vasquez will give a lecture and have a reception afterward. Vasquez, like Max, teaches classes, gives lectures and advises students.
Indigenous Festival and Traditional Foods Reception, 5 p.m. Nov. 14 at the NACC
This event, hosted by the Abaya Yala student organization, allows participants to sample different foods and experience indigenous cultures. Contact Alex Lano at arl443@nau.edu for free tickets.
Miss Indigenous NAU Pageant, 10 a.m. Nov. 17 at Ashurst Auditorium
The public is invited to watch the annual pageant, which is sponsored by the Miss Indigenous NAU Student Organization.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls
- Informational event, 4-7 p.m. Nov. 19 at the NACC: Stop by to hear guest speakers, get information and learn more about this trend being seen throughout the United States. This event is sponsored by the Office of Inclusion, the NACC, the Office of Indigenous Student Success and NAU Health Promotions.
- Self-defense workshop, 4-7 p.m. Nov. 27 at the NACC: Learn ways to stay safe.
Creating Community Cooking series, 11:30 a.m. Nov. 30 at the NACC
Learn how to make tamales with Marina Vasquez. RSVP to nau-nacc@nau.edu.