NAU announces National American Indian Heritage Month events

Miss Navajo

Learn about Navajo “chuckle parties” or “How Day and Night Came to Be” at one of Maybelle Little’spresentations during NAU’s National American Indian Heritage Month this November.

Little, a Navajo elder in the university’s Applied Indigenous Studies program, is one of many Native presenters ready to enlighten others to their way of life during the university’s monthlong celebration of Native cultures.

A lineup of about 40 events features everything from a tribal feast to a Veterans Day Run, basket-making demonstrations, dancing, photography exhibits and indigenous-author book signings at the NAU Bookstore.

“It is important to promote awareness of Native American cultures through celebratory events that highlight historical and contemporary contributions,” said Daisy Purdy, senior program coordinator for NAU’s Multicultural Student Center.

Purdy said a highlight of the month is the Miss Indian NAU pageant at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, in Cline Library Assembly Hall.

Congress has designated the Friday following Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day, notedSharon Doctor, assistant director for Native American Student Services.

“Both the month and day are important reminders to honor Native Americans for their strength, knowledge, vitality and beauty,” said Doctor, noting that NAU is home to 1,300 Native American students representing more than 50 different tribes.

For a complete listing of events, click here.