In 1990, former President George H.W. Bush officially declared November as National American Indian Heritage Month, thereafter, more commonly referred to as Native American Heritage Month. This commemoration provided an opportunity to share and educate the public on culture, traditions and issues surrounding tribal nations while working toward collaborative efforts to assist Native American and Indigenous communities.
“Native American Heritage Month recognizes the significance of Native American history, culture and issues and what this means to our students, faculty, staff and the local Flagstaff community,” said Ora Marek-Martinez, associate vice president of the Office of Native American Initiatives. “Most importantly, we would like to take the time this month to educate our communities about the important sacrifices and contributions that Native Americans have made to our country and communities.”
NAU celebrates with various activities throughout November, ranging from a storyteller’s series and workshops with Native American Cultural Center (NACC) elders, a Sovereignty Walk/Run, Indigenous food nights, critical discussions of issues surrounding Native American and Indigenous communities, guest speakers who will discuss various aspects of the Native American and Indigenous experience and the NAU Council of Indigenous Ambassadors Showcase.
Learn more about the events and make plans to join the NAU community in celebration:
Nov. 1, 4-6 p.m.
NACC Elder’s Program Finger and Arm Knitting Workshop featuring Elder Viki Blackgoat
NACC Gathering Room – RSVP prior to the event.
Nov. 3, 4-6 p.m.
NACC Elder’s Program Storytellers Series featuring Elder Paul Long, Sr.
This event will be offered in person at the NACC gathering room and on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 818 3713 0623 | Password: nacc | Phone Number for telephone connection: (669)900-6833
Nov. 4, noon to 2 p.m.
StewFest! —Come for stew, frybread and community! We will have music, games and food to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
NACC (NAU Bldg. 14) – RSVP prior to the event.
Nov. 7, 7-9 a.m.
Exercising Sovereignty Run/Walk – Meet at the NACC before the run/walk and after for breakfast!
Nov. 9, 4-6 p.m.
NACC Elder’s Program Storytellers Series featuring Elder Beverly Warne
This event will be offered in person at the NACC gathering room and on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 818 3713 0623 | Password: nacc | Phone Number for telephone connection: (669)900-6833
Nov. 14, noon to 2 p.m.
“Rock Your Mocs” Gathering & Lunch —Stop by to learn about different styles of moccasins, start your own pair and stay for a group photo! We will be providing lunch and supplies with your RSVP.
Nov. 17, 4-6 p.m.
NACC Elder’s Program Storytellers Series featuring Elder LeRoy Shingoitewa
This event will be offered in person at the NACC gathering room and on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 818 3713 0623 | Password: nacc | Phone Number for telephone connection: (669)900-6833
Nov. 19, 1 p.m.
Native American Heritage football game—Tickets available online.
Nov. 21, 5 p.m.
“Thanks But No Thanksg*ving” Virtual Discussion
Join Indigenous faculty for a virtual film screening and discussion on Survivance. Learn more about the process of colonization and its impact on Indigenous Peoples. Virtual event via Zoom.
Meeting ID: 818 3713 0623 | Password: nacc | Phone Number for telephone connection: (669)900-6833
Nov. 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Indigenous Student & Alumni Panel & Discussion – Contact NACC for RSVP information.
Northern Arizona University sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, on homelands sacred to Native Americans throughout the region. We honor their past, present, and future generations, who have lived here for millennia and will forever call this place home.