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.
Several events, which highlight accomplishments, contributions and talents, are open to the public, including:
Native American Visit Day
8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3
Native American students and their families are invited to visit NAU and learn about Native American Student Services, courses in American Indian studies, scholarships and financial aid and how to balance culture with your education. Learn more online or register for Native American Visit Day.
Indigenous Film Series
7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, 9, 16
Cline Library Assembly Hall (Bldg. 28)
Featured films include “Crimes Against Humanity” on Nov. 2 and “Marathon for Justice” on Nov. 9.
7th Annual Indigenous Bash: Uniting our Cultures
4-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4
DuBois Center Ballroom (Bldg. 64)
Experience a night of indigenous culture with performances by the the Anshe:kwe Dance Group, Joseph Tessay and the Cibeque Boys, Pollen Trail Cultural Dancers, Rez Life Bird Singer, Chris Greenstone and NAU Drum. The CHEI Club (Connecting Higher Education Indigenously) is sponsoring the event.
Learning from our Elders Speaker Series
12-1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 and Wednesday, Nov. 8 & 29
Native American Cultural Center (Bldg. 14)
Elder cultural adviser Marina Vasquez will present “Indigenous Guatemalan Farmers Embrace Ancestral Farming Practices to Prevent Migration” on Nov. 7, and Lorenzo Max will present Navajo basket stories Nov. 8 and 29.
Indigenous foods at the Hot Spot
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7
Hot Spot, University Union (Bldg. 30)
Enjoy Indian tacos, green chile stew and other traditional dishes.
NAU Bookstore featuring Nikos Ligidakis
Nov. 9 (all day)
NAU Bookstore (Bldg 35), 1015 S. San Francisco St.
“The Power of His Brush: The Evolution of R.C. Gorman” by author Nikos Ligidakis delves into the life of Rudolph Carl Gorman. Born into poverty on the Navajo Reservation in Chinle, Gorman was not expected to survive. Under the nurture of his grandmother and others, he distinguished himself as an artiste extraordinaire in a world dominated by white men. The book includes 85 images of this Native American painter’s work.
NAU Women’s Basketball Game
6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27
Tuba City High School
Cheer on the Lady Lumberjacks as they take on the Antelope Valley Pioneers as part of NAU’s Native American Heritage Games.
Sharing and Learning Cultural Awareness Workshop
5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15
Native American Cultural Center (Bldg. 14)
Learn how you can help educate the NAU community about indigenous issues.
Miss Indian NAU Organization Pageant 2018
6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17
Ashurst Hall (Bldg. 11)
Find out who will win the title of Miss Indian NAU 2018 and First Attendant. These student ambassadors will help promote cultural awareness and understanding of tribal nations, support and represent Native American student organizations and participate in programs and activities to strengthen the recruitment and retention efforts of indigenous students.
A full calendar of events can be found online.