November is Native American Heritage Month, and CSU’s Native American Cultural Center will be celebrating through a series of events. The month is dedicated to showcasing Native American culture with fun, educational and community-building activities.
“Native American Heritage Month is a national recognition in the month of November, so many college campuses and organizations celebrate NAHM,” said Tiffani Kelly, assistant director of the NACC. “I’m not sure when exactly the first celebration was at CSU, but we’ve been programming for as long as I can remember.”
NACC tries to add new events to change up the festivities every year, while also continuing some of the traditional and most anticipated events, such as the annual American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Pow Wow that generally hosts over 3,000 people; it is set for Nov. 3. This year’s keynote speaker is renowned Native activist Winona LaDuke, who will speak Nov. 6.
“We try to bring folks or events that might address what’s currently going on in our society as it relates to Native American communities,” said Kelly. “LaDuke is highly respected in the community given her work and activism during the Civil Rights era, continuing to today for Native American and Indigenous communities. We are expecting a great turnout.”
The event is hosted in an effort to celebrate and honor Native American culture and traditions, while also providing education and a space for the non-Native community at CSU and Fort Collins, encouraging them to come learn more about a community that they may not have had experiences with before.
“The entire month is extremely collaborative, we work with many different offices and organizations to help make this month happen!” said Kelly. “You’ll see at the bottom of the poster, we list all of the folks who help donate their time, money, and energy for helping make these events happen and be successful.”
Events
Monday, Nov. 5
Cowgirls and Indians
Artist’s Reception
4:30-6:40 p.m.
LSC Duhesa Gallery
Artist Sarah Sense will provide a gallery walk through and comment on her work.
Tuesday, Nov. 6
Winona LaDuke
6-7:30 p.m.
LSC Theater
Author LaDuke will give a talk about her activism regarding sustainability efforts and preservation of tribal land.
Wednesday, Nov. 7
Aspen Grille will feature lunch specials highlighting traditional Native American foods prepared by Chef Ken Symsack. For reservations, please call (970) 491-7006 or visit lsc.colostate.edu/dining-at-the-lory-student-center/aspen-grille/
Monday, Nov. 12
Open House hosted by NACC North Star Peer Mentors
6-7:30 p.m.
Native American Cultural Center LSC Room 327
Meet the 2018-2019 North Star Peer Mentors! These mentors match incoming students with current students to guide their transition into CSU. A movie, popcorn, hot chocolate and apple cider provided.
Tuesday, Nov. 13
Harvest Dinner Community Event
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location TBD
Ron Hall and Roe Bubar, owners of Arikara Farm, worked the farm this year to engage students, family, and the community to support our farm as we grew traditional food and heritage turkey to bring about the harvest for our Indigenous Community Dinner. Come to join in the “Indigenous Food Revolution” to learn how the earth is our teacher and food is our medicine.
Wednesday, Nov. 14
Warrior Women documentary
Doors at 5:30 p.m., film begins at 6 p.m.
LSC Theater
Warrior Women is the story of mothers and daughters fighting for Indigenous rights in the American Indian Movement (AIM) of the 1970s. The film unveils not only a female perspective of history but also examines the impact political struggles have on the children who bear witness. Screening of the documentary will be followed by a conversation about the film.