The Elon community is invited to celebrate and learn more about the experiences, histories and heritage of Native and Indigenous communities.
Elon University will celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November with various events designed to learn about, celebrate, and understand Native American and Indigenous identity.
In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law a joint resolution designating the month of November as the first National American Indian Heritage Month (also known as Native American Indian Month).
Both the law and proclamation recognized American Indians as the first inhabitants of the lands that now constitute the United States, as well as mentioning their contributions to American society. Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”), have been issued each year since 1994, including Presidents Obama and Trump. These proclamations celebrate the contributions of the American Indians and urge the people of the United States to learn more about the American Indian cultures.
Please join the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education (CREDE) in November as Elon celebrates and learns more about the experiences, histories and heritage of Native and Indigenous communities.
Event Calendar
Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month Kickoff
Wednesday, Nov. 1
5:30-7 p.m. | McKinnon D & E
Attend the kickoff to enjoy food from a local Indigenous caterer, Indigenous artists, and chances to win prizes by learning about and exploring more about Native American and Indigenous communities! Various stations by campus departments, student organizations, and more will be set up for people to engage with.
Participants can win prizes by following the “pathways” located in the NAHM pamphlet, which will be handed out at the kickoff.
Inventive Minds: Indigenous Artist Showcase
Wednesday, Nov. 8
6-7:30 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)
Featuring a virtual art gallery of various Native American art pieces and sceneries: one with 3D models and one with contemporary pieces.
Native Beading Workshop
Monday, Nov. 13
5:30-7:30 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)
Vickie Jeffries, Tribal Administrator for the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation and Native American artist, for a fun night of crafts! Snacks, drinks, and materials will be provided.
Screening of Kuessipan
Wednesday, Nov. 15
4-6:30 p.m. | McEwen 013
The French Club and Native American Student Association will host a public screening of the film Kuessipan and engage in thoughtful discussion.
The CREDE offers these resources for those interested in celebrating Native American Heritage Month outside of the scheduled events on campus:
Literature
- Spirit Matters: White Clay, Red Exits, Distant Others by Gordon Henry
- We Are the Middle of Forever: Indigenous Voices from Turtle Island on the Changing Earth, edited by Dahr Jamail and Stan Rushworth
- Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes Through Indigenous Science by Jessica Hernandez
- Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Movies
- Smoke Signals
- Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner
- We Shall Remain
- Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World