As Elon recognizes Native American Heritage Month in November, the university’s OBSN Heritage Language and Learning Working Group continues to make efforts to strengthen and honor the relationship between the university and the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation.
Elon University recognizes and honors Native American Heritage Month in November, but the work to honor the connections between Elon and Native communities is much more than one month.
The university sits on land of the Eno, Tutelo, Saponi, Occaneechi and Shakori Native people. The Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation became the most prevalent group by 1650 and members continue to live in the area today. The university has worked to honor and recognize that legacy, including an official land acknowledgment used at meetings and events.
Corey Roberts, assistant professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies, says he calls these recognitions “land steward acknowledgements” because they are often about the people who are in a relationship with the land, rather than the land itself.
“Whether it’s the land or the people that were in a relationship with it; historically, it is very, important to have that idea of history, that understanding of history,” said Roberts, who is Occaneechi.
Since coming to Elon in 2024, Roberts has been working to revitalize the Yesa:sahį́ language spoken by the OBSN. He teaches two language revitalization courses, but learning the language is more complex than a direct translation. Yesa:sahį́ is one of three languages of the Southeastern branch of the Siouan family with any written documentation.
Prior to revitalization efforts in the 1990s, there were fewer than 800 widely documented words remaining in the language’s written record.
“Students will be given the information early on that they are going to be learning the language, but they are also going to be helping rebuild the language because it takes the efforts of students and community members alike, all hands-on deck,” said Roberts in 2024.
During the Undergraduate Conference on Languages and Cultures, hosted by the Department of World Languages & Cultures, at Elon in September 2025, Roberts assured there was a section on Native languages and an opportunity for students to present on those languages. He also invited people who work with indigenous communities who speak other languages aside from Yesa:sahį́.
“In the Southeast, we do have some common threads,” Roberts said. “It’s not just visibility surrounding the Occaneechi, but it’s surrounding all things Native.”
Roberts is a member of the OBSN Heritage Language and Learning Working Group, formed by the university in 2024 to collaborate with the OBSN to support its efforts to revitalize the tribe’s heritage language and share new heritage learning opportunities for campus. The working group consists of Elon faculty, staff, and students and members of the OBSN.
One of the working group’s efforts is already visible through a new historical marker next to Schar Hall, which includes the Yesa:sahį́ translation for “grove of oaks.” A similar sign will be displayed at the OBSN’s tribal grounds in Pleasant Grove, North Carolina, that will have a nod to oak trees, a similarity between Elon’s campus and the grounds.
During the historical marker dedication ceremony in September 2025, Elon President Connie Ledoux Book and OBSN Tribal Chairperson Tony Hayes exchanged gifts. Book received a basket woven by OBSN Tribal Administrator Vickie Jeffries with rabbit skin, cedar and tobacco, sacred herbs of the OBSN, while Book gifted Hayes a tobacco bundle, a gift that, according to Roberts, is considered sacred because “tobacco is a medicine that carries prayers to the Creator.”
“Having the president give a gift and being involved with the gift exchange was tremendous,” said Roberts. “There’s been a presence of the Occaneechi here in the past for sure. There have been workshops that have been delivered, and there still are, but this is a different level of relationship than in the past.”
Members of the working group are holding a Language Revitalization Conference on Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to Noon in LaRose Student Commons. Both the marker and conference were assisted through funds from an Elon Innovation Grant.
“I think the university’s efforts and the visibility that has taken place is grounding for all of us. It’s grounding for the university and all the people affiliated with the university,” said Roberts. “It’s not only visible and apparent to me, but it is apparent to people on campus and from people outside the campus as well that something is happening here.”
Elon honors Native American Heritage Month
As part of Native American Heritage Month, Elon University is sharing stories that honor the histories, cultures and contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples in the university community. This month recognizes the enduring strength, traditions and knowledge of Indigenous communities, while highlighting the ways these legacies continue to shape and enrich our shared experience. It is a time to celebrate Native and Indigenous heritage, but also an invitation for all members of the university community to learn, reflect and engage in meaningful ways that honor these vibrant cultures and their lasting impact.