For Native Heritage Month 2021, the concepts of “Roots and Representation” are crucial pieces to acknowledge in the Indigenous experience.  For many of our population, family, community and land all hold strong cultural significance as they relate to navigating daily as a Native person.

For those who walk in the worlds of tradition and modern culture simultaneously, the concept of “roots” is essential for maintaining a sense of self.  Additionally, it is important for Indigenous people to make known their continued presence in the fabric of the American landscape.  As a people group with multiple tribes, dialects and skin tones, effective representation is critical for asserting not only our general existence but also the diverse beauty that Native people possess.

Please join us for the remaining events in this month of awareness and celebration:

Native American Heritage Month Chat ‘n Chew

Join Multicultural Student Affairs on Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in Talley Student Union, Suite 4261 as we enjoy a variety of Native and southern cuisine and enjoy fellowship with each other. Attendance will be limited to 30, so please register by Nov. 9. Students will receive priority for this event.

Poole College Native American Heritage Month Mural Reveal

Poole College of Management’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will reveal a mural in honor of Native American Heritage Month on Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. Join us to hear from the artist about their inspiration and interpretation of the mural.

Native American Heritage Month Cultural Show

Join us in celebrating Indigenous culture at the Multicultural Student Affairs Native American Heritage Month Cultural Show. The event will include refreshments, vendors, information tables and performances, including dance, drumming and storytelling. We will celebrate, enjoy fellowship and learn more about the cultures that Native people maintain and display in America.

Melissa Faircloth is director of Multicultural Student Affairs.