University of Arkansas Announces Native American Heritage Month Virtual Events

November is National Native American Heritage Month, the recognition of the first peoples of this continent and celebration of their culture, heritage, history and contemporary identities.

The University of Arkansas will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a slate of events in November, from a live stream musical performance to a panel on the Indigenous roots of the University.

Other notable events include a virtual screening of Seminole/Muscogee Creek filmmaker Sterlin Harjo's latest documentary "Love & Fury" with virtual discussion, and a welcome event hosted by the Multicultural Center featuring virtual trivia, grab and go beaded bracelet making kits and a conversation with Cherokee language teacher Schon Duncan.

The Native American Student Association will also be spotlighting University of Arkansas American Indian and First Nations students, faculty and staff throughout the month on their social media platforms @uarknasa .

"For years the visibility of Native Americans on campus has wavered, hinged on the efforts of one or two student leaders. We have sacrificed our time and energy and sometimes our academic success because of the need we felt for community and more recognition. Things are changing now. We have more institutional awareness and support. Native American faculty, staff and students are becoming empowered to a new extent at the University of Arkansas, but empowerment is a process, and there's more to do." Said Summer Wilkie, Native American Student Ambassador at the Center for Multicultual and Diversity Education. "It's time to amplify the voices of Indigenous people on campus and on this planet, this month and beyond."

Native American Heritage Month Schedule:

• Wednesday, Nov. 4 — 3:30-4:30 p.m. — Fulbright College DEI Hour
• Friday, Nov. 6 — 2:30-4 p.m. — Multicultural Center First Friday Welcome
• Thursday, Nov. 12 — 7 p.m. — Fayetteville Film Festival Screening of "Love & Fury" and post-film discussion
• Monday, Nov. 16 — 7 p.m. — Livestream of performance by musician Kalyn Fay
• Thursday, Nov. 19 — 4-5:30 p.m. — University of Arkansas's Indigenous Roots and Futures, virtual panel discussion

Event sponsors include the Native American Student Association, Indigenous Studies, the Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Multicultural Center.

Details and Zoom links for the events are available on the Office for Diversity and Inclusion website.