College of Engineering to Host Native American Heritage Dinner

In collaboration with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the College of Engineering Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will host a Native American Heritage Dinner at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 16, in Bell Engineering Center Room 2282.

All are welcome to attend but must RSVP to patrices@uark.edu or 479-575-4344.

Marty Matlock, executive director of the U of A Resiliency Center and professor of ecological engineering in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, will be the guest speaker. He is a member of the Cherokee Nation.

"The University of Arkansas has been a quiet supporter of access to education for Native Americans from its founding," he said. "The names of tribal members start on the sidewalks at the doors of Old Main and spread across campus. The Cherokee Nation once called Northwest Arkansas home through treaty, and now many of us call it home through choice."

Patrice Sims, assistant director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the college, said the dinner will help celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Native American people.

"As a Native American descendant, Native American Heritage Month is important to me because it allows university faculty, staff and students as well as the community to learn about the many contributions that Native Americans have made throughout history. Native Americans have made significant contributions in the areas of STEM, for example," she said, referring to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. "Bessie Coleman was the first known African American and Native American woman pilot, Mary G. Ross was the first female Native American aerospace engineer and John B. Herrington was the first enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation to fly in space."

For more information about Native American Heritage Month, click here.