UA News

Events kick-off Mon. Nov. 3 on the UA Mall and continue through the month.

The University of Arizona Center for Student Involvement and Leadership and Native American Student Affairs have joined together with departments, clubs and organizations to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.

During November, the UA campus will honor and celebrate the significance of Native American Heritage by dedicating a month of educational programs, speakers, Gourd dance performances, panel discussions, film screenings, indigenous food and much more in celebration of Native American culture.

"Themes for Native American Heritage Month will center on a history of pre-colonization, termination, relocation and self-determination. The events for this month will celebrate both Native American heritage but also educate our campus community about the unique issues that Native American students and community members face," said Jennifer Hoefle, senior coordinator for the UA social justice programs at the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership.

In 1990 President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 as "National American Indian Heritage Month." According to the White House Web site, similar proclamations have been issued by the president each year since 1994 to recognize the intertribal cultures and to educate the public about the heritage, history, art and traditions of the American Indian and Alaska Native people.

"There are so many awesome events planned during the month of November. What is truly outstanding is that many of the events are organized by our students," said Amanda Tachine, interim director of Native American Student Affairs.

Events planned in November are as follows:

Native Threads: An interactive exhibit about Native American culture, history and leaders

Nov. 3-7, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., UA Mall.

Sponsors: Native American Student Affairs, Center for Student Involvement & Leadership

Native American Heritage Month Kick Off
Nov. 3, 12 to 1 p.m., UA Mall stage

This event will formally launch the month-long celebration on the significance of Native American culture.

Sponsors: Native American Student Affairs, Center for Student Involvement & Leadership

Panel: Federal Indian Law: Greatest Hits

Nov. 10, 12 p.m., Kiva Room, Student Union Memorial Center

The Native American Law Students Association presents a panel of third-year law students who will discuss and critique the foundations of federal Indian law. Drawing from their scholarly and professional experience, the panelists will provide the audience with an understanding of how the history of federal Indian law continues to shape the future of U.S.-tribal relations. Lunch will be provided. For more information contact Leah Lussier at lussier@email.arizona.edu.

Sponsors: Native American Law Student Association, Center for Student Involvement & Leadership

The American Indian Studies Second Annual Poster Competition
Nov. 10, 12-2 p.m., Santa Rita Room, Student Union Memorial Center

Contact: Professor Nancy Parezo, parezo@email.arizona.edu, 520-626-4057

Sponsors: American Indian Studies, American Indian Studies Graduate Student Council

6th Annual Veteran's Day Gourd Dance

Nov. 11, 2-5 p.m., UA Mall

The event to celebrate veterans and warriorsis hosted by the Wildcat Pow Wow Society. All Gourd Dancers and singers are welcome. The host drum is Panther Creek. Frybread will be sold to raise funds. For more information call Pam Bennett 520-909-9293. Please bring your own chairs.

Sponsors: Southwest Gourd Society, Sacred Grounds Trading Post, & Wildcat Pow Wow Society

Film: "The Canary Effect"
Nov. 12, 6 p.m., Gallagher Theater

Delving deep into the often misunderstood and frequently overlooked historic realities of the American Indian, "The Canary Effect" follows the terrifying and horrific abuses instilled upon the indigenous people of North America and details the genocidal practices of the US government and its continuing effects on present day Indian country. Featuring interviews with the leading scholars and experts on Indian issues, the film brings together the past and present in a way never before captured in an eloquent and bold film.

Sponsors: Native American Journalists Association, Center for Student Involvement & Leadership

Two-Spirit Film Festival

Nov. 13, 5 p.m., Gallagher Theater

Transgender Awareness Week and Native American Heritage Month present a film festival of shorts exploring the Two-Spirit identity. The films include "Byron Chief Moon: Grey Horse Rider," "Two Spirit, One Journey," "Secret Weapons" and "Two Spirited."

Sponsors: Wingspan, Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, LGBTQ Affairs, Native Images, Tucson Indian Center, RHA

Vine Deloria Jr. Distinguished Indigenous Scholars Series: David Wilkins

Nov. 13, 7 p.m., Education Building, Room 211

Professor David Wilkins is a nationally and internationally recognized scholar who has specialized in Native American political activism, legal rights, governance and sovereignty. His research on federal Indian policy is second to none and his numerous publications have advanced knowledge of Native American legal statuses and tribal uses of sovereign powers.

Sponsors: American Indian Studies, American Indian Students Graduate Student Council, Center for Student Involvement & Leadership, Native American Student Affairs, Native Nations Institute and UA Geography and Regional Development

Native Eyes Film Showcase 

Nov. 14-16, Crossroads Cinema

For schedule, venue, guest filmmakers and ticket information, visit www.statemuseum.arizona.edu or call 520-626-9825. The opening night film is "Older Than America." A woman's haunting visions reveal a Catholic priest's sinister plot to silence her mother from speaking the truth about the atrocities that took place at her Native American boarding school. A contemporary drama of suspense, "Older Than America" delves into the lasting impact of the cultural genocide and loss of identity that occurred at such schools.

Sponsors: Arizona State Museum, Hanson Film Institute and the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution

Panel Discussion: Native Americans in the Media
Nov. 17, 12-1 p.m., Gallagher Theater

The Native American Journalists Association will host a panel to discuss portrayals of Native Americans in the media and how it affects the way in which Native Americans are viewed today. For more information contact Candace Begody, 520-661-2502, candacebegody@gmail.com

Sponsors: Native American Journalists Association: UA Student Chapter, Center for Student Involvement & Leadership

Film: "Turquoise Rose" with Guest Speaker Natasha Johnson

Nov. 18, 6 p.m., Gallagher Theater

A coming-of age-story that follows a Native American college student named Turquoise Rose as she begrudgingly forgoes a trip to Europe with her friends to return to the Navajo reservation and take care of her ailing grandmother. Through this experience, Turquoise comes to appreciate her Navajo heritage and ancestry. This film will be followed by a Q & A with the film's star, Natasha Johnson.

Sponsors: ASUA Women's Resource Center, Center for Student Involvement & Leadership, Native American Student Affairs

Thriving in Two Worlds: Miss Native American, University of Arizona
Nov. 19, 10-11a.m., Robert L. Nugent Building Room 205

Many Native Americans must learn to balance between, or merge, aspects of traditional and modern worlds. A panel of reigning and former Miss Native American UA titleholders will discuss the Miss Native American UA pageant. They will present their experiences and general misconceptions of pageantry.

Sponsors: Miss Native American UA Pageant Committee

American Indian Youth Conference: Strengthening Culture and Education to Empower Our Youth

Nov. 20-21, Student Union Memorial Center

The goals of this conference are to honor youth and their ability to transform communities in a positive way, to provide youth the knowledge and skills to achieve their academic and career goals and to orient students to the UA through interactive activities and workshops. For more information contact: Bobbi Brown, b_brown61@yahoo.com, 602-449-2126, or Travis L. Lane, travis.lane@itcaonline.com 602-258-4822

Sponsors: Arizona Indian Education Association and the UA

James & Ernie Comedy Show
Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., Social Sciences Building Room 100
Alpha Pi Omega and Beta Sigma Epsilon are hosting a philanthropy event featuring the James & Ernie comedy duo. These Native American comedians will perform at the UA to benefit the American Indian Education Association scholarship program. Come prepared to laugh while also contributing to a great cause. Cost is $10.

Sponsors: Alpha Pi Omega, Beta Sigma Epsilon, Center for Student Involvement & Leadership

AISES 3x3 Co-ed Benefit Basketball Tournament
Nov. 23, 10 a.m., Bear Down Gym
Sports are a great pastime in the Native American community, helping to build spirit, livelihood and health. The American Indian Science & Engineering Society is the sponsor of the 1st Annual Co-ed Basketball 3-on-3 Tournament. Anyone is welcome to participate. To register, request information or volunteer, please contact Evander Yazzie, yazzie@email.arizona.edu. 

Sponsor: American Indian Science and Engineering Society

Thanksgiving: A Wampanoag-American Perspective

Nov. 24, 12-1 p.m., Kiva Room, Student Union Memorial Center

The Wampanoag "People of the Dawn" are the Native Americans who, in the fall of 1621, engaged with the European colonists, commonly referred to as the "Pilgrims" at the location of present-day Plymouth, Mass. This meeting between the Wampanoag and the colonists would frame many perceptions now associated with the Thanksgiving holiday. This presentation will discuss not only who the Wampanoag were but who they are today, including the efforts of many Wampanoag to re-educate Americans with their own story of thanksgiving, genocide, cultural survival and self-determination.      

Sponsors: Indigenous Thinkers, Native American Student Affairs, Center for Student Involvement & Leadership

The month-long celebration ends on Nov. 25 with a social event frpm 12 to 2 p.m. in the Nugent Building room 203.

Sponsor: Native American Student Affairs