Since 1990, November has marked Native American Heritage Month throughout the United States as a time for Native Americans to share their culture and traditions.
North Dakota State will recognize the month with a series of on-campus events throughout November.
An opening ceremony will take place on Thursday with representatives from North Dakota Native American tribes.
Performers at the event will include Alex DeCoteau of Turtle Mountain, Chad Harmon of Three Affiliated Tribes, Earl Bull Head of Lakota and students from the Circle of Nations School of Wahpeton, ND.
DeCouteau and Bull Head will provide knowledge and songs from their tribes, while Harmon will play flute songs.
On Monday, Nov. 7, Bethany Moody will speak on the concern of food security in tribal communities. On the same day, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairman Dave Archambault II will present information on the current affairs of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe.
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, Ronya Hoblit will use the tipi as a cultural structure to convey the message of the twelve values of the Lakota tribe.
A tribal sovereignty panel will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 16 focusing on combating common misunderstandings of tribal governance. The panel will feature speakers knowledgeable in the areas of tribal governance structures.
On Thursday, Nov. 17, Cera Swiftwater will give a demonstration of a Native American guessing game, complete with an overview of rules, songs and styles of the game.
In addition to the on-campus events, a variety of off-campus events to commemorate NAHM will occur throughout Fargo.
These events include an Inipi or sweat lodge ceremony and multiple discussions and panels. Topics discussed will range from Native American literature and historical context to contemporary legal questions such as justice on Native American reservations.
Jaclynn Davis Walette, Director of the Office of Multicultural Programs at NDSU, described the office as “a committee made up of faculty, staff and students” that arranged many of the events and presentations for Native American Heritage Month.
Many of the events are hosted by the Office of Multicultural Programs at NDSU.
Further information on the events, including locations and times, can be accessed on the office’s website or on posters throughout campus.