Native American Heritage Month

UPDATE! Watch the video of the ceremonial wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery!

"Celebrating Native American Voices"-- A month of events that celebrate the cultural identity, spiritual wisdom, and rich history of the Native Peoples of the Americas.

Every November, the University of Maryland community celebrates Native American Indian Heritage Month by reflecting on the experiences and acknowledging the contributions of Native/Indigenous tribes and peoples of North and South America. Programs are sponsored primarily by the American Indian Student Union with the support of various campus offices and departments. 

                                                     Native American Heritage Month 2012 Poster

 

LIST OF EVENTS:

1. Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers: Wreath Laying Ceremony

Thursday, November 1, 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia

We honor the unknown soldiers who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy with the ceremonial wreath-laying. We commemorate all unknown soldiers--including unknown Native Americans--as we begin Native American Heritage Month.

2. Kick Off Celebration

 

Thursday, November 1, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Hornbake Library Lobby

Co-Sponsors: MICA, OMSE & AISU

SPEAKERS: Ms. Sharon Jackson, Historian and Native American Indian Crafts Maker; and Mr. Keith Colston, Executive Director, Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs

Image to the right displays guest speaker of the night spread words of wisdom to students, faculty, and staff about his experience as a Native American Indian. 

3. Identity: Who Am I (Open Dialogue)

 

Monday, November 5th, 5:00pm-7:00pm0123 Hornbake Library (Classroom Side)

“Integrating one’s past, present, and future into a cohesive, unified sense of self is a complex task that begins in adolescence and continues for a lifetime. ... The salience of particular aspects of our identity varies at different moments in our lives. The process of integrating the component parts of our self-definition is indeed a lifelong journey.” - Beverly Tatum

We will host an open dialogue to discuss this theme of identity development, the potential limitations to that development, and how to address those limits. The night will start with a panel of experts who will explore the nuances of identification and help foster further dialogue throughout the community.

Co-Sponsors: OMSE & AISU 

 

 PANELISTS: Ms. Sharon Jackson (Cherokee, Creek and Blackfoot Nation) Native American Indian Crafts Maker; Mr. Fred Nordhorn (Abenaki Nation) Commissioner - Prince George’s County, Maryland Commission on Veteran Affairs; Ms. Penny Gamble-Williams (Chappaquiddick/Wampanoag Nation) Tribal leader, visual artist, jewelry maker and writer. Her Talkingfeather Show has a national audience on XM Satellite Radio’s talk channel 169, “The Power for Two Years”; Mr. Keith Colston (Lumbee

Nation) Executive Director, Maryland Commission on Indian AffairsMODERATOR: Mr. J. Winter Nightwolf (Cherokee Nation), the originator and host of The American Indian’s Truths: Nightwolf - The Most Dangerous Show On Radio, WPFW89.3 FM, Pacifica Radio - Friday evenings from 7-8 PM - EST, online at www.WPFW.org.

4. Catawba Indian Nation: Alternative Summer Break Report Out, 2012

Wednesday, November 14, 12:00pm-2:00pm, 0105Hornbake Library (Classroom Side)Bring your own lunch, but beverages and desserts will be offered

A team of UMD undergraduate students traveled to the Catawba Indian Nation in Rock Hill, South Carolina, this summer. They spent 5 days learning about the Native culture and enjoying the opportunity to inspire future generations to continue their education. Students will report about their service learning and cultural experiences.

Co-Sponsor: OMSE & Alternative Break Program

5. The Indigenous Chocolate Explosion!

Monday, November 19, 10:00 am-2:00 pmOutside of The Adele H. Stamp Student UnionFREE HOT CHOCOLATE!

Where did we get this amazing treat? CHOCOLATE was a gift from NATIVE AMERICAN INDIANS! What you are drinking is chocolate in its original form, consumed by Mayans, Aztecs, and Central American tribes as far back as 600 A.D. The origin of the word itself is said to have been a Mayan derivative that meant "bitter water" or an Aztec word for the drink, "xocoatl." The COCOA BEAN was given high esteem, used in some cases as monetary units, used as medicine, or even linked to beliefs of creation. Remember where it came from as you enjoy!

6. Native American Indian Arts & Crafts Demonstration

Thursday, November 29, 3:00pm-5:00pmMargaret Brent Room B (2112), The Adele H. Stamp Student UnionSupplies FREE

Ms. Sharon Jackson (Cherokee, Creek and Blackfoot) is known for her authentic Native American Indian designs and craftsmanship. She will lead a discussion and demonstration on making your own “Identity Bracelet.”

7. 8th Annual Native American Indian Powwow featuring NDN Boys Host Drum

Saturday, December 8, 10:00am-6:00pm (Grand Entry at 11:00am)Samuel Riggs IV Alumni CenterFree parking in Lot 1

Come and enjoy a large-scale inter-tribal Native American Indian social gathering with traditional drumming, singing, dancing, art and food. Guest drums are welcome! Traditional craft items and souvenirs will be for sale, and there will be door prizes and face painting.

For more information about Native American Indian Student Involvement, contact Chad Parslow, Graduate Coordinator for Multicultural Student Outreach and Advocacy.