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Native & Indigenous Heritage Month

Native & Indigenous Heritage Month banner: Learn My Story: Be a Good Realtive.Each year, the Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy (MICA) Office of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union - Center for Campus Life coordinates a campus-wide calendar of events to commemorate Native & Indigenous Heritage Month.

This year’s theme for Native and Indigenous Heritage Month is Learn My Story. This theme centers space for Indigenous students and community members to share and be proud of their life stories,  paths, while honoring their ancestors. Each Indigenous person has a different story, each deserves to be honored and celebrated for their uniqueness, not treated as a monolith. "Learn My Story" is a direct call to action for non-Indigenous people to learn from, make space, and advocate for the lived experiences and history of Indigenous people instead of speaking over them or watering their messages down. It's a call to empower Native people to be able to tell their own stories in the way that they need to and not paint them into boxes.

2023 Events: 

Indigenous Futures Lab Grand Opening and Halloween Party

Location: The Indigenous Futures Lab (Susquehanna Hall 4015)

Date/Time: Oct 27th, 3-6pm 

Description: Get ready for a spooktacular time, we’re throwing a grand opening and Halloween Bash! (Respectful) costumes are highly encouraged, and we’ll even have a photo booth, chock-full of props, and a pro-photographer to capture your (respectful) costume creativity. Don’t be haunted by fomo, come learn about the new Indigenous Futures Lab! Come flex your crafting skills, play festive games, and satisfy your sweet tooth with some treats. Oh, and did we mention the raffle giveaway.

Sponsors: Stamp-MICA, Indigenous Futures Lab, Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Native American and Indigenous Deathcare Autonomy Est. Time Immemorial

Contact: Shelbi Nahwilet Meissner (snmeiss@umd.edu)

 

Unsettling Borders on Tohono O’odham Sacred Land

Location: Susquehanna Hall 4116

Date/Time: Nov 1st, 4:00-5:45 pm

Description: You are invited to join WGSS on November 1st for "Unsettling Borders on Tohono O'odham Sacred Land," a book talk with Dr. Felicity Amaya Schaeffer, Professor and the Peggy and Jack Baskin Endowed Chair of the Feminist Studies Department and Chair of the Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This talk addresses how debates about “borders” in Xicana migration studies can be put in dialogue with Indigenous peoples such as the Tohono O’odham whose reservation extends beyond the Arizona-Mexico borderland. Caught between migrants crossing their land and the rapid expansion of border security violence, Indigenous struggles for sovereignty demand border solidarity rather than military occupation. For more information and to RSVP, check out the event at go.umd.edu/Schaeffer

Sponsors: Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Contact: Elece Smith (esmith18@umd.edu)

 

Bead, Weave, and Read Series: Working with Seed Beads

Location: The Indigenous Futures Lab (Susquehanna Hall 4015)

Date/Time: Nov 3rd, Noon-1:30 pm

Description: Join us for "Bead, Weave, and Read," a monthly workshop where we explore different crafting traditions while we visit. This series focuses on crafts such as beadwork, basketweaving, earring making, loom skills,  and more, each complemented by thought-provoking readings from Indigenous women and Two Spirit authors. Each session lasts 1.5 hours, with new crafts and readings introduced every three sessions. All crafting supplies, snacks, and readings are provided—just bring your curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm! Supplies and space limited, Please RSVP. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-alTwXrqy5mKEDxwkX6D-rUUN1Ztgn3AV9lOMhNjWntAU-w/viewform

Sponsors: Indigenous Futures Lab, Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Native American and Indigenous Deathcare Autonomy Est. Time Immemorial

Contact: Shelbi Nahwilet Meissner (snmeiss@umd.edu)

 

Career Resources to Share Your Story for Your Career Success

Location: University Career Center 

Date/Time: Nov 6th

Description: Join us in celebrating Native & Indigenous Heritage Month 2023, as we explore the theme "Learn My Story: Being a Good Relative." Throughout the month, the University Career Center & The President's Promise are dedicated to providing career resources for your success. We will offer a variety of resources designed to empower Native and Indigenous individuals in their career journeys. Discover opportunities while advancing your professional goals.. Check careers.umd.edu for more information

Sponsors: University Career Center and The President's Promise

Link: https://careers.umd.edu/university-career-center-links

Contact: Pamela Allen pallen@umd.edu
 

Indigenous Children’s Stories: An Interactive Exploration and Discussion for Kids With the Native and Indigenous Student Union (NAISU)

Location: Greenbelt Auditorium (11 Crescent Rd, Greenbelt, MD, 20770)

Date/Time: Nov 7th, 6-7pm 

Description: Embark on an exciting exploration of Indigenous children's literature with the University of Maryland's Native American and Indigenous Student Union! Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Indigenous stories through this tailored program designed for children ages 5 to 12.This educational experience held in honor of Native American Heritage Month, takes you on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of literature surrounding Indigenous peoples. Designed with two core goals, this program fosters dynamic discussions about Indigenous tribes in both local and broader scopes. Through engaging activities, kids will gain insights into Indigenous lives and the importance of using respectful language when discussing their cultures.

Sponsors: Native and Indigenous Student Union, Prince George’s County Memorial Library

Link: https://www.pgcmls.info/event/9179519#branch

Contact: NAISU (aisuatumd@umd.edu)

 

How to Powwow

Location: The Atrium

Date/Time: Nov 10, 6-8pm

Description: During this event participants will be able to understand powwow etiquette, learn how to dance during a round dance and/or intertribal. Featured instructors include UMD Native and Indigenous Student Union Alumni: Ayden Allston, Jeremy Harley, and Kota Harley!

Sponsors: Stamp-MICA, Department of Student Affairs, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Contact: Xandie Iti Lusakbi (xwood@umd.edu

 

Indigenous Children’s Stories: An Interactive Exploration and Discussion for Kids With NAISU

Location: Large Meeting Room A - Dorothy Height Room (507 7th Street, Laurel, MD 20707)

Date/Time: Nov 14th, 6-7pm 

Description: Embark on an exciting exploration of Indigenous children's literature with the University of Maryland's Native American and Indigenous Student Union! Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Indigenous stories through this tailored program designed for children ages 5 to 12. This educational experience held in honor of Native American Heritage Month, takes you on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of literature surrounding Indigenous peoples. Designed with two core goals, this program fosters dynamic discussions about Indigenous tribes in both local and broader scopes. Through engaging activities, kids will gain insights into Indigenous lives and the importance of using respectful language when discussing their cultures.

Sponsors: Native and Indigenous Student Union, Prince George’s County Memorial Library

Link:https://www.pgcmls.info/event/9179538

Contact: NAISU (aisuatumd@umd.edu)

 

Baltimore American Indian Center Powwow Trip

Location: Meet at Union Lane Garage at 10:45am (depart 11am) for Timonium, MD. Meet at front entrance at 2:45pm (depart 3pm), arrive at Union Lane Garage at 4pm. 

Date/Time: Nov 18, 11am-4pm

Description: Join MICA and NAISU as we attend the Baltimore American Indian Center's 47th Annual Powwow. Meet us there or coordinate transportation with us! Entry costs will be covered if you attend with us. Registration is required and seats are limited! One to two non-UMD affiliated guests.

Sponsors: Stamp-MICA, Department of Student Affairs, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Contact: Kyrsha Balderas (balderas@umd.edu)

RSVP Required:  BAIC RSVP via Terplink and if you need transportation or want to provide transportation please complete this link: BAIC Transportation Request Form 

 

NIHM Closing Game Night

Location: Friedgen Hall 2236 School of Public Health

Date/Time: Dec 1, 3-5pm

Description: Thank you for hearing our stories and being a good relative for Native & Indigenous Heritage Month. Join us for a game night and reflection about the knowledge and events shared during Native & Indigenous Heritage Month.
Sponsors: Stamp-MICA, School of Public Health 

Contact: Xandie Iti Lusakbi (xwood@umd.edu) or Kyrsha Balderas (balderas@umd.edu)

 

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