Dear Campus Community,
This November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Since 1990, the federal government has proclaimed Native American Heritage Month as a time to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions Indigenous peoples make to the rich and diverse fabric of the United States. This month, I encourage us all to educate ourselves about the vibrant Native American cultures on whose land we live and work, understand our place in the systems of oppression and the history of colonization that have been inflicted on native peoples, and do our part to build genuine relationships with our Indigenous neighbors.
Here are some resources to get you started in deepening your knowledge and celebrating Native American Heritage Month:
- How We Got Here, a recent story in Arches that details a course offered this past summer at Puget Sound about the Native American experience and includes a list of video resources.
- Americans, an online exhibit hosted by the National Museum of the American Indian, highlights the ways in which American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began.
- Washington State Native Business Directory, a listing of Indigenous-owned small businesses, including artisans and designers, restaurants, retail, and more.
I also encourage you to follow the Native Indigenous Student Alliance (NISA) on Instagram (@nisa.pugetsound). NISA is planning a number of events for the campus community this month, including a book discussion, a film screening, and a collage night.
Let's come together to learn, celebrate, and support Native American heritage while working towards a more inclusive and equitable future. We believe in the strength of our diverse community and the importance of recognizing and honoring the many contributions of Native Americans on our campus, around the region, and across the country.
Sincerely,
Lorna Hernandez Jarvis | Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity