Native American Heritage Month | Southern Connecticut State University

Southern Connecticut State University Celebrates

Native American Heritage Month

All are invited to help Southern Connecticut State University celebrate Native American Heritage Month. During this month, we bring awareness to the important contributions of Native peoples. There are a number of programs planned to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced historically and in the present. We hope you will join us.

On August 3, 1990, President of the United States George H. W. Bush declared the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month, thereafter, commonly referred to as Native American Heritage Month. The bill read in part that "the President has authorized and requested to call upon Federal, State and local Governments, groups and organizations and the people of the United States to observe such month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities". This landmark bill honoring America's tribal people represented a major step in the establishment of this celebration which began in 1976 when a Cherokee/Osage Indian named Jerry C. Elliott-High Eagle authored Native American Awareness Week legislation the first historical week of recognition in the nation for native peoples. This led to 1986 with then President Reagan proclaiming November 23-30, 1986, as "American Indian Week". (Data from Wikipedia)

Today, November is National Native American Heritage Month. It’s a time to celebrate Native Americans rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories, and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. It’s also a time to educate the public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced. Join us as the SCSU community celebrate Native American Heritage Month.

2025 Events

Noche de Gala

Wednesday, November 5, 2025
8pm –12am
ASC Grand Ballroom
Join OLAS at their annual semi-formal! Each year Noche De Gala highlights and celebrates a different Latin country, and this year SCSU will come together to celebrate the rich cultures of Ecuador and Peru! Come and enjoy a night of Hispanic foods and dancing to a variety of music (not just Spanish) as we pay tribute to and honor Latin culture! Funds raised from this event will benefit scholarships for incoming Latino students. Tickets are available at www.southernct.edu/olas.
Sponsored by the Organization of Latin American Students

Popcorn Party: Celebrating Native American Innovation

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
11am – 1pm
Multicultural Center, ASC 202
Join us in celebrating Native American Heritage Month with an engaging and flavorful experience exploring the Indigenous roots of one of America’s favorite snacks — popcorn! Long before it became a movie-time staple, popcorn was cultivated and enjoyed by Native peoples across the Americas for thousands of years! This program will highlight the fascinating history of Native American food innovation and provide attendees with the opportunity to sample a variety of popcorn flavors and styles inspired by this rich heritage!

My Native America: Commemoration of National Native American Heritage Month

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Event location will be provided upon completing the RSVP by clicking here.
Join the Latino and Native American Film Festival and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a screening of My Native America and a conversation centered on land, identity, justice, and belonging.

Little Chief

Monday, November 24, 2025
1pm – 2pm
Interfaith Center, ASC 236
Join the Interfaith Center for a viewing of Little Chief, a short film that tells the story of a Native American woman and nine-year-old boy on a reservation in Oklahoma. After the movie, chat with the IFC staff about the film, Indigenous culture, some of the issues faced by Native communities today, and how we can better support them.
Sponsored by the Interfaith Center