NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
What is Native American Heritage Month?
Native American Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples across the United States. What began in the early 20th century as a movement to establish a day of recognition has since grown into a month-long observance each November. The month serves as a platform for Native communities to share their traditions, stories, music, crafts, dance, and worldviews. It also offers space to engage in meaningful dialogue around issues impacting Native peoples today, while fostering understanding, respect, and community connection. Past programs have included public lectures, film screenings, storytelling events, and cultural showcases. This celebration is open to all and invites the entire Duke community to join in recognizing, uplifting, and sharing in the love and joy these communities deserve.
ᎤᏟᎢᎦᎢ (pronounced u-tli-i-ga-i)
Native American is the term most often used to refer to the descendants of the indigenous groups that occupy the continental United States of America and Alaska.
American Indian, Indian, NDN, Indigenous, Indigenous Americans, and First Americans are other terms that are often used, sometimes interchangeably, by both scholars and community members. It’s important to note that there is no general consensus amongst Native Americans about what term is most appropriate, so when in doubt, just ask.
Indigenous groups in other parts of North and South America use other terms for self-identification i.e. First Nations (Canada), Alaska Native (Alaska), Taíno (Caribbean), etc.
While Native American and the other aforementioned identifiers are used as umbrella terms, it is important to note that the peoples who these terms identify are not homogenous and practice unique cultures, speak hundreds of languages, and have varying world views. When possible, it is most appropriate to identify Native Americans with regard to their specific tribal affiliation i.e., Cherokee, Navajo, Lumbee, etc. This combats the notion that indigenous peoples are monolithic and honors the diversity within the population.
Resources on the terms:
- Coming Soon
Coming Soon
- Native American Indigenous Student Alliance (NAISA)
- Native American Graduate and Professional Student Alliance (NAGPSA)
- Native American Law Students Association (NALSA)
- Alpha Pi Omega Sorority, Inc. (APiO)
- Duke University’s Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanic and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
These student organizations represent a range of cultural identities and experiences and are open to all Duke students, regardless of identity or background. This is not an exhaustive list of Native American identified/affiliated organizations. Find these organizations on Duke Groups or Instagram! If you’d like to learn more, get involved, or suggest an organization to be included, please contact the Center for Multicultural Affairs at dcma@duke.edu.
Thank you to everyone who contributed events, resources, and support—we’re excited to share the full calendar soon! Special thanks to the Cherokee Language Program for the translation, available at https://language.cherokee.org/word-list/. The Duke University Native American Heritage Month logo was developed under the creative direction of Harley Locklear and Alex Espaillat, and designed by Alex Espaillat.
Stay tuned