November marks Native American Heritage Month, which aims to celebrate and recognize the history, traditions and achievements of Indigenous people. The Spectrum has put together a list of events hosted by UB’s offices and student groups throughout the month in celebration of Native American heritage:
Nov. 11 — Warrior Lawyers
Watch the documentary “Warrior Lawyers: Defenders of Sacred Justice,” with an introduction from Mark Montour, a UB Alum and the first Native American justice to serve as a New York State Appellate judge. This event, hosted by the Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIX), will take place from 5-8 p.m. on the second floor of UB’s Law Library.
Nov. 13-19 — National Rock Your Mocs Week
Join undergraduate student groups First Nations Student Associate (FNSA) and American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) for week three of their month-long event to Indigenize UB’s campus. Students are encouraged to wear their moccasins to campus and take a group photo in the Indigenous Student Center at Clemens 510 on Nov. 15 at 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 — Tough Topics: Returning What We Stole: Native American Land-back
Join Diversity Advocates at the Intercultural and Diversity Center (IDC) to discuss the taking of Native American land. Students can attend this hour-long discussion either online or in person in SU 240 from 2-3 p.m.
Nov. 16 — Native American Heritage Month Mixer
Meet and socialize with student clubs, organizations and other members of the Native American community in the SU Lobby from 3-5 p.m. There will be music, food and fun activities to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous people.
Nov. 17 — Giving Thanks for the Natural World — Onödowa’ga:’ Environmentalism
Learn from clinical assistant professor in the Department of Indigenous Studies and citizen of theOnödowa’ga:’ (Seneca) Nation Jason Corwin about Seneca environmental initiatives and sustainability practices in accordance with Indigenous ideals. The event will take place on Zoom from 4-5 p.m.
Nov. 17 — Native American Heritage Month Dessert Hour
Enjoy traditional Native desserts and learn about influential Indigenous people with the IDC in SU 240 from 4-6 p.m.
Nov. 18 — Why is Columbus Day Problematic?
Join Diversity Advocates at the IDC to discuss the harmful impact of Columbus Day. This hour-long discussion will be held from 2-3 p.m., either online or in SU 240.
Nov. 20-26 — MMIWG2S Awareness Week
Join FNSA and AISES for week four of their month-long event to Indigenize UB’s campus. Students are encouraged to wear red on campus to remember the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). There will be a group photo in the Indigenous Student Center at Clemens 510 on November 21 at 11 a.m.
Nov. 27-30 — FNSA/AISES Week
Join FNSA and AISES for week five of their month-long event to Indigenize UB’s campus. Students are encouraged to wear FNSA and AISES shirts to campus and to take a group photo in the Indigenous Student Center at Clemens 510 on Nov. 30 at 3 p.m.
Can’t make it? Listen to Native American music via IDC’s Indigenous People’s Heritage Month Playlist on Spotify or read stories from Indigenous authors, poets and scholars from UB Libraries’ collection History and Heritage: Indigenous Peoples of the Americas.
Jasmin Yeung is an assistant news/features editor and can be reached at jasmin.yeung@ubspectrum.com
