Native American Heritage Month at FLC

Native American Heritage Month is an acknowledgement of the resiliency of Indigenous Peoples through art, culture, food, music, tradition, and well-being.

We celebrate the contribution and impact Indigenous Peoples have had on global perspectives from time immemorial to present day.  This month creates the opportunity to empower future generations to embrace, educate, and engage in dialogue regarding the Indigenous ways of life.

Ongoing events

All Nations Flag Display
November 1 – 18, Student Union – Animas Lounge

Tribal flags representing Indigenous sovereign nations/communities will be displayed in the Student Union in the Animas Lounge. These flags have been donated to the Native American Center by tribal nations/communities. To donate a tribal flag, please contact the Native American Center at NAC@fortlewis.edu or 970-247-7221.

Indigenous Way of Life Week
November 7 – 11, Self-Participation

Participate in the Indigenous Way of Life Week. Each day has a different theme and event that reflects the Indigenous Way of Life.

  • November 7: Mukluk Monday
  • November 8: Indigenous Contemporary Couture
  • November 9: Red for MMIR (Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives)
  • November 10: Indigenous Jewelry
  • November 11: Indigenous Attire

Events by date

November 1, 2022

Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Project 
3 pm – 5 pm, Native American Center - Conference Room

The event will be hosted in collaboration with the Center of Southwest Studies, the Native American Center, and the Rising Matriarchs.  

*Turn in completed project pieces to Elise and Rising Matriarchs. 

November 2, 2022

Intergenerational Trauma Effects on Indigenous Communities and an Indigenous Blessing 
10 AM – 4 PM, Vallecito Room

Indigenous healer Paul Long Sr (Diné) will discuss how intergenerational trauma has affected Indigenous communities and how holistic teachings/wellness can help in the healing process. The presentation will be followed by a blessing by 

November 3, 2022
  • Food for Thought hosted by Grub Hub
    12 pm, Native American Center - Conference Room

    Come & enjoy lunch in the Native American Center Conference Room and learn about the different aspects of student wellbeing services. 

  • Food Sovereignty Workshop: Blue Corn 
    12 pm – 4 pm, Native American Center  

    Join the Native American Center for hands-on Indigenous Food Sovereignty Workshops. NAC staff will be working on preparing Blue Corn that was harvested at the Old Fort. The series of workshops will entail the process of peeling corn, shelling corn, sifting corn, and storing the corn for the fall 2022 semester.

  • Memory, Migration, Matriarchland: Land & Identity in the Southwest
    4 pm – 5 pm, Noble 130

    A presentation and discussion on land and identity in the Four Corners region presented by Navajo/Hopi artist and FLC alumna Venaya Yazzie. 
       
  • Spirit of the Peaks Ski Film
    7 pm – 10 pm, Vallecito Room 

    Outdoor Pursuits is proud to bring Hunkpapa Lakota skier Connor Ryan to campus for a screening of his film, "Spirit of the Peaks." His story is about a struggle for balance between athletic passion and cultural obligation. In his pursuit of snow, he learns to be a better relative to the mountains and the people who once called them home. This will be a memorable and unique evening.
November 7, 2022

Food Sovereignty Workshop: Blue Corn
12 pm – 4 pm, Native American Center 

Join the Native American Center for hands-on Indigenous Food Sovereignty Workshops. NAC staff will be working on preparing Blue Corn that was harvested at the Old Fort. The series of workshops will entail the process of peeling corn, shelling corn, sifting corn, and storing the corn for the Fall 2022 semester. 

November 9, 2022
  • Scholarship Workshop 
    2 pm – 4 pm, Native American Center - Conference Room 
     
    Prep yourself for our scholarship workshop with Rexine! You will learn helpful tips for completing scholarships and learn of upcoming scholarship deadlines.

  • Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Project 
    10 am – 12 pm, Native American Center Conference Room

    Piece together workshop. All received completed pieces will be assembled. The event will be hosted in collaboration with the Center of Southwest Studies, the Native American Center, and the Rising Matriarchs.    
November 11, 2022

Deepening Roots: Creating Community Through Food with The Old Fort 
12 pm – 1 pm, Native American Center Conference Room

Join us for lunch in the NAC and learn about ways to get involved and future opportunities at the Old Fort.

November 14, 2022

IndigiCrafts – Earring Making
10 am – 12 pm, Native American Center - Conference Room

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by learning how to make beaded earrings.

November 15, 2022

Food Sovereignty Workshop: Blue Corn 
12 pm – 4 pm, Native American Center  

Join the Native American Center for hands-on Indigenous Food Sovereignty Workshops. NAC staff will be working on preparing Blue Corn that was harvested at the Old Fort. The series of workshops will entail the process of peeling corn, shelling corn, sifting corn, and storing the corn for the fall 2022 semester.

November 16, 2022

Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Project 
9 am – 11 am, Native American Center Conference Room 

Piece together workshop. All received completed pieces will be assembled. The event will be hosted in collaboration with the Center of Southwest Studies, the Native American Center, and the Rising Matriarchs.    

November 18, 2022

Nike N7 Game 
7 PM, Whalen Gymnasium

Join the Women’s Basketball team as they host Northern New Mexico College for the Nike N7 Game. Support our FLC basketball athletes as they feature players with Native American backgrounds. The team will proudly sport turquoise Nike N7 uniforms to represent harmony, friendship, and fellowship in the Native American culture.

November 21, 2022

Indigenous Food Circle 
12 pm – 1:30 pm, Native American Center 

Please bring a dish to share in the Native American Center to celebrate Native American Heritage Month through our traditional foods, cultures, resiliency, and friendship by enjoying time with FLC students, faculty, and staff.

November 29, 2022

Food Sovereignty Workshop: Blue Corn 
12 pm – 4 pm, Native American Center  

Join the Native American Center for hands-on Indigenous Food Sovereignty Workshops. N.A.C. staff will be working on preparing Blue Corn that was harvested at the Old Fort. The series of workshops will entail the process of peeling corn, shelling corn, sifting corn, and storing the corn for the fall 2022 semester.

November 30, 2022
  • Food for Thought hosted by the Center of Southwest Studies
    12 pm – 1 pm, Native American Center – Conference Room 

    Come & enjoy lunch in the Native American Center Conference Room and learn about the different resources with the Center of Southwest Studies.

  • A Living Land Acknowledgment at FLC
    4 pm – 5 pm, Noble 130 

    A panel discussion on the practices and responsible caretaking of FLC’s land acknowledgment featuring student, staff, and faculty panelists. 

  • The Stories We Wear
    5:30 pm, CIRCL – Center for Indigenous Research, Culture, and Language 

    Join the Center of Southwest Studies, Native American Center, and the Rising Matriarchs as they unveil a completed project that they have been working on all fall 2022 semester.