Native American Heritage Month at Georgia State
About This Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate, recognize, and inform the public about the cultures, traditions, histories, art, and contributions of Native Americans/American Indians and Alaska Natives. The month was first designated in the United States in 1990.
Such recognition, however, dates back further with state and organizational recognition of Indigenous peoples days and commemorations occurring at the turn of the twentieth century. For example, Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian and co-founder of the Society of American Indians in 1911, organized American Indian Day beginning in 1915. More recently, Columbus Day, which is recognized on the second Monday of October, has been reclaimed in cities across the United States as Indigenous People's Day.
In the 2020 U.S. Census, 7.1 million individuals reported American Indian/Native American/Alaska Native heritage. The federal U.S. government recognizes 574 tribes, with additional tribes recognized by state governments across the country.
Native Americans in North Georgia
For histories, links to modern first nations' governments/councils, guides, maps and other materials, click here.
Event Highlights
Red Nation International Film Festival
Throughout November
Virtual
The Red Nation International Film Festival is the connection to the cultural bridging of independent Native Indigenous artists and audiences, amplifying emerging voices and perspectives for the Native Indigenous storyteller. The 2022 Festival will take place November 1–30.
The Native Vote
Wednesday, Nov. 2, All Day
Instagram: multiyougsu (Multicultural Center)
Sponsored by multiyougsu
As election day draws near, learn about the nonpartisan initiative - Native Vote - which aims to revitalize civic engagement in Indian Country. Tribes are America's first governments and Native Vote works to ensure all Native citizens participate in shaping the future of their communities. Visit www.NativeVote.org for more information, resources, frequent updates, and news!
Culture Café @ the Intersection: Giving Thanks Around The World
Monday, Nov. 7, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00p.m.
Student Center East - Intersection Lounge SCE 210
Sponsored by The Multicultural Center and ISAC / ISS
Join us for free coffee, cocoa or tea, coupled with conversation about cultures, communities, and inclusion. Connect with others around identity, intersectionality and intercultural engagement. Bring a friend for a chance to win giveaways and prizes!!! RSVP required.
For The Culture: Read List
Wednesday, Nov. 9, All day
Instagram: multiyougsu (MC)
Sponsored by The Multicultural Center
All month long you can explore stories that show the diversity and long history of Indigenous people across the United States. Celebrate the history, culture, and continuing traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives in this special collection of literature.
For The Culture: Tasty Recipes
Monday, Nov. 14, 12:30 All day
instagram: multiyougsu (Multicultural Center)
Sponsored by The Multicultural Center
All month long you can explore tasty treats that show the diversity and long history of Indigenous people across the United States. Celebrate the history, culture, and continuing traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives in this special collection of authentic recipes to try at home!
Gather: The American-International Thanksgiving Feast
Thursday, Nov. 17, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00p.m.
The Rialto
Sponsored by The Multicultural Center and ISS/ISAC
Gather around the table for the American-International Thanksgiving Feast as we learn about the history of thanksgiving, thanksgiving around the world and why we give thanks! Celebrated with traditional thanksgiving foods, and festive activities, this Friendsgiving event is something you don't want to miss!
Red Shawl Day
Saturday, Nov. 19. All day
Instagram: multiyougsu (MC)
Sponsored by the Multicultural Center
Another national celebration is Red Shawl Day, which is observed on Nov. 19, while the week leading to it is observed as Red Shawl Week. People are encouraged to wear red in honor of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. "For the week of November 15-21, wear red to draw attention to the horrible acts of violence committed against American Indian and Alaska Native people, particularly women and children. Red symbolizes the loss of sacred lifeblood through violence," according to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. The agency is encouraging people to add to the conversation around MMIWG by using the hashtag #RedShawlWeek on social media and #RedShawlDay on Nov. 19.
For The Culture: Watch List
Monday, Nov. 21. All day
instagram: multiyougsu (Multicultural Center)
Sponsored by The Multicultural Center
All month long you can explore stories that show the diversity and long history of Indigenous people across the United States. Celebrate the history, culture, and continuing traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives in this special collection of films.
Native Small Business Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 26. All day
instagram: multiyougsu (Multicultural Center)
Sponsored by The Multicultural Center
All month long you can explore content that shows the diversity and long history of Indigenous people across the United States. Celebrate the history, culture, and continuing traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives in this special collection of small shops and businesses.
For The Culture: Native Land Playlist
Saturday, Nov. 28. All day
instagram: multiyougsu (Multicultural Center)
Sponsored by The Multicultural Center
All month long you can explore content that shows the diversity and long history of Indigenous people across the United States. Celebrate the history, culture, and continuing traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives in this special playlist of Native American Music & Musicians.
Giving Tuesday
Tuesday, Nov. 29. All day
Instagram: multiyougsu (MC)
Sponsored by The Multicultural Center
#GivingTuesday is one of the biggest giving days of the year. During this day of giving, please consider supporting a Native American organization. Check out the list on Instagram @multiyougsu for Indigenous-led nonprofits to support this Giving Tuesday and beyond.
Event information courtesy of William Britto, Multicultural Center
Resources
Histories, Tribal Governments/Councils & External Organizations
Atlanta Indigenous Peoples Association
Find a Student Organization
Diversity Database (Programs & Initiatives)
Resource Library
Find books, articles, multimedia, guides, departments and more.