University of Nevada, Reno celebrates National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month with campus events

A month of cultural connection, community collaboration and celebration of Indigenous heritage

Dancers and pagaent participants in traditional clothing on the Quad, dancing in a line.

Participants from the annual siganture Powwow event held on campus, August, 2024, coordinated by the Multicultural Center through the Indigenous Student Services program in collaboration with the local native community.

University of Nevada, Reno celebrates National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month with campus events

A month of cultural connection, community collaboration and celebration of Indigenous heritage

Participants from the annual siganture Powwow event held on campus, August, 2024, coordinated by the Multicultural Center through the Indigenous Student Services program in collaboration with the local native community.

Dancers and pagaent participants in traditional clothing on the Quad, dancing in a line.

Participants from the annual siganture Powwow event held on campus, August, 2024, coordinated by the Multicultural Center through the Indigenous Student Services program in collaboration with the local native community.

The University of Nevada, Reno will commemorate National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month this November with a series of events that honor the culture, history and contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island communities. The Multicultural Center and the Office of Indigenous Relations have partnered with various student groups, departments and community organizations to host a range of activities throughout the month.

“We are excited to share upcoming events and collaborations for Native American Heritage Month," said Markie Wilder, assistant director of the Multicultural Center. "This month is about honoring the history, culture and contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island communities and fostering connections between students and the wider community."

Featured Events:

  • Parents in The Pack Study Night
    Date: Nov. 4, 2024
    A study night for parents and children, with a cultural craft room featuring Native cultural activities. Families can work on homework together while exploring Native traditions.
  • Handgame Workshop Series
    Dates: Nov. 8, 12, and 19, 2024
    Hosted by the Indigenous Student Organization, this three-part series introduces participants to Handgames, a traditional Native game that encourages teamwork and cultural exchange. The Office of Indigenous Relations and The Multicultural Center will assist with providing community teachers, elders and support. The series will be held in the Graduate Student Lounge in the Joe Crowley Student Union.
  • Rock Your Mocs Week
    Nov. 10 to Nov. 16
    Rock Your Mocs is a worldwide Native American & Indigenous Peoples social media unity event held annually that aims to honor the ancestors, raise awareness and show pride in Native culture, identity and history. You can join by wearing your moccasins, ribbon skirt, ribbon shirt or culturally significant garments the week of Nov. 10 to Nov. 16 on campus. Don’t forget to take a photo or video and use the hashtag #RockYourMocs.
  • API Social with Chicken Katsu and Spam Musubi Workshop
    Date: Nov. 12, 2024, from 6 -8 p.m.
    This workshop will offer hands-on learning about traditional API (Asian and Pacific Islander) dishes, bringing together Native and API communities in a shared culinary experience.
  • Native American Craft Room
    Ongoing throughout November
    The Niche will host a Native American craft room where students can engage in cultural projects like beading and making ribbon skirts. This space serves as a creative outlet and a place for students to build meaningful relationships and strengthen their cultural identity.
  • Mesa Rim Climbing Night
    Date: Nov. 13, 2024, at 6 p.m.
    A family-friendly community climbing event at Mesa Rim, organized by Nevada Urban Indians in collaboration with the Office of Indigenous Relations and other community organizations. All are welcome to attend for a night of fun and physical activity.

In addition to these events, the University is collaborating with Nevada Athletics, ASUN IDEA, Counseling Services, and Nevada Urban Indians to host a series of Talking Circles aimed at supporting the mental health and well-being of Native students. These circles are still in development, with student input guiding the final plans.

Nevada Athletics has a few events planned with various sports teams.

Nevada Men’s Basketball Vs. Washington

Date: Nov. 9

Nevada Football Vs. Air Force

Date: Nov. 23

Nevada Women’s Basketball Nugget Classic three-day tournament

Date: Nov. 29-31 

Wilder emphasizes the importance of all the events planned throughout the month in building community and awareness on campus. “We hope these initiatives create spaces for students to connect with their heritage and for others to learn and engage with Native cultures in meaningful ways,” she said.

For more information and to participate in the upcoming events, visit the Multicultural Center’s website or follow them on social media.

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