University celebrates Native Heritage Month

Syracuse University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs within the Division of Student Affairs hosts Native Heritage Month from Nov. 7-Dec. 2. From film screenings, to comedians, lectures, social dances and more, Native Heritage Month offers an array of cultural festivities that educate and celebrate.

“Native Heritage Month is a time for us to celebrate our continued existence and to share with others our unique way of being in this world,” says Regina Jones, assistant director for the Native Student Program in the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Native Heritage Month started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States, and has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose. The Office of Multicultural Affairs has partnered with local area colleges on various events throughout the month, including Ithaca College and Onondaga Community College.

Two of the most highly anticipated events of the month are the symposium “Native Americans in the 21st Century” on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Life Science Building, Room 001, and the accompanying social dance on Dec. 1, from 6-9 p.m., at the Skybarn on South Campus. These two events are an opportunity for SU and the broader community to learn about the Haudenosaunee from native SU students and to participate in a Haudenosaunee social dance.

Campus and community members are encouraged to participate in the planned events of the month. A calendar of events is available at OMA, 105 Schine Student Center, and at http://multicultural.syr.edu.

For more information, contact Regina Jones at rajones@syr.edu or (315) 443-0258. Native Heritage Month is one of four heritage months that the Office of Multicultural Affairs coordinates programs for on campus. Latino Heritage Month was celebrated Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Upcoming heritage months include: Black History Month (February) and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (nationally in May, but celebrated at SU in April to include students).