Campus & Community

SU celebrates Native Heritage Month

Friday, November 9, 2012, By News Staff

The Office of Multicultural Affairs within the Division of Student Affairs hosts Native Heritage Month from Nov. 2-Dec. 1. From film screenings to lectures, social dances and more, Native Heritage Month offers an array of cultural festivities that educate and celebrate the continued existence of native people, sharing with others their unique way of being in this world.

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.

Among the month’s highlights is a social dance with Haudenosaunee singers and dancers on Nov.14 from 6-9 p.m., at the Skybarn on South Campus. On Nov. 27, the Syracuse University Native Community will unveil its new graphic identity in the Life Sciences Building, room 001. Co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs Native Student Program, the Native American Studies Program and the Center for Indigenous Law, Governance and Citizenship, the unveiling will take place from 6-8 p.m. with a guest speaker, followed by a reception.

One of the most anticipated events is the 9th Annual Haudenosaunee Conference, “Caring for Indigenous Children & Families: Circles of Safety and Sovereignty” from Nov. 30-Dec. 1. A reception and showing of the documentary “Unseen Tears” will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the Goldstein Student Center. A discussion with Michael Martin will follow the film.

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 www.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).