Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

Throughout the United States, November is dedicated to the celebration and recognition of Native American history and culture. Indianapolis has a long tradition of acknowledging the roles that Native Americans have had in the U.S. For example, visitors to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art can see art, dance, music, and stories from our nation’s unique cultures that are too often overlooked. From Sacajawea to Crazy Horse, the first Americans made invaluable contributions to the establishment and growth of the United States, and this month various Indianapolis and Bloomington organizations have a full docket of events to celebrate!

Pokagon Potawatomi Culture and Education Celebration
November 2011
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Daily
Indiana Statehouse, Indianapolis.
Stop by the Indiana Statehouse anytime during normal operating hours during the month of November to check out an exhibition of Pokagon art, education and culture celebrating the both the historical and contemporary contributions to the State of Indiana by the only federally recognized tribe in Indiana, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomis. For more information, visit: http://www.in.gov/idoa/2371.htm.

Native American Cultural Café
Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011
12 p.m. – 1 p.m., IUPUI Multicultural Success Center, Taylor Hall
Enjoy food, music and more as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Visit http://www.msc.iupui.edu/  for more information.

Success Lecture Series: Suzan Harjo “Contemporary Native American Issues”
Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011
6 p.m., IUPUI Multicultural Success Center, Taylor Hall UC104
This discussion will feature Suzan Harjo, a leader and prominent, who will discuss relevant issues of today’s Native American community. She will also share insight into her path to success, career advice, and answer student questions. Visit http://www.msc.iupui.edu/ for additional information.

Native American Dance Circle
Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis
Feel the beat of the drum and see the color and beauty of Native American culture. Explore rich and vibrant Native American cultures by talking to local Native American artists, tribes, and cultural organizations, and discover that Indiana is still the land of the Indians. For more information, call 317-232-1637 or visit http://www.indianamuseum.org/.

“Traditional Pow-Wow”
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011
11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Indiana University Bloomington, Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center (NMBCC)
Grand Hall, 275 N. Jordan Ave., Bloomington, IN
Students, staff, faculty and community (including children!) are invited to join in this traditional pow-wow. For more information visit: http://www.indiana.edu/~fnecc/events.html.

Native American Beading Workshop: A Cultural Art Form
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011
12 p.m. – 2 p.m., IUPUI Campus Center CE148
Though it takes a thousand lifetimes to master Native American bead-working, IUPUI will offer you the opportunity to begin your journey. Bead kits will be available for everyone to begin their own beading work. Visit http://www.life.iupui.edu/osi/campus-programming/nahm/  for more information. Registration is required at: http://life.iupui.edu/osi/social-justice/events/bead.html.

Multicultural Film & Discuss Series: Reel Injun – On the Trail of the Hollywood Injun
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011
6 p.m. – 8 p.m., IUPUI University Library, Lilly Auditorium
Kemosabe? Loincloths, beaded headbands, fringed pants and feather headdresses? REEL INJUN is an entertaining trip through the evolution of North American Native people (The Indians) as portrayed in famous Hollywood movies, from the silent era to today. Join IUPUI for an informal viewing and discussion with Native American faculty.

Eiteljorg Fellowship Exhibition Opening and Symposium
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Gallery artists discuss their work
1 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Remarks by Kevin Gover, Director of NMAI Washington, D.C.
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Panel discussion
Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis – Admission to museum is free with JagTag (Fee for event)
Enjoy gallery talks by 2011 Fellowship artists and remarks by Kevin Gover followed by a panel discussion.

Drum Making Workshop
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011
2 p.m.-4 p.m., IUPUI Campus Center CE308
Tony Showa, Navajo drummer, will provide supplies and instruction to make your own Native American hand drum. Pre-register at least one week prior to the event: http://life.iupui.edu/osi/social-justice/events/drum.html.

A Night with Coyote
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011
6 p.m. – 8 p.m., IUPUI University Library, Lilly Auditorium & Lobby
Join IUPUI for an exciting evening of Native American storytelling. Join our “Coyotes”: Johnny P. Flynn, PhD [Potawatomi], Charmayne ‘Charli’ Champion-Shaw [Southern Cheyenne], John Boyd, MFA [Elwha Klallam], and Theresa Webb [Potawatomi]. Visit http://www.life.iupui.edu/ for more information.

The Problem with Pilgrims
Monday, Nov. 21, 2010
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., IUPUI Campus Center CE148
This event will feature an American Indian perspective of the myth and tradition of Thanksgiving shared by IUPUI American Indian Programs Director, Dr. Johnny P. Flynn, Religious Studies.

The Reincarnation of Stories
Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011
2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis
Ishmael Hope is a storyteller from Juneau, Alaska who shares stories from his Iñupiaq and Tlingit heritages. He is a performer, writer, actor, and an enthusiastic learner and educator or Alaska Native art and culture. Meet Ishmael and listen as he shares the story of Naatsilanéi, the Origin of the Killer Whale, in the Tlingit language as well as in English!