November is National American Indian Heritage Month. The first American Indian Day was celebrated in New York State in 1916, and since 1976, United States Presidents have proclaimed either a week or month of recognition. The first nationally recognized month-long American Indian Heritage Celebration was proclaimed through a joint resolution signed in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush.
In the month of Thanksgiving, American Indian Heritage Month is meant to celebrate especially the heritage, history, art, and traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives. The month is celebrated by cities and states across the United States.
There are many exciting events throughout Chicago in celebration of American Indian Heritage Month. The American Indian Center of Chicago will host their 56th Annual Powwow . The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian also has great events and exhibits all year!
Below are some of the events happening at the University of Chicago
Tuesday, November 10
“The Return of Navajo Boy”
Film Screening Presented by OMSA, CSRPC, PGE and the Native American Student Association
6:30 pm at 5710 S. Woodlawn
The program features the director, Jeff Spitz and one of the Navajo grandmothers of the film,
Ms. Elsie Mae Begay.
Contact: tracye@uchicago.edu
Wednesday, November 11
Celebration of Cultures
Presented by OMSA, Native American Student Association and the American Indian Center
6:00 pm at 5710 S. Woodlawn
A tribute to Native American culture through drumming and dancing.
Contact: ryo@uchicago.edu
Tuesday, November 24
“Navajo Film Themselves”
Free Film Screening Presented by OMSA and DOC Films
9:00 pm at Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 E. 59th
Navajo Film Themselves is a series of seven short documentary films which show scenes of life in the Navajo Nation.
Contact: ryo@uchicago.edu
