Apply

UHart Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

November 02, 2022
Submitted By: Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement
Native American Heritage Month

We acknowledge that the University of Hartford resides on the historic homelands of the Sicaogs, Poquonocks, Wangunks, and Tunxis; and that what is now called Connecticut encompasses the homelands of the Wappinger, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Nipmuc, Quinnipiac, Niantic, and Lenape, as well as other Indigenous Peoples. We honor, respect, and appreciate the relationship that exists among these communities, nations, lands, and waterways, and aspire to uphold our responsibilities according to their example of stewardship.

Learn more about land acknowledgments and UHart’s Indigenous initiatives here

Native American Heritage Month occurs each November and is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Indigenous Peoples and to acknowledge their important contributions. This month serves as an opportunity to educate ourselves about tribes, the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

As stated by President Biden in his Proclamation on National Native American Heritage Month, 2022, “America has not always delivered on its promise of equal dignity and respect for Native Americans. For centuries, broken treaties, dispossession of ancestral lands, and policies of assimilation and termination sought to decimate Native populations and their ways of life. But despite this painful history, Indigenous peoples, their governments, and their communities have persevered and flourished. As teachers and scholars, scientists and doctors, writers and artists, business leaders and elected officials, heroes in uniform, and so much more, they have made immeasurable contributions to our country’s progress.”

 

Campus Program:

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m, "The 7 Generations and The 7 Grandfather Teachings"

James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, a descendent of Turtle Mountain, is an international speaker, author & creator of Ojibwe Word of the Day. His mission is to inspire people to live the good life by sharing ancient wisdom to influence modern solutions through an indigenous perspective. This talk will present the traditional teachings of the Anishinaabeg as a means of developing interconnectedness and interdependence. The seven grandfather teachings--the sacred law of the Anishinaabeg--show us how to lead Mino-bimaadiziwin ‘the good life': a life without contradiction or conflict, a life of peace and balance. This program will be held in a virtual format; register here to receive the Zoom link.

 

Local Events:

Oct. 8 - Nov. 5, "Portraits in RED: A Painting Project Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous People," South Windsor

Explore Portraits in RED, a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Project by artist Nayana LaFond. November 5 is the last day of this emotional – yet beautiful – exhibit. Learn more here.

 

Nov. 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Celebrate Native American Heritage Month, South Windsor

Visit both Nowashe Village and inside Wood Memorial Library for a variety of educational and eye-opening activities, in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. Learn more here

 

Nov. 8, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, West Hartford

The show incorporates live music, storytelling, and traditional dance in full regalia. Learn more here

 

Resources:

Articles

Websites

Videos

Podcasts

Books

 

Celebrating Heritage Months and Identity Recognition

Throughout the year, UHart commemorates national heritage months and identity acknowledgments. These recognitions are an opportunity for all members of the community to continue our learning and engage in meaningful programming that recognizes, examines, and values historical legacies of all identities, celebrates its present, engages the diversity of lived experiences within our community, enhances our awareness, and raises visibility for communities across campus and beyond. Through community spotlights, guest speakers, panels, conversations, and research presentations, we foster an inclusive community at UHart. Read more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEIJ).

Please see below for a listing of heritage months and identity acknowledgments. While these acknowledgments and recognitions are attached to a particular month, week, or day, honoring and learning about these identities is not time-limited. We hope this calendar is a helpful tool to ensure we’re inclusive of all members of our community.

  • Sept. 15 - Oct. 15: Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
  • Oct.: National Disability Employment Awareness Month
  • Oct.: LGBTQ+ Heritage Month
  • Second Monday of Oct. (Oct. 10): Indigenous People's Day
  • Third Wednesday of Oct. (Oct. 19): International Pronouns Day
  • Nov.: Native American Heritage Month
  • Nov. 13-19: Trans Awareness Week
  • Nov. 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
  • Dec. 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
  • Third Monday of Jan. (Jan. 16): Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Feb.: Black History Month
  • Mar.: Women's History Month
  • Mar. 8: International Women's Day
  • Apr.: Arab American Heritage Month
  • Apr. 18, 2023: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day)
  • May: Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month
  • May: Jewish American Heritage Month
  • May: Mental Health Awareness Month
  • Jun.: LGBTQ Pride Month
  • Jun. 19: Juneteenth
  • Jul.: Disability Pride Month

Questions, comments, or suggestions? Contact Christine Grant, Assistant Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement (cgrant@hartford.edu; 860-768-4220) and/or Lisa Coté, Assistant Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (licote@hartford.edu; 860-768-4932)