Apply

November is Native American Heritage Month

November 03, 2025
Submitted By: Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
photo

Native American Heritage Month is celebrated every year in November. This month provides an opportunity for reflection and education on the history, cultures, and traditions of Native Americans. It provides a time to recognize the deep ongoing connection Indigenous peoples have to the land, and to reflect on our shared responsibility to learn from and support Indigenous sovereignty, knowledge and resilience.

The origins of Native American Heritage Month can be traced back to the early 20th century when Native American advocate Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca archaeologist and historian, first proposed a day of recognition for Indigenous people. In 1915, he successfully convinced the Boy Scouts of America to designate an “American Indian Day." Over time, this idea grew into a nationwide effort. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush officially approved a joint resolution in November as "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994. In 2021 and 2022, President Biden proclaimed Oct. 11 and 10 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Since then, Native American Heritage Month has continued to grow in significance and recognition across the United States.

At UHart, we acknowledge that UHart is located on historical homelands. Please read the University of Hartford Land Acknowledgment Statement below.

University of Hartford Land Acknowledgement Statement

We acknowledge that the University of Hartford resides on the historic homelands of the 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.

Amplifying Indigenous Voices

In 2021, Amplifying Indigenous Voices Affinity Network was created to support the honoring of the identities, history, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans. A land acknowledgement was created under the guidance of the Clan Mother of the Golden Hill Paugussett tribe in Trumbull, Conn. We encourage everyone across the University to continue their own learning and understanding of Indigenous cultures and identities. If you are interested in joining the affinity network, please email Judy Wyman at wyman@hartford.edu or Bevin Rainwater at rainwater@hartford.edu.

As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month both on campus and off, we invite our community to engage in various programs and events organized in our community.

Campus Programs:

Thanksgiving: What is Myth? What is Fact?

  • Wednesday, Nov. 12, 12:45 p.m.–2 p.m.
  • Shaw Center, Hillyer Hall
  • This interactive discussion is a chance for people to come together and talk about what Thanksgiving means to them, as well as reflect on stories we have been told and taught about the origins of Thanksgiving historically.

Filming of “Sugarcane” Film

  • Friday, Nov. 14, 2 p.m.–5 p.m.
  • Auerbach Auditorium (H125), Hillyer Hall
  • A documentary about the residential schools in Canada, with Q&A discussion afterwards led by Cassandra Toscano (whose grandmother was a survivor) and Attorney Steven Pevar (who has represented Indigenous families throughout his career).

Two-Spirit Day and Transgender Day of Remembrance

  • Thursday, Nov. 20, noon–1 p.m.
  • GSU Hawk Lounge
  • Honor the lives, resilience, and sacred identities of Two-Spirit and transgender people while remembering those lost to violence and discrimination.

Community Programs:

Community Block Party featuring Indigenous Music and Dance Performance

  • Sunday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • Town Hall parking lot, 50 S. Main St., West Hartford
  • Join us for the Indigenous Dance and Music performance that is a part of the West Hartford 250 celebration. The event is held outdoors at Town Hall parking lot, 50 S. Main St., West Hartford, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

Film and Discussion: Gather

  • Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
  • Noah Webster Library, West Hartford
  • Join us to honor National Native American Heritage Month with a screening of the documentary Gather, followed by a facilitated discussion. Registration is required.
The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging encourages everyone to further explore the resources below to engage with Native American Heritage Month.

Resources:

Organizations:

Maps

Books:

Websites:

Videos:

Comments? Contact the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at OIEB@hartford.edu.