PORTALES, NM – November 1, 2024 – Eastern New Mexico University’s Office of Native American Affairs celebrates Native American Heritage Month throughout November with numerous events, speaking engagements, and music programs on campus.
Native American Heritage Month was first known as “American Indian Week” in 1986. President Reagan set aside this week to celebrate Native American Heritage. However, in 1995, November became Native American Heritage Month, which honors the history, individuality, and respect of Native American people and tribes.
Scheduled events to help celebrate Native American Heritage Month include a concert from the Levi Platero Band, a Navajo sand painting workshop, a Native artists’ market, and encouraging students to “Rock your Mocs” during specific dates the week of Nov. 12-18.
The Office of Native American Affairs will also host several guest speakers as part of their celebration this year. Kathy Natachu, a Navy Veteran and Zuni tribal member will give a presentation on Veterans Day as she reflects on her upbringing rooted in traditional values that were then enforced and deepened through her military involvement. Dr. Joshuaa Allison-Burbank from the Navajo Nation will present on “Honoring Indigenous Wisdom in Higher Education.” Venaya Yazzie from the Navajo Nation and Hopi tribe will discuss “Ancestral Memory, Loss, and the Healing Path of Life in Modern Indigenous Life.”
“The Office of Native American Affairs 2024 theme is ‘Our Ancestor’s Dreams’ to honor our past and exhibit it in our present and future with the different tribes and cultures,” said Abigail Curman from the Office of Native American Affairs. “We invite everyone to join us at these events to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.”
All events are open to the public and the ENMU community. For a listing of each event, time, and location, please visit www.enmu.edu/Events.
