OHIO community invited to Native American Heritage Month events

November is Native American Heritage Month, and Ohio University is holding several special events during the month for students, faculty, staff and area residents.

All of the events are dedicated to commemorating the history and heritage of Indigenous and Native Americans, and those with American Indian and Alaska Native backgrounds.

Members of the OHIO community are invited to events like a lecture on music as a form of healing or a flute and hoop performance. 

The OHIO community is also encouraged to learn more about Native American Heritage Month and why we celebrate at the Native American Heritage Month website. The website also provides information about Native American history in Athens County and the state of Ohio, and Native American tribes in Ohio today.

In addition, Ohio University Libraries has a book display set up on the second floor that showcases works of fiction and poetry by Native American authors.  Ohio University libraries also has the book, “Ul'nigid,” available for viewing in the special collections reading room. You can find more information about the book or make an appointment to see it at this University Libraries webpage.

The special events and activities being held during November include the following:

Screening of the film “Smoke Signals,” at the Athena Cinema – The month's events began on Nov. 7 with the showing of this acclaimed film, which tells the story of two young Native Americans who embark on a journey from the Coeur d'Alene Reservation in Idaho to retrieve the ashes of an estranged family member.

Lil Red Dress Project: Bringing Attention to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women – All members of the OHIO community are invited to this powerful and meaningful event that will raise awareness for the critical issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The evening activities will be held from 5-8 p.m. in the Women’s Center in the Baker University Center on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

Tantrum Theater Presents: Tony Duncan Lecture on Music as a form of Healing on campus Housing and Resident Life - Tony Duncan, a celebrated figure in the world of Native American dance and music, has made a significant impact through his extraordinary talent as a hoop dancer and his dedication to preserving and sharing his Apache heritage. The lecture will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Living and Learning Center on Friday, Nov. 22.

Tantrum Theater Presents: Tony Duncan Flute and Hoop Dance Performance at the Forum Theater - As a five-time World Champion Hoop Dancer, Tony Duncan's artistry transcends mere performance, bridging cultural tradition and contemporary expression. This special performance will begin at 7 p.m. in the Forum Theater on Saturday, Nov. 23.

For more information on Native American Heritage Month and how you can get involved, please see the Native American Heritage Month website.