November is Native American Heritage Month, and UNC Greensboro is celebrating the diverse histories, cultures, and significant contributions of Indigenous communities with a variety of events happening on campus and throughout the community.
UNCG is located on land that has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst a number of Indigenous peoples, specifically the Keyauwee and Saura.
Additionally, North Carolina has been home to many Indigenous peoples at various points in time, including the tribes/nations of Bear River/Bay River, Cape Fear, Catawba, Chowanoke, Coree/Coranine, Creek, Croatan, Eno, Hatteras, Keyauwee, Machapunga, Moratoc, Natchez, Neusiok, Pamlico, Shakori, Sara/Cheraw, Sissipahaw, Sugeree, Wateree, Weapemeoc, Woccon, Yadkin, and Yeopim.
Today, NC recognizes eight tribes: Coharie, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Saponi, Haliwa Saponi, Waccamaw Siouan, Sappony, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee.
Celebrate and learn more about Native American heritage and culture by participating in various events hosted by Indigenous people happening throughout the month:
Learn about Indigenous foods with Spartan Dining
Nov. 1-30, Moran Commons Cafeteria
Check out informational signs on the indigenous origins of menu items at The Caf throughout the month provided by the Native American Student Association.
Cherokee Storytelling and Stone Carving Workshop
Thursday, Nov. 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Greensboro Central Library
Award-winning storyteller and author Freeman Owle will engage adults and children with a mix of history, culture, and ancient Cherokee stories passed down from generation to generation. Participants will also take part in a stone carving workshop. Hosted by the Greensboro Public Library
Kaya Littleturtle: Teaching our Southeastern Native Culture through Dance, Song, and Storytelling
Friday, Nov. 5, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Elliott University Center Kirkland Room
Open to students, staff, and faculty with a Spartan Card, the Littleturtle family, led by Kaya Littleturtle, will demonstrate various aspects of southeastern Native culture through dance, song, and storytelling. Audience members will learn about smoke dancing, war dancing, and longhouse social dancing.
Native American Hip Hop Beats
Saturday, Nov. 6, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Hemphill Branch Library and online
Learn about Native American Hip Hop and the artists behind it with video and musical excerpts. Discussions will take place on Native American music history and the groundbreaking book, “Hip Hop Beats, Indigenous Rhymes: Modernity and Hip Hop in Indigenous North America” by Kyle Mays. Hosted by the Greensboro Public Library – please call 336-412-6199 or email Ronald.Headen@greensboro-nc.gov to register.
Native Health and Native Destress Series: Medicine Workshop
Monday, Nov. 8, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Elliott University Center Dogwood Room
This student-led workshop introduces members and allies to plant medicines, their origins, and their uses. Register here.
We are Still Here: 21st Century Native American Perspectives
Saturday, Nov. 13, 3:00-4:30 p.m., Glenn McNairy Branch Library
Nora Dial-Stanley will be screening her film, “Leaving Home, Building Community: Triad Native American History, Presence, and Continuance.” An enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Nora has advocated for American Indians in NC for over 30 years. Hosted by the Greensboro Public Library.
Native Health and Native Destress Series: Mental Health and Therapy with Guest Speaker Brianna Jacobs
Monday, Nov. 15, 5:00-6:00 p.m., virtual event
Hear from Brianna Jacobs, an Indigenous mental health professional, about effective strategies for managing stress before finals and in all areas of your life. RSVP here.
An evening with Tommy Orange
Thursday, Nov. 18. 7:00 p.m., The Terrace at the Greensboro Coliseum
Praised by media and fellow authors alike, There There was named one of The New York Times’ 10 Best Books of the Year, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, and Winner of the Pen/Hemingway Award. Tommy Orange was born and raised in Oakland, California and is a graduate of the MFA program at the Institute of American Indian Arts. Hosted as part of the Greensboro Public Library’s One City, One Book program.
Native Health and Native Destress Series: Gentle Movement
Monday, Nov. 22, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Leonard J. Kaplan Center for Health and Wellness Studio 2
Participate in a student-led workshop on traditional gentle movement exercises for health to destress before finals.
For more information and additional resources on Native American Heritage Month, visit intercultural.uncg.edu/native-american-heritage.
Story by Dana Broadus, University Communications
Graphic by Jiyoung Park, University Communications