Native American Heritage Month is recognized every November to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of the Native American and Alaska Native communities.
Fresno State has several events taking place to honor the Native American members of the campus community. Here is a list of events open to the public:
Nov. 1-30: The Native Shawl Project: A Message of Hope exhibition at the Fresno State Library in the third-floor Ellipse Balcony. The exhibition brings together shawls created by 25 students, under the guidance of Lakota elder Corky Mills, who have drawn on Lakota shawl-making traditions while incorporating their own family histories through symbols, imagery, color and personal stories.
Nov. 4: K’Achau Mayami Basket Gathering, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Table Mountain Rancheria Reading Room, on the third floor of the Fresno State Library. Guests can celebrate the artistry, traditions and culture of California native weavers at this weavers panel and reception. Samples of Indigenous baskets will be on display in the library throughout the month. The exhibition is coordinated by the Office of Tribal Relations and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act in partnership with local tribal communities, elders, basket weavers and tribal students.
Nov. 5: Panel discussion and film screening of a new documentary film by Professor Adán Ávalos, capturing the Corky Mills’ residency and shawl-making workshops, student reflections and elder oral histories, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Table Mountain Rancheria Reading Room, on the third floor of the Fresno State Library. A public reception will follow from 4 to 6 p.m.
Nov. 6: Native American Heritage Month Movie Marathon and Giveaway, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Thomas Building (Room 110). Hosted by the Student Success and Belonging Center, students will receive a movie bucket filled with popcorn, candy, snacks and a movie booklet. Before the start of each movie, there will be a public presentation on why representation matters across all communities. Contact: Student Success and Belonging Center at 559.278.4435 or ssbcamindian@mail.fresnostate.edu.
Nov. 17: Threads of Culture Series — Beading Three-Strand Earrings Workshop, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Resnick Student Union (Room 214). The Threads of Culture Series, hosted by the Student Success and Belonging Center, educates students on the importance of hand-crafted art in American Indian and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American cultures. Celebrating three years with Yokut community members Naomi Ortega-Singh and Darlene Oliver, they will lead a beginner-friendly workshop on creating three-strand beaded earrings. All students are welcome. Contact: Student Success and Belonging Center at 559.278.4435 or ssbcamindian@mail.fresnostate.edu.
