Native American Heritage Month 2024
Film Screening: Spaces of Exception
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: NAHC 218
Description: Spaces of Exception investigates and juxtaposes the struggles, communities, and spaces of the American Indian reservation and the Palestinian refugee camp. The film was shot from 2014 to 2017 in the U.S., Lebanon, and the West Bank.
Directed by Matt Peterson and Malek Rasamny, it is an attempt to understand the significance of the land—its memory and divisions—and the conditions for life, community, and sovereignty.
The screening will be accompanied by a Q&A with the filmmakers.
Celebrating Native Voices
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 13
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: NAHC 218
Description: Juan Tejeda, retired professor of Mexican American Studies and Music, musician, writer, activist and publisher of Aztlan Libre Press and Yanaguana Press, will discuss the need for Native American Indian/Xicanx independent presses to amplify Native American Indian/Xicanx voices, literature and art.
This presentation will include Jesse Manciaz/Xam'le Kuiz reading from his new book, From Here to There and Back/Three Short Stories & A Poem, and Juan Tejeda will read from his new book, Mi Carnal Frank/A Family Memoir and Biography of U.S. Congressman Frank Mariano Tejeda Jr. 1945-1997. The event will also feature music to accompany the readings by Juan & Armando Tejeda.
A limited number of free books will be provided as first come first serve. Refreshments provided.
Native American and Indigenous Vendor Fair
Date: Thursday, Nov. 14
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: SAC Mall
Description: Stop by the SAC Mall and take a stroll through our NAHM Vendor fair featuring arts and crafts for purchase.
Muxes Documentary Screening
Date: Monday, Nov. 18
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Loftin Student Center Fiesta Room
Description: Rainbow Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Month are co-hosting a special screening of the documentary Muxes. Muxes explores the Zapotec culture of Oaxaca, Mexico, where a third gender identity has been recognized and embraced for centuries. This documentary celebrates the intersections of gender, culture, and identity, highlighting the resilience and beauty of Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Story Time With Grandmother Coyote
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 19
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: NAHC 218
Description: Emma "Grandma Coyote" Ortega, a revered storyteller from San Antonio, Texas, draws inspiration from her deep ancestral roots in the Lipan Apache and Carrizo Comecrudo communities. Her work transcends material forms, channeling cultural and spiritual insights passed down through generations. Through her art, Emma ensures that these teachings are preserved and passed on to future generations.
Sacred Sounds: The Importance of Native American Music and the Flute
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 20
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: NAHC 218
Description: This workshop introduces students to the cultural significance of music, particularly the Native American flute, within indigenous communities. Participants will explore the connection between music, land, and tradition, learning how instruments like clay flutes are used traditionally and in daily life.
The session will include a live performance, a land acknowledgment song, and an opportunity for students to play simple flutes.