Native American Heritage Month at Georgia State
About This Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate, recognize, and inform the public about the cultures, traditions, histories, art, and contributions of Native Americans/American Indians and Alaska Natives. The month was first designated in the United States in 1990.
Such recognition, however, dates back further with state and organizational recognition of Indigenous peoples days and commemorations occurring at the turn of the twentieth century. For example, Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian and co-founder of the Society of American Indians in 1911, organized American Indian Day beginning in 1915. More recently, Columbus Day, which is recognized on the second Monday of October, has been reclaimed in cities across the United States as Indigenous People's Day.
In the 2020 U.S. Census, 7.1 million individuals reported American Indian/Native American/Alaska Native heritage. The federal U.S. government recognizes 574 tribes, with additional tribes recognized by state governments across the country.
Native Americans in North Georgia
For histories, links to modern first nations' governments/councils, guides, maps and other materials, click here.
Event Highlights
For the Culture Friday: Activities and Events
Friday, Nov. 3, All Day
Instagram: multiyougsu (Multicultural Center)
Check out the Multicultural Center's Instagram for their weekly highlight of cultural activities going on in the Atlanta metropolitan area. They will feature the Stone Mountain Native American Festival and Pow Wow and the 2nd Annual First Voices Festival.
Culture Café on the Go: Native American Heritage
Monday, Nov. 6, 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Piedmont Central
Sponsored by Cultures, Communities & Inclusion
Culture Café is designed to highlight culture and heritage while providing students support services by promoting resources and events provided by our office and other campus partners. The Multicultural Center offers goody bags and resources for students who visit their table.
International Game Night
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 6 - 9 p.m.
Veteran's Memorial Hall (Dahlberg Hall)
Sponsored by Cultures, Communities & Inclusion and Spotlight Programs Board
Let's embark on a global gaming adventure! Bring your favorite game and a taste of your culture with a special snack to share. Small snacks will be provided.
First Generation Celebration
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2 - 4 p.m.
Veteran's Memorial Hall (Dahlberg Hall)
Sponsored by Cultures, Communities & Inclusion
All students are welcome as we celebrate our First Gen Panthers on National First Generation College Student Day! The event kicks off with the Office of the Dean of Students sponsoring 'Donuts the Deans,' followed by a panel discussion with Georgia State Alumni and a fun round of speed mentoring where faculty, staff and students will get the chance to meet and connect.
For The Culture: Watch List
Friday, Nov. 10, All day
Instagram: multiyougsu (Multicultural Center)
Check out the Multicultural Center's Instagram as they highlight engaging and explore stories that show the diversity and long history of Indigenous people across the United States. Celebrate the history, culture, and continuing traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives in this special collection of films.
Culture Café on the Go: Trans Week / World Kindness Day
Monday, Nov. 18, TBA
Sponsored by Cultures, Communities & Inclusion
Culture Café is designed to highlight culture and heritage while providing students support services by promoting resources and events provided by our office and other campus partners. The Multicultural Center offers goody bags and resources for students who visit their table.
For The Culture: Native Land Playlist
Tuesday, Nov. 14, Noon - 2 p.m.
Student Center East 210
Sponsored by Cultures, Communities & Inclusion
Join the Multicultural Center for a roundtable discussion centering trans voices, histories and futures.
Gather: The American-International Thanksgiving
Thursday, Nov. 16, Noon - 2 p.m.
Student Center East
Sponsored by Cultures, Communities & Inclusion
Experience a Thanksgiving like never before at the American-International Thanksgiving! Join this multicultural celebration of gratitude and togetherness. Limited space available, so be sure to RSVP in advance for a seat at this unforgettable table. Let's create lasting memories and bridge cultures through shared traditions and delicious dishes.
Red Shawl Day
Sunday, Nov. 19, All Day
Instagram: multiyougsu (Multicultural Center)
Red Shawl Day is observed on Nov. 19 and the week leading to it is known as Red Shawl Week. People are encouraged to wear red in honor of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
"For the week of November 15-21, wear red to draw attention to the horrible acts of violence committed against American Indian and Alaska Native people, particularly women and children. Red symbolizes the loss of sacred lifeblood through violence," according to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. The agency is encouraging people to add to the conversation around MMIWG by using the hashtag #RedShawlWeek on social media and #RedShawlDay.
GratiTuesday: Thanks and Giving Edition
Sunday, Nov. 19, All Day
Instagram: multiyougsu (Multicultural Center)
GratiTuesday, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, is an invitation for everyone in the country to take a moment and highlight people who have made their year great. Share yours on social media!
Native American Heritage Day
Friday, Nov. 24, All Day
Instagram: multiyougsu (Multicultural Center)
Native American Heritage Day, a holiday observed the day after Thanksgiving, is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and affiliates.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Saturday, Nov. 25, All Day
Instagram: multiyougsu (Multicultural Center)
The United Nations General Assembly has designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Check out the Multicultural Center's Instagram to to learn more about the day, with a focus on the #MMIWG2S (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit) movement.
Culture Café at the Intersection: Holidays Around the World
Monday, Nov. 27, 1 - 3 p.m.
Student Center East 210
Sponsored by Cultures, Communities & Inclusion
Culture Café is designed to highlight culture and heritage while providing students support services by promoting resources and events provided by our office and other campus partners. The Multicultural Center offers goody bags and resources for students who visit their table.
Giving Tuesday
Saturday, Nov. 25, All Day
Instagram: multiyougsu (Multicultural Center)
#GivingTuesday is one of the biggest giving days of the year. During this day of giving, please consider supporting a Native American organization. Check out the list on the Multicultural Center's Instagram for Indigenous-led nonprofits to support this Giving Tuesday and beyond.