Indigenous Heritage Month 2021 "Days of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion"

The Office of Intercultural Relations is committed to raising awareness of the vast contributions that Native Americans have made to our Nation. We strive to create a culture of inquiry whereby the Monarch community can be engaged and obtain knowledge of events that shaped Native Americans' tumultuous history following the arrival of foreign settlers and delve into current cultural and social dilemmas that threaten their society. Furthermore, our programs, activities, and events will honor and celebrate the rich impact of Native people.

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Native American Election 2020 News Wrap Up

• Last November, Native Americans made history! Six Natives either won their race or was reelected for seats in the U.S. Congress. The winners include Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico, Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas, Res. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, Yvette Herrell of New Mexico, and Kaiali'I 'Kai" Kahele of Hawaii. These Election Day results gives the U.S. House a record number of voting Native members.

• The Biden administration has nominated Haaland for interior secretary. If confirmed, Haaland will become the first Native American Cabinet secretary.

• Kansas State Rep. Christina Haswood became the third Native American woman representative in her state. At 26 years old, she is also the youngest member in Kansas legislature. Haswood has used social media application, Tik Tok as a means to provide insight on Navajo tribe culture

• Indigenous Americans activist, Allie Young, used social media to spread voting awareness amongst Native Americans through her "Ride to the Polls" program. To maintain a connection between Native American culture and voting, Young lead groups on horseback along a 10-mile route through Navajo Nation to closest polling location in Arizona.

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TRIBES

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

During November OIR's programs, activities displays and events celebrate and raise awareness of the traditions, languages, and lived experiences of Native Americans and ensure the rich histories and contributions are authentically presented. During this month, Monarchs will have opportunities for a time of reflection and exploration of issues facing Native people beyond discourse on mascots and casinos.

TRIBES UNITE

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Virginia’s 11 officially recognized tribes

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Resources

• The American Native Press Archives
• Demographics
• Native American Business Alliance
• National Congress of American Indians
• Native American Rights Fund
• Indian Country Today Media Network
• Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI)

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News Stories

The Term 'American Indian,' Plus Ethnicity, Sovereignty, and Identity

* The views expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and
should not be attributed to, Old Dominion University.

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Scholarship Opportunities

• American Indian College Fund
• Smithsonian Institute Internships
• American Meteorological Society Scholarships
• Native American Scholarships
• Association on American Indian Affairs