Native American Heritage Month - November 2026
This November 2026, the NAECC is excited to celebrate Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) to recognize, honor, and showcase Indigenous Peoples! All events are free, open to the entire campus community, and some require pre-registration. Please contact the NAECC by phone at 765-494-4540 or email Tiffany Lechuga at tcusterl@purdue.edu if you need special accommodations or if you have any questions.
NAHM Keynote Presentation: Traditional Native American Dance Performance featuring Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company
Monday, November 16 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm | Fowler Hall, Stewart Center
Campus-wide theatrical dance performance featuring Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company who will share their authentic stories with traditional songs and dance. This performance will feature a combination of traditional, jingle, fancy, hoop, and grass dance styles representing various tribes.
Additional programs and events in November...
NAECC Graduate Student Writing Circle
Fridays, November 6, 13 & 20 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | NAECC
Stop by and join graduate students for this weekly writing session hosted by NAECC Graduate Assistant Alyssa Nez. Snacks will be provided.
Fall 2026 LEAD Lunch and Learn Series
Wednesday, November 4 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm | NAECC
The Roger C. Stewart Leadership and Professional Development Program will host the fall Lunch and Learn series focusing on leadership.
The program is held in collaboration with the Roger C. Stewart Leadership and Professional Program.
Honoring Native American Veterans Exhibition
Wednesday, November 11 | 12:00 – 4:00 pm | NAECC
On Veterans’ Day, the NAECC will host an exhibition to honor the contributions of Native American veterans. Hear the stories of persistence and how their identity contributed to the survival of Native American men and women serving in the military.
Fork'n Film Series: "Standing Above the Clouds"
Thursday, November 12 | 5:00 – 6:30 pm | NAECC
Film series featuring films and documentaries centered on Native American traditions and stories. Three events will take place throughout the semester. November’s film is “Standing Above the Clouds.” This documentary illustrates Native Hawaiian activism at work in efforts to protect their sacred mountain, Mauna Kea and “explores the intergenerational healing and the impacts of safeguarding cultural traditions.” Rating: TBD. Time: 1:23
Pow Wow Fitness Dance Class
Monday, November 16 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | NAECC
Back by popular demand!! Michelle Reed, co-founder and manager of Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company and Founder of N8V Dance Fitness, will lead a fitness class featuring both men and women pow wow dance moves. All fitness levels are welcome to join.
NAHM Keynote Presentation: Traditional Native American Dance Performance featuring Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company
Monday, November 16 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm | Fowler Hall
Painting with CARE – Setting Boundaries
Tuesday, November 17 | Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm | NAECC
NAECC will host “CARE Chats, ” a program series focused on campus resources available through the Center for Advocacy, Response & Education (CARE) at Purdue. This self-care session will focus on painting holiday ornaments and Tiffany Botsford-Samuels will lead our discussion on setting boundaries.
NAECC Visiting Artist Series featuring Susan Charlesworth
Thursday, November 19 | 12:00 – 1:30 pm | NAECC
The NAECC fall visiting artist series showcases Indigenous artists who educate our campus community by sharing their artistry, inspiration, and personal stories. Lunch will be provided.
Award-Winning Basketweaver Susan Charlesworth (Choctaw Nation) will present on her basket weaving techniques and demonstrate some of her signature pieces. As the great niece of Victor M. Locke, Principal Chief of the Choctaw Nation from 1910-1918, Susan first began weaving in 2005 as a way to explore and connect with her cultural heritage. The same year, she entered her first baskets in the Choctaw Nation Annual Labor Day Festival and Art Show. Susan continues to receive awards at multiple Native art markets, including the Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market and Festival, the Art Under Oak's Art Show, and the Choctaw National Art Show.
This event is held in collaboration with the Eiteljorg Museum.
Rock Your Mocs at Purdue
Friday, November 20 | 12:00 - 3:00 pm | NAECC
Nationally recognized on November 15th, "Rock Your Mocs" started as a national social media movement and has evolved into an educational program focused on Native American traditions. The Purdue NAECC's event will feature an exhibit on Native American footwear.
AAARCC-NAECC Friendsgiving
Monday, November 23 | 12:00 – 2:00 pm | AAARCC
Join AAARCC and NAECC for our annual Friendsgiving Lunch! Celebrate the harvests from AAARCC Roots Garden and NAECC Three Sisters Garden. Express appreciation for friendships and collaborations in the campus community. Share and discuss Asian/American and Indigenous ways of gathering and gratitude.
This event is held in collaboration with the Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center (AAARCC)
Special thanks to event co-sponsors throughout the month:
Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center; Native American and Indigenous Studies Program, College of Liberal Arts; Purdue Center for Advocacy, Response, and Education (CARE); Purdue Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership (SIGP) Program; Purdue Global; Roger C. Stewart Leadership and Professional Development Department; Purdue SFAB (Student Fee Activities Board); and the Eiteljorg Museum
