November is Native American Heritage Month, dedicated to honoring the heritage, cultures and histories of North American Indigenous peoples. During the month and beyond, MSU recognizes the sovereignty and governance of Michigan's Tribes.

As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month throughout November, MSU kicks off the month with back-to-back events, amplifying the voices of Indigenous students, staff, faculty and organizations on campus.   

With MSU sitting on the ancestral land of the Anishinaabe people, it’s important that MSU continues hosting educational programs and social events. These events provide an opportunity for the campus community to learn and show appreciation.  

Events include lectures from MSU or invited speakers, craft workshops and participation in discussions and social lunch events that will help attendees learn more about North American Indigenous people, culture, history and customs and help build community among each other. 

Events

Events were originally posted on American Indian and Indigenous Studies and are listed in Eastern Time.

Indigenous Quill Art Exhibition

November 1 – March 30

The first major traveling exhibition featuring Anishinabe porcupine quill art is now on view at the Ziibiwing Center in Mount Pleasant, MI. The exhibition showcases over 90 works drawn 
from private and public sources, including selections from the MSU Museum’s collection. This exhibition, led by Minnie Wabanimkee, a tribal elder and photographer, and Dr. Marsha MacDowell, MSU Museum’s Folk Arts Curator, is the result of collaboration among museum curators, MSU faculty and staff, and Native artists and elders.

Sunday, Nov. 3 

2 p.m. – Ghost Supper

Join the Anishinaabe communities as they celebrate a tradition of honoring those who have passed away. Located at the Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center, this annual potluck event welcomes families and friends to bring loved one’s favorite dishes and enjoy a feast together.  

Wednesday, Nov. 6 

2 p.m. – MSU Culinary Services celebrates with traditional Indigenous foods 

 Make sure to stop by Brody Square to celebrate Native American Heritage Month! Enjoy a meal and get a taste of some traditional Indigenous food.   

Thursday, Nov.7 *SOLD OUT*  

6 p.m. – Indigenous Hip Hop Talk with Frank Waln 

Located at WKAR Studio Room 145 and livestreamed, this event will host Frank Waln, an award-winning Sicangu Lakota Indigenous hip-hop artist, public speaker, educator and advocate for Indigenous rights, to share his journey of music, activism and resilience. Followed by a reception.  

Register at the MSU Museum

Friday, Nov. 8 

12 p.m. – Cultivating Traditions with the 4 Sisters Garden 

Located at the MSU Library Beal Instruction Room and hybrid option, participate in a conversation opportunity to learn from Mikayla Thompson, a descendant of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, as she shares her journey and experiences with MSU’s W.J. Beal Botanical Garden in establishing a 4 Sisters Garden and her dedication in preserving Indigenous agricultural heritage. Followed by a tour of the garden.  

Register on Qualtrics

3 p.m. – Neshnabé Negosêk Kenomagewen: Potawatomi Star Knowledge  

Don’t miss a unique event at the MSU Abrams Planetarium with Blaire Morseau, a citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and assistant professor in the Department of Religious Studies. Morseau will guide and teach participants how to identify significant Potawatomi constellations and share traditional stories and her knowledge of Indigenous stars.  

Sunday, Nov.10  

9 a.m. – Environmental Stewardship Workday: Invasive Buckthorn Removal   

Make sure to visit Azaadiika Park and join the community in learning more about invasive plants in our landscape as everyone comes together for a day to remove invasive buckthorn from Azaadiikaa Park.  

Register on Eventbrite

Wednesday, Nov. 13 

12:15 p.m. – Holly Bird Presentation on Missing Murdered Indigenous People 

Located at the MSU College of Law, Room to be announced. This event will be an impactful presentation by Holly Bird focusing on discussing the importance of addressing the urgent issues of missing and murdered Indigenous people. 

Register on Google Forms

Friday, Nov. 15 

1 p.m. – Making MSU More Responsive to Native Students, Faculty and Staff 

Located at the Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture, Room 105, make sure to participate in this event by Kristin Arola, American Indian and Indigenous Studies director, focusing on addressing ways to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Native members of the MSU community.  

Register on Google Forms

Saturday, Nov.16 

10:30 a.m. – Crafting with the Aunties  

Join the Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center for a wonderful opportunity to relax, connect, build community and craft with skilled people who will be more than happy to teach you techniques on beadwork and other crafts. 

Register on Google forms

Tuesday, Nov. 19 

12:15 p.m. – Fireside Chat with Mary Smith: First Native American President of the American Bar Association 

Located at the MSU College of Law, Room 471. This event will host speaker Mary Smith to share her journey, insights and experience as a Native Leader in law. Lunch will be provided.  

Register on Google Forms

Tuesday, Nov. 19 

3 p.m. – Beading with the Profs  

Join Professors Ellie Mitchell and Blaire Morseau in a fun beading workshop at Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture, Room 105! Whether you are an experienced or a beginner looking to learn, this event invites everyone to join in, connect and build community in a friendly and creative atmosphere. 

To support American Indian and Indigenous Studies programming at MSU and within the local community, visit givingto.msu.edu.