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November marks Native American Heritage Month — a time to honor and celebrate the history, culture and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples across North America. At Michigan State University, this month and beyond, we recognize the university’s connection to the Tribal Nations of Michigan, including the Anishinaabe people, whose land the university occupies.
The North American Indigenous Student Organization, or NAISO, at MSU plays a leading role in these celebrations. The student-led group creates space for Indigenous students to connect, share culture and raise awareness across campus. NAISO’s members help uplift Native perspectives and strengthen campus connections.
Throughout the month, MSU will host events that highlight Indigenous culture and community. From traditional feasts and storytelling to lectures, workshops and cultural performances, these programs aim to educate and bring people together through shared experiences and stories.
In celebration, the MSU Museum, in collaboration with the MSU Native American Institute, or NAI, and the Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center, will present a two-day program honoring the cultural and spiritual significance of Native American drumming. On Nov. 19, the first part of the program includes a conversation with Daniel Jackson, a dedicated cultural education and community leader, who will discuss the significance of traditional drumming with NAI Director Kevin Leonard. Then, on Nov. 22, participants are invited to register for a hand-drum-building workshop led by Lee Smith at the Nokomis Cultural Center. Check out more events below!
More information about events is available on the American Indian and Indigenous Studies, or AIIS, website.
Experience an evening of remembrance with the Anishinaabe communities at the Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center. This cherished annual potluck invites families and friends to share favorite dishes and celebrate the memories of those who came before us.
Guests are invited to the “Ambe Daga Wiisinidaa! Come On, Let’s Eat!” Native feast at Brody, where the community is welcome to enjoy a meal inspired by the traditional and cultural foods of Indigenous peoples. Open to all, the evening offers a chance to share in the rich flavors and stories behind Native cuisine. Meal plans are accepted, and limited tickets are available for purchase at Brody. The event is hosted by NAISO, the Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy, Eat at State and the faculty and staff association Educating Anishinaabe: Giving, Learning and Empowering, also known as EAGLE. View the menu.
The Voices on Campus Speaker Series, featuring Matthew Beil, a Citizen Potawatomi and AIIS predoctoral fellow, will be held at the Multicultural Center in Room 1020, Multipurpose Room B. Beil will share insights from his research and experiences, offering perspectives on Indigenous identity, scholarship and community. Lunch will be provided for attendees, with an RSVP requested for meal planning.
The Fenner Nature Center invites Indigenous youth, families and community members to come together in remembrance and celebration at its annual Ghost Supper. Rooted in Anishinaabe tradition, the event reflects IYEP’s mission to strengthen cultural awareness through shared experiences.
The MSU College of Law will host Bryan Newland for a special presentation as part of the Kelley Institute Lecture Series. Newland is a respected leader and advocate for Native communities. He will share insights on contemporary issues in Indigenous governance, law and policy.
In WKAR Studios, Room 145, in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building, the MSU Museum and MSU Native American Institute will welcome Daniel Jackson. Jackson is a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and an instructor at the 7th Generation Center, who will share the cultural and spiritual importance of drumming within Native communities. Through storytelling and reflection, Jackson will highlight how drums serve as a powerful symbol of identity. Following the presentation, guests are invited to enjoy a tasting of traditional Anishinaabe dishes prepared by Chef Sam Anglin, celebrating the vibrant flavors of Indigenous cuisine. Register on the MSU Museum website.
5:30 p.m.: Anishinaabe Planetarium Show “Living in Balance: Anishinaabe Star Knowledge”
This event, taking place at the MSU Planetarium, explores Anishinaabe stories of constellations and moods, connecting traditional teachings to modern understandings of environmental change. Narrated by Aarin Doku, with Anishinaabemowin translations by Alphonse Pitawanakwat, the show features the work of Native Skywatchers Carl Gawboy, William Wilson and Annette S. Lee, alongside the artwork of Elizabeth LaPensée.
The Indigenous Studies Working Group will host a conversation titled “Doing Good Work in the Face of DEI Rollbacks” at the AIIS office in Owen Hall, Room 103W. Led by Kristin Arola, AIIS director, the group welcomes all to join and contribute to this discussion on sustaining meaningful, value-driven work within academic and Indigenous spaces.
Discover the art and tradition of Native hand drumming through a hands-on workshop led by Lee Smith of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians. Hosted by the MSU Museum and the MSU Native American Institute at the Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center, this event encourages participants to learn about the cultural importance of drum making while crafting their own hand drum and drumstick to take home. With both morning and afternoon sessions available, the workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect with Native traditions through creativity and community.
Afternoon session registration
Join MSU in recognizing Native American Heritage Month by attending an event, supporting Indigenous communities and continuing the conversation beyond November. Together we can honor the past and help build a more inclusive future. For more information regarding the events, please email cayaditt@msu.edu.
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