During this month, numerous events are happening throughout East Lansing, the area known as Nkwejong. To support American Indian and Indigenous Studies programming at MSU and within the local community, visit givingto.msu.edu.
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honoring the culture, histories and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples across North America. This month and beyond, Michigan State University recognizes its connection to the Tribal Nations of Michigan, including the Anishinaabe people, whose land the university occupies.
This year, the MSU Museum has played a leading role in the on-campus Native American Heritage Month programming. From hosting award-winning Indigenous creatives through interactive events to providing a space for the "Gaawii Eta-Go Aawizinoo Gaawiye Mkakoons/It’s Not Just a Quill Box" exhibit; it is thanks to units like the MSU Michigan Traditional Arts Program that our campus provides opportunities for communities to recognize their heritage and celebrate their culture.
For those looking for a Native American culinary experience, MSU's Culinary Services and Residential and Hospitality Services have partnered to present the 2026 Native Feast, a special dining menu at the Brody Square dining hall featuring ingredients curated with input from Native American communities and native to our region. Join us to celebrate Native American Heritage Month through a cultural experience.
Stay tuned for more information from the North American Indigenous Student Organization about their Round Dance event on Nov. 21. For more information on festivities throughout the month, see the event list below.
All events are listed in Eastern time. To add an event, email sileriog@msu.edu.
Through Jan. 30, 2027, the MSU Museum's Ground Floor Gallery is home to "Gaawii Eta-Go Aawizinoo Gaawiye Mkakoons/It’s Not Just a Quill Box", a fully bilingual exhibit celebrating the creativity, skill and cultural continuity of contemporary Anishinaabe artists. Learn more about the exhibit on the MSU Museum website.
4:30 p.m. — 2026 Native Feast
Join MSU Culinary Services and Residential and Hospitality Services at Brody Square for a special dining experience: The Native Feast — a celebration of rich, diverse foods rooted in Native American and Indigenous traditions. To learn more and preview the menu, visit the EatAtState website.
6 p.m. — Native American Heritage Poetry Reading
Join acclaimed poet Esther Belin for an evening of poetry, reflection and storytelling inspired by Native traditions and the artistry of quillwork. In conjunction with the MSU Museum exhibition, this special program features readings by Belin alongside original works from MSU student poets, exploring connections between culture, creativity, memory and identity. Register and learn more on the MSU Museum website.
6 p.m. — Speculative Futures: Stories with Dr. IndigiNerd
The MSU Museum, in collaboration with the Native American Institute, is hosting a conversation with award-winning writer, editor, educator and entrepreneur Lee Francis IV, also known as Dr. IndigiNerd. To register and learn more, visit the MSU Museum website.
6 p.m. — Cultural Cuisine & Connection
Join the Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy in the Multicultural Center Living Room for an evening of cultural appreciation, meaningful conversation and community. Enjoy food, engage with Jason Quigno, the artist behind the turtle sculpture in the MCC, and explore the importance of Native American art, culture and heritage.
Noon — The Sacred Cypher: Hip Hop music workshop with ishKode aka Sacramento Knoxx
This hands-on workshop explores the cypher, hip hop’s circular way of gathering, creating and sharing knowledge through storytelling and creation. Learn more and register on the MSU Museum website.
Time is TBD — MSU Round Dance
The MSU North American Indigenous Student Organization has collaborated with the Resident Halls Association to host the MSU Round Dance. For more information, look for updates from NAISO’s Instagram.
Feb. 27, 2027 — 41st Annual MSU Powwow of Love
The MSU North American Indigenous Student Organization has announced the date for the annual MSU Powwow of Love. Save the date and look out for additional updates from NAISO’s Instagram.
Join MSU in recognizing Native American Heritage Month by attending an event, supporting Indigenous communities and continuing the conversation beyond November. To learn more about Powwow and first-time attendance etiquette, visit MSUToday.