November is National Native American Heritage Month, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions and accomplishments of First Nations and indigenous communities. This year, Sheridan College is taking part by hosting several presentations and events throughout the month.
On Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m., Yufna Soldier Wolf will give a presentation about the history of the Carlisle Indian School repatriations as well as highlights of Arapaho history in Whitney Academic Center Room 153. An enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, Soldier Wolf has 12 years’ experience and education in cultural resource management, repatriations, and initiation of tribal consultation – government to government. She is knowledgeable in how tribal governments work with federal agencies to hold agencies in compliance of federal regulations that enhance preservation, protection of sacred sites, and ancestors. This event is free and open to the public.
Later this month, Adam Sings In Timber, a photojournalist and member of the Crow Tribe, will present his photography and documentary work on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. at Whitney Center for the Arts in Kinnison Hall. Native American musician, instrument builder and three-time GRAMMY® Award winner Robert Mirabal will also host two workshops for Sheridan College students on Nov. 21 and 22 prior to his performance with ETHEL, The River on Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wyo Theater.
In addition, “Patriot Nations: Native Americans in Our Nation’s Armed Forces” debuts Nov. 2 and remains on view through Dec. 20 in Kooi Library. The 16-panel exhibition documents 250 years of Native peoples’ contributions in U.S. military history and was produced by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. The exhibition was made possible by the generous support of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Donovin Sprague, visiting Sheridan College history faculty member and member of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe, has spoken at numerous celebrations in honor of Native American Heritage Month, including at universities across the world, and is proud to help facilitate celebrations at Sheridan College. “Native American Heritage Month is an excellent way for people to recognize the contributions that Native Americans have made to society,” he said.
