CSUSB celebrates Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is celebrated annually in November, and Cal State San Bernardino will kick off the observance with an opening ceremony from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, in the Santos Manuel Student Union North Courtyard.

The opening event will be a cultural celebration featuring bird singers, poetry, screen printing, bouquet making and a photo booth.

Included among the events in November are:

• Native Beading Circle, Nov. 6, noon-2 p.m., First Peoples Center (SMSU North, Room 3309)
  Come and meet other students and learn how to bead a pair of Native American-style earrings. All materials will be provided.
• “Saging the World,” documentary screening, Nov. 10, 5-7 p.m., SMSU South Theater
  “Saging the World” is a documentary that raises awareness about the overharvesting of white sage and the cultural importance of protecting Native plants. A brief reflection space will take place after the screening to discuss Indigenous environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
• “Sugarcane,” documentary screening, Nov.12, noon-1:30 p.m., SMSU South Theater
  “Sugarcane” is an award-winning documentary that follows an investigation into abuse and missing children at an Indian residential school in Canada, run by the Catholic Church.  The film, which received an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature, offers powerful testimony to the resilience of Native peoples and their strength to persevere. A discussion with James Fenelon (Lakota/Dakota), professor of sociology, and Hannah Kivalahula-Uddin (Puyallup elder), assistant professor of educational leadership and technology, will take place after the screening.  
• Book Giveaway: “Never Whistle at Night,” noon-1 p.m., John M. Pfau Library and Palm Desert Campus Library
  In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the library is hosting a special book giveaway that celebrates the history, cultures and enduring contributions of Indigenous communities. Students are invited to stop by and pick up a free book — available while supplies last.
• “Rez Dogs: Community Dialogue, Nov. 21, 4-6 p.m., First Peoples Center (SMSU North, Room 3309) 
  This community dialogue invites students to reflect on the representation of Native communities and humor in the hit series, “Reservation Dogs.” Come for snacks, conversation, laughter and discussion of the show’s impact on Indigenous storytelling and youth visibility in media.
• Fall Gathering, Reclaiming the Harvest, Nov. 25, noon-2 p.m., SMSU North Conference Center B
  Join the First Peoples Center and the Office of Government, Tribal and Community Relations in coming together as a CSUSB community to celebrate a new season, honoring indigenous history, food, and art. All are welcome.

For more information and updates, visit the Native American Heritage Month events calendar, and follow the First Peoples Center on Instagram.