Native American Heritage Month Events

Each November, Northern Arizona University honors Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) by hosting events that celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples. NAHM is both a time of reflection and a call to action, recognizing the resilience of Indigenous communities while providing opportunities for education, dialogue, and celebration across campus.

At NAU, all NAHM events are open to everyone—students, staff, faculty, and community members. From lectures and cultural presentations to film screenings and community gatherings, the month offers many ways to learn, connect, and honor Indigenous voices. By joining together, we continue to strengthen relationships and uphold our shared responsibility to create a welcoming and inclusive community.

 

Native American Heritage Day NAU Football Game: NAU vs. Idaho

Friday, October 31, 2025, 7:30 pm

Findlay Toyota Field

 

Indigenous Film Nights: Night: Night Raiders (2021)

Join the Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures at Northern Arizona University for a four-night film series in November exploring Indigenous voices in contemporary cinema. Each screening begins at 6 p.m. with refreshments provided. The lineup includes powerful narratives of resistance, identity, community and renewal as told by Indigenous filmmakers from Turtle Island and beyond.

Tuesday, Nov. 4 – Night Raiders (2021)
Synopsis: Set in the year 2043 in a militarized, post-war North America, “Night Raiders” centres on Niska, a Cree mother who joins an underground band of vigilantes in order to infiltrate a state-run children’s academy and reclaim her daughter. The film mixes dystopian science fiction with the legacy of colonial institutions and explores themes of motherhood, resistance and Indigenous resilience.

Directed and written by Danis Goulet, a Cree-Métis filmmaker originally from La Ronge in Saskatchewan, Canada. Goulet’s work bridges genre storytelling and Indigenous futurisms, and she has been recognized for elevating Indigenous-led narrative possibilities.

Tuesday, November 4, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF) Gathering Room

 

IQT2S Talking Circle

Wednesday, November 5, 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF) Pattea Room

 

Indigenous Queer, Trans, and Two-Spirit Needs Assessment Report

Join a community conversation on the findings from our recent Indigenous Queer, Trans, and Two-Spirit (IQT2S) Needs Assessment, to be held on Wednesday, November 5, 4:30 PM, CNAIF Gathering Room at Northern Arizona University.

This project, conducted through the IQT2S Research Initiative at NAU, engaged students, faculty, and staff through Indigenous methodologies to understand the experiences, needs, and structural barriers faced by IQT2S individuals. Grounded in a framework of structural vulnerability and cultural resilience, the study highlights key themes related to belonging, healing, and institutional transformation.

At this event, we will share the core findings, discuss implications for policy and practice, and invite dialogue about actionable next steps to support IQT2S wellbeing and inclusion in our Flagstaff community.

Wednesday, November 5, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF) Gathering Room

 

7Gen Center – Faculty Exchange Program Presentation: Esther Barela

Presentation: Two Paths, Parallel Foundations: Pueblo Lifeways and Montessori Principles

Speaker: Esther J Barela, Early Childhood Education Specialist, A:shiwi Tribal College & Career Readiness Center

Abstract: Discover the shared philosophies of Pueblo Ways of Being and Montessori Pedagogy-and how these worldviews walking in parallel can inform and reimagine decolonizing approaches to teaching and learning.

Thursday, November 6, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF) Gathering Room

 

Indigenously Sacred: A Night of Two-Spirit Drag

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month and come to the Indigenously Sacred: A Night of Two-Spirit Drag. This is a vibrant celebration of drag culture and Indigenous artistry. This groundbreaking event was designed to spotlight the unique intersection of drag performance and Indigenous heritage.

This event is a partnership among the Office of Inclusion, Flagstaff Pride, the Native American Heritage Month Planning Community, the Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures, the Commission for Indigenous Peoples, and the LGBTQIA Commission.

Free to all who wish to attend.

Thursday, November 6, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

du Bois Ballroom

 

Stew Fest

Join the Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures, the Office of Indigenous Student Success and 7th Gen for our annual stew fest event!

RSVP on True Blue Connects

Friday, November 7, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF)

 

Institute for Native-serving Educators (INE) 2025 Showcase and Open House

The Institute for Native-serving Educators (INE) is a collaborative initiative to strengthen PK-12 schools serving Native American students. INE offers hands-on, culturally grounded professional development that equips educators to create practical, culturally sustaining and responsive resources.

Join us at the INE Showcase & Open House community event to:

• Celebrate the impactful work of our educators and explore the culturally sustaining and responsive materials they’ve created!
• Network with educators serving Native American youth!
• Learn about our 2026 programs!

RSVP by October 10 at https://forms.gle/aZq2TcxhxRYfLbm48

Saturday, November 8, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

du Bois Ballroom

 

Native American Heritage Month Menu Week

Monday, November 10 – Friday, November 14

Lunch at Hot Spot

Dinner at the Dub

 

NAU Women’s Basketball Native American Heritage Month Game

NAU vs. Embry-Riddle

Tuesday, November 11, 6:00 p.m.

Rolle Activity Center

 

Commission on Indigenous Peoples’ Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, November 12, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF) Pattea Room

 

Indigenous Film Nights: Blood Quantum (2019)

Join the Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures at Northern Arizona University for a four-night film series in November exploring Indigenous voices in contemporary cinema. Each screening begins at 6 p.m. with refreshments provided. The lineup includes powerful narratives of resistance, identity, community and renewal as told by Indigenous filmmakers from Turtle Island and beyond.

Thursday, Nov. 13 – Blood Quantum (2019)
Synopsis: On the isolated Mi’kmaq reserve of Red Crow, the dead begin to rise as zombies—but the Indigenous inhabitants themselves remain mysteriously immune. As the external plague and internal tensions escalate, this horror film uses genre conventions to bring into sharp relief questions of sovereignty, colonial legacy and survival.

The film was written and directed by Jeff Barnaby (1976-2022), a Mi’kmaq filmmaker from the Listuguj First Nation in Quebec, Canada. Barnaby’s work challenged both the horror genre and Indigenous representation, bringing Indigenous perspectives to a cinematic form rarely imagined in that space.

Thursday, November 13, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF) Gathering Room

 

NAU Tribal Consultation Presentation

You are invited to join the Seven Generation Research and Service Program for a Tribal Consultation presentation. Come learn about the Tribal Consultation process and what you need to submit a proposal. This presentation will cover an overview of the NAU Tribal Consultation policy, guidelines to help determine if a project or research requires consultation, and the overall review process. All students, faculty, and staff interested in collaborating with Tribal Nations are invited.

Click here to RSVP for the event. There are 25 spots available to attend in person.

Virtual Meeting: Zoom Meeting Link

Please feel free to email Shanell.Yenchik@nau.edu with any questions.

 

5th Council of Indigenous Ambassadors Showcase

The Council of Indigenous Ambassadors presents the 5th Annual Indigenous Ambassadors Showcase. This event features student candidates who will demonstrate their cultural knowledge, contemporary and traditional talents, public speaking abilities, and their ability to lead before the Council of Indigenous Ambassador club members, student peers, judges, friends, family, and the community that surrounds them.

Friday, November 14, 4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Ashurst Auditorium

 

Indige-Jack Hair Basket Craft Night

 

Indigenous Film Nights: Tinā (2024)

Join the Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures at Northern Arizona University for a four-night film series in November exploring Indigenous voices in contemporary cinema. Each screening begins at 6 p.m. with refreshments provided. The lineup includes powerful narratives of resistance, identity, community and renewal as told by Indigenous filmmakers from Turtle Island and beyond.

Tuesday, Nov. 18 – Tinā (2024)
Synopsis: This heartfelt drama follows Mareta Percival, a Samoan teacher still grieving the loss of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes, who takes a role at an elite private school. She forms a student choir and gradually transforms a rigid environment with the power of music and community. The film addresses cultural identity, grief, and collective healing.

The film is written and directed by Miki Magasiva, a Samoan-born filmmaker based in New Zealand. This feature marks his feature film debut, bringing Pacific Islander perspectives into the canon of Indigenous and diasporic filmmaking.

Tuesday, November 18, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Center. for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF)

 

NAU Men’s Basketball Native American Heritage Month Game

NAU vs. Embry-Riddle

Tuesday, November 18, 6:00 p.m.

Rolle Activity Center

 

NACP My Journey Speaker Series- Faith Bowman (Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican)

The Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention (NACP) proudly presents their “My Journey Speaker Series” featuring Faith Bowman (Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican), a University of Utah doctoral candidate. Hear about Faith’s journey in biochemistry research. A catered dinner will be provided.

Wednesday, November 19, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Science and Health Building (bldg 36), room 211

Zoom option available:

• Zoom Meeting ID: 831 3803 7136
• Password: CHM2025

 

United Movement Series: Red Shawl Day with IMQ, 7Gen Center, and CNAIF

Wednesday, November 19, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF) Gathering Room

 

QTBIPOC Work Session Circle

Wednesday, November 19, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF) Pattea Room

 

Let’s Set Up a Tipi and Share our Stories with Elder Ron Lee

Join the Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF) for an afternoon of storytelling, learning, and community building at Let’s Set Up a Tipi and Share Stories with Elder Ron Lee on Wednesday, November 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the CNAIF Gathering Room.

As part of the CNAIF Elders Program, this hands-on session offers participants the opportunity to engage with Elder Ron Lee as he shares teachings about traditional tipi setup, cultural knowledge, and the power of storytelling as a way to preserve and strengthen connections across generations.

All are welcome to join this interactive event and enjoy a shared meal together. Lunch will be provided.

Wednesday, November 19, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF) Gathering Room

 

7Gen Center Conference

Click here to register for the 7Gen Center Conference

Friday, November 21 – Saturday, November 22

Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF)

 

CANCELLED- CNAIF Student Craft Fair

This event is cancelled. 

 

Indigenous Film Nights: Wildhood (2021)

Join the Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures at Northern Arizona University for a four-night film series in November exploring Indigenous voices in contemporary cinema. Each screening begins at 6 p.m. with refreshments provided. The lineup includes powerful narratives of resistance, identity, community and renewal as told by Indigenous filmmakers from Turtle Island and beyond.

Tues., Nov. 25 – Wildhood (2021) 
Synopsis: “Wildhood” is a coming-of-age road film about Link, a late-teen raised in a Nova Scotia trailer park disconnected from his Mi’kmaq heritage, who sets out on a journey with his half-brother Travis after learning that his mother may still be alive. Along the way they meet Pasmay, a Two-Spirit Indigenous youth, and Link begins the process of reconnecting with his culture, identity and land. The film is tender, raw, and beautifully grounded in the Indigenous experience of reconnection.

Directed and written by Bretten Hannam, a Two-Spirit, non-binary Mi’kmaq filmmaker from Nova Scotia. Hannam’s work centers Indigenous queer and Two-Spirit identity alongside cultural reclamation.

Tuesday, November 25, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Center. for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF)