How to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with UC San Diego Extended Studies

Since 2006, the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) has celebrated Native American Heritage Month (NAHM), in partnership with the Intertribal Resource Center.

Each November, the Division of Extended Studies proudly joins the campus community in honoring the achievements and contributions of Native American individuals and tribes.

At Extended Studies, the month of celebration extends beyond mere recognition—it embodies a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community engagement for Native American learners every day of the year.

History of Native American Heritage Month

Across the United States, the month of November is a time to reflect on the vibrant cultures, histories, and achievements of Native American individuals. 

What started in the early 1900s as an effort to recognize Native Americans' contributions to the U.S. has grown into an entire month dedicated to their heritage. Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, helped initiate the idea, convincing the Boy Scouts of America to observe a day for "First Americans." In 1915, the American Indian Association formally endorsed the idea, and that same year, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, sought state support for a national day to honor Native Americans. Although a national day wasn't established then, New York observed the first state-level American Indian Day in 1916, followed by several other states.

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush designated November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Since then, annual proclamations have continued under various names, such as Native American Heritage Month, to recognize the history and contributions of Native American and Alaska Native communities.

How You Can Get Involved

Getting involved in Native American Heritage Month can be a meaningful way to honor and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities. Involvement can range from personal education to community engagement, and every action helps contribute to raising awareness and honoring Native American Heritage.

Here are some ways to participate:

• Support Native-Owned Businesses and Artists
  Purchase from Native American-owned businesses, artists, and creators. This helps sustain Indigenous craftsmanship, artistry, and entrepreneurship.
• Learn About Native American History
  Educate yourself about Native American history, culture, and current issues. Consider reading books by Native authors, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts focusing on Indigenous perspectives. 
• Attend cultural events
  Look for events hosted by Native American organizations, universities, museums, or cultural centers. These may include storytelling, performances, panel discussions, and art exhibits showcasing Native traditions. 
• Volunteer with Native Communities or Organizations
  Reach out to local Native American organizations to see how you can volunteer your time. Many groups focus on education, community development, or cultural preservation. Consider reaching out to the UC San Diego Intertribal Resource Center to see how you can get involved! 
• Follow Native Voices on Social Media
  Engage with Native content creators, activists, and organizations online to learn from Indigenous perspectives and amplify their voices. Here are a few of our favorites:
  • America Ferrera
  • Janet Mock
  • Kara Roselle Smith
  • Andrew Jolivette

For more ideas, visit UC San Diego’s Native American Month Calendar.

UC San Diego Extended Studies has a proud history of partnering with the local Indian tribal communities to activate pre-college educational opportunities through the Department of Education and Community Outreach.

There have been programs coordinated with members of the Viejas, Sycuan, and Barona bands of the Kumeyaay people across the country to offer classes and workshops tailored to specific educational needs. Additionally, historical partnerships with the Sycuan Education Department and the Viejas Tribal Education Center have provided college preparatory programs as part of a larger effort to boost college enrollment among young adults in underrepresented communities. 

In October 2024, Education and Community Outreach collaborated through their relationship with American Indian Recruitment (AIR) Programs to host the 31st Annual Awards and Fundraiser banquet at UC San Diego Park and Market. The annual event promotes higher education among the Native youth community, showcasing AIR’s goals of providing Native youth with an understanding of the uniqueness and diversity found among the American Indian population. Native students are encouraged and prepared to be active community problem-solvers.
 

UC San Diego Park & Market Arts and Culture Opportunities

UC San Diego Park & Market features an annual calendar of dynamic events exploring arts and culture through the experiences of film, music, dance, food and art. Upcoming opportunities include the following.

Burke Lectureship Revival Film & Discussion Series: “The Exiles”

Friday, November 22, 6-8 p.m.

Location: UC San Diego Park & Market, in the Digital Gym Cinema

The Burke Lectureship on Religion and Society presents the Burke Revival Film Screening & Discussion Series. The featured film screening is “The Exiles,” which chronicles a night in the life of a group of 20-something Native Americans who left reservation life in the 1950s to live in the Bunker Hill district of Los Angeles. The film is a narrative feature with a script pieced together from interviews with the documentary subjects. A post-screening discussion will include a moderated interview with panelists and an interview with a Film Reviewer. Learn more

Indigenous Sustainable Design Forum

Thursday, November 21, 5-9 p.m.

This international forum, co-hosted by the Kumeyaay and Maasai, brings together Indigenous leaders from around the world. Hosted at UC San Diego Park & Market, the event features insightful panels, cultural performances, art exhibitions, an Indigenous bazaar, traditional foods, VR experiences and a special film screening, We Are Guardians.  Buy Tickets Here
 

Conclusion: Native American Heritage Month is a Springboard to Learning 

During Native American Heritage Month, UC San Diego Extended Studies invites you to open yourself to a richer community and life experience through education and engagement. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a lifelong learner, you can use this annual opportunity as a springboard to further understanding and appreciation. 

Celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of Native peoples in the way that most suits you! Your active involvement can contribute to a more inclusive and informed society, while honoring the vital legacy of Indigenous communities.