Honoring the history, culture and contributions of Native American communities
About Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of Native American communities to our country’s history, culture, and society. Join us as we celebrate the heritage, achievements, and resilience of Native American peoples through various on-campus events, lectures, and activities.
Featured Events
November 4
John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Patricia Wade Temple Room
A hands-on workshop designed to help participants build a genuine understanding of the Atwi John McCoy Since Time Immemorial Curriculum. Attendance is free and dinner will be served from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to the first 40 attendees, followed by the workshop from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
November 10-16
Rock Your Mocs Week
Rock Your Mocs is an expression of tribal identity where people are invited to wear moccasins to celebrate Indigenous traditions and culture around the world.
November 12
Sage & Water Workshop
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Heritage University Tipi
Members of the Heritage University community are invited to join a moment of reflection and healing that honors Yakama tradition. Participants will learn about the use of sage and the practice of smudging—a cleansing ritual that promotes balance and renewal—followed by a quiet moment of personal prayer and reflection. The gathering will conclude with a symbolic drink of water, representing purity and the belief thatwater is life, offering a meaningful opportunity to slow down, recenter, and embrace self-care through cultural tradition. Contact Ezra Salinas (Salinas_E@heritage.edu) for more information.
November 14
Kara Briggs, “River in My Veins”
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Patricia Wade Temple Room
Kara Briggs is a Native American author and poet from the Sauk-Suiattle and Yakama tribes. Her book Rivers in My Veins celebrates our shared connection to the earth through powerful, lyrical poetry. Drawing from her background as a journalist, Briggs uses her writing to honor her people’s stories and inspire deeper conversations about culture, history, and identity. Contact Calista Spoonhunter (Spoonhunter_C@heritage.edu) or Julia Polk (Polk_J@heritage.edu) for more information.
November 17
Advancing Indigenous People in STEM
12:15 p.m.
Patricia Wade Temple Room
Corey Gray, a member of the Siksika Nation and part of the Blackfoot Confederacy, will share his experience as an Indigenous person in STEM. Gray works for Caltech’s LIGO project, which made the first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015. A physicist and science communicator, he partnered with his mother, Sharon Yellowfly, to translate astrophysics materials into the Blackfoot language. Beyond his work, he enjoys backpacking, dancing, and kayaking, and serves as a juror for the National Academy of Sciences’ Excellence in Science Communication award.
November 19
Flag Raising Ceremony
9:00 a.m.
Heritage University entrance
Heritage University will raise the flags of the Yakama Nation, the state of Washington and the United States during a ceremony featuring the Yakama Warriors. The ceremony will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will be held at the main campus entrance. Contact Julia Polk (Polk_J@heritage.edu) for more information.
November 19
Honoring Our Elders
Invitation only
As part of Native American Heritage Month, this special, invitation-only gathering honors our elders for their lifelong contributions, wisdom, and the traditions they pass on to future generations. This year’s recipients are Terry Goudy-Rambler, Tsagaglalal; Stan Miller, Mox Mox Wa Pa Le Le Cot; Wilbur Slockish Jr., Sla-Kish; and Ramona Kiona, Teniba.
Terry Goudy-Rambler, Tsagaglalal, has dedicated her life to uplifting the Yakama people and protecting the sacred promises of the Treaty of 1855. Born at Celilo Falls, she turned the loss of her homeland into fearless advocacy, defending treaty fishing rights and advancing tribal self-governance. Through decades of service with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Yakama Nation Tribal Council, her leadership continues to embody sovereignty, resilience, and justice.
Stan Miller, Mox Mox Wa Pa Le Le Cot, has lived a life of faith, honor, and service to his people. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam era, he later dedicated himself to healing and ministry as chaplain of the Yakama Warriors Association. For more than a decade on the Yakama Nation’s Code of Ethics, his steadfast leadership has exemplified dignity, compassion, and integrity.
Wilbur Slockish Jr., Sla-Kish, has devoted his life to defending the Yakama people’s fishing rights guaranteed in the Treaty of 1855. Imprisoned in the 1980s for exercising those rights, his stand led to major reforms that empowered tribes to co-manage salmon and protect traditional fisheries. Today, as a representative on the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, he continues to champion environmental stewardship and the cultural lifeways of his people.
Ramona Kiona, Teniba, is a master weaver devoted to preserving the traditional art of Klickitat huckleberry baskets. Her intricate creations embody the beauty of the land and the resilience of Yakama identity, carrying stories through every pattern and stitch. By teaching new generations, she ensures this sacred art—and the deep connections between people, land, and tradition—endure for years to come.
November 20
Traditional Medicines & Herbs Workshop
11:00 a.m., Smith Family Hall
November 20
Dream Catcher Workshop
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Patricia Wade Temple Room
Two workshops to give participants a deeper understanding of the cultural meaning of traditional medicines and arts. Contact Lateet Olney (Olney_L2@heritage.edu) for more information.
November 21
UW Gear Up STEM Symposium
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – students
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – families
Smith Family Hall
The UW GEAR UP STEM Symposium honors Native American Heritage Month by exploring the intersection of culture, education, and innovation. This event welcomes both Native and non-Native participants to celebrate achievements and inspire future leaders in STEM. Contact Irwin Godinez Cruz (Irwingc@uw.edu) at (509) 865-8676 for more information.
November 24
“Smoke Signals” Movie Screening
12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Patricia Wade Temple Room
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a screening of Smoke Signals, a powerful and heartfelt story of culture, family, and resilience. Contact Ezra Salinas (Salinas_E@heritage.edu) for more information.
November 26
“Rock Band” and Self-Care
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Patricia Wade Temple Room
Get ready to unwind before the holiday rush! Enjoy “Rock Band” the video game and Self-Care sessions filled with music, laughter, and activities designed to support your well-being. Contact Ezra Salinas (Salinas_E@heritage.edu) for more information.
Throughout November at Heritage University, everyone on campus is encouraged to wear orange on Tuesdays (in accordance to Yakama Nation tribal guidelines) in honor of Every Child Matters and to support the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation movement, and red on Thursdays to honor the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement.
Why Celebrate Native American Heritage Month?
This month offers an opportunity to learn about Native American history, celebrate the resilience of Indigenous communities, and build awareness about cultural preservation and advocacy. By participating in these events, we build connections and foster understanding within our campus community.
Get Involved
Volunteer for Events
Engage with Native American Heritage Month activities by signing up to volunteer. Volunteers are needed to assist with event setup, organization, and outreach.
Learn More
Discover resources, articles, and recommended readings that highlight Native American heritage, issues, and contributions.