November is Native American Heritage Month at the University of Iowa. Throughout the month, various events will highlight the Native American experience on campus, as well as what it means to be Native American.
Jessica Owens, the co-head of the Native American Student Association, said, “There aren’t a lot of Native American students on campus, so having this month can really bring us together in a unifying way.”
Owens said the Native American students at the UI come from a variety of backgrounds. Owens, who moved from a predominately Native American area to a predominately white university, said the transition was an experience.
She said sharing her story with other Native American students — as well as hearing their transition stories — is an important part of Native American Heritage Month.
“There are many tribal identities, practices, and traditions on campus,” Owens said.
Owens said there will be many events on campus over the course of the month, including “Our Histories, Our Voices: Tribal Nations at the University of Iowa.”
The event, which will take place on Nov. 3 at the Latino Native American Cultural Center, will be an opportunity for students to share their cultural identities through presentations about their tribal traditions and heritage.
Read The Daily Iowan throughout November for updates on Native American Heritage Month.
— by Charles Peckman