Celebrate Native and Indigenous Heritage Month

Metropolitan State University of Denver resides on the ancestral lands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Lakota, and Ute people, all of whom still are in an ongoing relationship with this land. One of the ways we fight the erasure of Indigenous peoples is by recognizing the history that brought settlers, whether voluntary or formerly enslaved, to occupy this land. Here, that history is the Colorado Gold Rush of 1858 and 1859, where settlements like Auraria and Denver as well as other land grabs for gold mining that devastated the land and interrupted Ute and Cheyenne ways of living. Over the course of the next 20 years and the next rushes to take silver from the ground, the Cheyenne and Ute were displaced from this area, their homeland. By knowing this history, we can better understand our place within it and seek to be in the right relationship with the people who were here before us, and with the lands we, too, must steward in our work.

In recognition of Native Indigenous Heritage Month in November, Native Student Support Initiatives, the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion (CMEI), Phoenix Center, and AISA (American Indian Student Alliance) will be hosting a variety of events to educate the campus on issues that are pertinent to the Indigenous peoples of North America. It is especially important to understand that Native Indigenous communities still exist and with your support, their voices can be centered and heard. Join us, to dispel preconceived notions of indigeneity and to better understand indigenous intersectional identities.

Events

Keep scrolling down to view all events for this month!

All Events are Open to the Auraria Campus and Community!

Native Heritage Month Kickoff- film screening of “Who She Is”

Join us as we kick off Native American Heritage Month with a powerful evening of storytelling, culture, and conversation. We’re proud to host a special screening of the documentary Who She Is, followed by a discussion with the film’s director and producer, Jordan Dresser.

Who She Is brings to light the stories of four Indigenous women whose lives were tragically cut short due to the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Through compelling visuals and heartfelt narration, the film honors their memories while raising awareness about the broader issues affecting Native communities today.

Jordan Dresser, a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, is an award-winning filmmaker, journalist, and advocate. His work focuses on uplifting Native voices and histories, and we are honored to welcome him for an in-depth conversation following the screening.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect as we begin Native Heritage Month with purpose and community.

 

  • Date: Tuesday November 4th: 11:30am to 1:30pm.
  • Location: CAVEA (Jordan Student Success Building 4th floor)

 

 

Thursday, November 13th: Native Community Resource Fair

Join us for a Native Community Resource Fair celebrating connection, culture, and community! Local Native organizations will be in attendance, sharing information about the important resources and services they offer from health and wellness to education, advocacy, and more.

Enjoy delicious food provided by the American Indian Student Alliance (AISA) and enter for a chance to win door prizes throughout the event. Several organizations will also be speaking about their work and the support they provide to our Native community.

This is a great opportunity to meet local Native leaders, access valuable resources, and build relationships within our community. All are welcome!

  • Date: Thursday, November 13th.
  • Time: 12pm to 2pm
  • Location: Tivoli 320s

Handgames/Stickgames Teachings with Destiny Leftwich

Join us for an engaging evening of Hand Game (Stick Game) teachings with Destiny Leftwich, who will be sharing the cultural knowledge, songs, and traditions surrounding this game.

Hand Game is a traditional guessing and hiding game played among many tribal nations across the Northwest and Plains regions. It has long served to bring communities together through friendly competition, song, and deep cultural meaning.

Whether you’re new to the game or reconnecting with it, this is a chance to learn, play, and celebrate Indigenous traditions in a welcoming and supportive space.

  • Date: Tuesday November 18th
  • Time: 5pm-7pm
  • Location: Tivoli 129

Event Biographies

American Indian Student Alliance (AISA)

Interested in joining AISA? Use this link below to contact us and get involved!

AISA

Want to Learn More?

To build and strengthen ties to the Native and Indigenous communities within Denver, please visit and support the following organizations and resources below: 

Native Indigenous Student Success Initiatives

Questions? Contact Native Student Support Initiatives

Learn More About NISSI

Email:
[email protected]

Campus Location:

Tivoli Student Union 129

Phone:

303-605-7972

Mailing Address:

Campus Box 39, P.O. Box 173362, Denver, CO 80217-3362