Nevada ASUN Celebrates Native American Heritage Month in November

On November 1, 1990, President H.W. Bush signed into law a joint resolution designating November as Native American Heritage Month to acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of the original inhabitants of what is now the United States of America. It is imperative the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN), and the institution at large, participate in celebrating Native history, culture and identities.

Furthermore, the University of Nevada, Reno campus is established on traditional and ancestral homelands of the Great Basin Tribes: the Numa, Paiute, Shoshone and Wahoe. To honor and respect the diverse identities connected to this land is pertinent to the spirit of learning through engaging in meaningful dialogue, participating in educational events and more.

Although the contributions and accomplishments of Native identities expands beyond a month, members of the University of Nevada, Reno should heighten their allyship and engagement with this respective community throughout November:

● Read about the University’s history with local tribes
● Volunteer with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony
● Attend an educational event focused on Native American heritage
● Read work from Native American Authors, such as Tommy Orange, Louise Erdrich and more.
● ‘Decolonize’ your Thanksgiving dinner by no longer using Native American decorations and tropes. Celebrate Native identities by introducing dishes from their culture and engage in conversations surrounding the community’s history,
● Make a donation to the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) or any other Native American and Indigenous Charities.

To heighten the celebration of Native identities, ASUN is changing a banner in front of the Joe Crowley Student Union to one specifically tailored to the community for the month of November. Student leaders will work closely with one another to introduce and pass legislation in support of and advocating for Native American identities. While these efforts are minor attempts to recognize and amplify Native American identities, students, staff and faculty must continue to research opportunities to expand their allyship.

Local Resources:
Northern Nevada –
Indigenous Student Services at The Center. Every Student. Every Story.
Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Center (RSTHC)
Nevada Urban Indians

Las Vegas –
Las Vegas Paiute Tribe

State Resources:
Nevada Indian Commission
Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, Inc.
Nevada’s Native American Indian Culture
Nevada State Historic Preservation Office

National Resources:
Urban Indian Health Institute
Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and Resources for Native Americans
American Indigenous Business Leaders
American Indian College Fund
Native American Disability Law Center
National Native American AIDS Prevention Center

Native American Businesses in Reno to Support:
Michael & Son’s Fine Jewelry and Native American Art
Thunder Eagle Native Art