The opening ceremony of Native American Heritage Month is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, at 11 a.m. in NDSU’s Grandmother Earth's Gifts of Life Garden. It is one of a several educational events during the month sponsored by the NDSU Office of Multicultural Programs.

At the opening ceremony, tribal leaders are set to give oral narrations about their home communities. Guests include Petra One Hawk of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Gabe Brien of Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and Michael Yellow Bird of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.

“Heritage Month is an opportunity for Native American cultures to share their knowledge and talents with others. Over the years, we've had strong support from the NDSU community for our events,” said Jaclynn Davis Wallet, director of the Office of Multicultural Programs. “This year, we are focusing on what's happening regionally in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. We'll address a variety of topics that are occurring here.”

Other events include:

• “Tribal Nations Research Group, data to knowledge in Native American Communities”

Anita Frederick, president of the Tribal Nations Research Group, will discuss research and results regarding the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1-2 p.m., Memorial Union Mandan room

• “Spirit Lake tribe and Native American people”

Erich Longie, tribal historic preservation officer of the Spirit Lake Dakota

Thursday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Memorial Union Hidatsa room

• “American Indian Public Health in North Dakota”

Staff members of the NDSU American Indian Public Health Resource Center will describe their work with North Dakota tribes.

Friday, Nov. 20, noon-1 p.m., Memorial Union Hidatsa room

• “Poetry Reading and Open Mic Night”

Native poets Hannabah Blue, Tanaya Winder, Pearl Walker and Denise Lajimodiere will read their works.

Friday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Memorial Union Mandan room

• “No Fracking Way”

Carol Davis, senior associate of the Tribal Nations Research Group, and Robert Shimek, director of Native Harvest, will describe their work to prevent fracking on the Turtle Mountain Reservation.

Monday, Nov. 23, 3 p.m.-4 p.m., Memorial Union Rose room

• “Native American Essential Understandings”

Lucy K. Fredericks, North Dakota Indian education director, will discuss the Department of Education’s video and website regarding teachings of elders.

Monday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Memorial Union Hidatsa room

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