Native American Heritage Month has a goal of affirming and celebrating the identities of individuals who are often erased from history.

The office of multicultural programs at Missouri State University has scheduled a lineup of events for the month of November to help meet that goal. Events are free and open to the public.

“The month brings us together to make a commitment to uplifting native and indigenous people,” said Matthew Banks, coordinator of multicultural programs at MSU.

Event details

Nov. 1

Documentary and Dialogue: “500 Nations,” Freudenberger House, 5:30 p.m.

View the documentary about tribes that settled in the Americas before the European colonists. A discussion led by the American Indian Student Association will follow the film.

Nov. 6

Keynote address: Dr. George Tinker, Davis-Harrington Welcome Center, 7 p.m.

Hear from Dr. George Tinker as he discusses native and indigenous spirituality and how it affects tribal communities. Tinker is a prominent American Indian theologian and scholar.

Nov. 8

Dine and Discuss: Native and Indigenous Spirituality, Freudenberger House, 5 p.m.

Following Tinker’s presentation, attendees are invited to continue the discussion on native spirituality while experiencing a traditional Native American meal.

Nov. 16

A Night of Storytelling, Plaster Student Union, Room 400, 6 p.m.

Learn about Native American culture and traditions through storytelling.

Nov. 17

Cherokee Nighthawks: Native American Stickball, Freudenberger Courtyard, 2:30 p.m.

The Cherokee Nighthawks Stickball Team from Oklahoma will demonstrate the southeastern Native American form of lacrosse. Attendees can watch or participate in a game.

Nov. 28

Craft Night, Strong Hall, Room 404, 5:30 p.m.

Join the American Indian Student Association at its general meeting and craft night. Attendees will learn about the importance of dream catchers and make their own.

Nov. 29

Shattering the Silences: The Right to Pray, Cheek Hall, Room 102, 7 p.m.

In continuation of the Shattering the Silences Series, Dr. William Meadows will present about religious suppression among the Kiowa tribe. Meadows is a professor of anthropology at MSU.

Learn about the series

Nov. 30

Plains Indian Hand Game, Plaster Student Union, first floor, 6 p.m.

An annual tradition, participants will learn to play a traditional Native American hand game of guessing, hiding, drumming and singing.