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Native American Heritage Month recognized at EOU

Nov. 13, 2023

Native American Heritage Month recognized at EOU

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University (EOU) is pleased to announce that November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native Americans in our community and across the nation. 

This month provides an opportunity for all of us to learn more about the diverse traditions and experiences of Native Americans, as well as to engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection.

Throughout November, EOU has organized a series of events and initiatives to recognize and appreciate the vibrant Native American cultures that enrich our campus and the broader community. We encourage all members of our university, and the community to participate in these planned activities. 

Please find some of the events and activities that will take place throughout the month, below,

  • Indigenous Art Reception, November 16, 2023, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Loso Lobby
    The art reception will take place on Nov. 16, 2023, at Loso Lobby from 3:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. and is open to the EOU and public community. The artwork viewed was purchased by the Indian Arts Festival-NAP program, through the efforts of the 2022-2023 Speel-Ya Native Student club members who toured many virtual and brick-and-mortar art galleries including the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute and Crow Shadow Institute of the Arts to seek artwork to display on campus. Please come and hear Speel-Ya students and guest speaker, nationally renowned artist, Ramon Murillo, speak about their indigenous experiences, motivations, and inspirations.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. -11 a.m. and 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women – Red Dress Campaign
    The MMIW Red Dress Campaign is an interactive display that seeks to bring awareness to the highly disproportionate rates at which Indigenous women go missing or are found murdered in the United States and around the world. 

Come visit the Speel-Ya Club on the 2nd floor of Hoke Union Building. Members of the club will have red paint, black paint, poster boards, and Polaroid cameras on hand. We would love to have allies for MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) take photos for display at a later date! Paint your hands, paint your faces, and most importantly, listen and learn as club members share a little bit about the importance of recognizing how widespread the issue of violence against Native American people is and how to further spread awareness and make a difference. 

Free Cultural Workshops: 

Thursday, Nov. 16, Noon -1 p.m., Chapbook Creation, Loso 210 (Open to the public and at no cost!)

Host and special guest, Ramon Murillo is a Shoshone Bannock and Yaqui Indian and was born in Pocatello Idaho into a family who highly valued art and culture. He developed a passion for art at an early age. Ramon went on to receive a  B.F.A. from Idaho State University, an M.F.A. in printmaking at the University of Oregon, and a Postgraduate degree in Non-toxic Printmaking, from Grand Prairie Regional College, Canada. 

Ramon’s art is held in the permanent collections of major art museums, including the National Smithsonian Institute of Art, Victoria Albert Museum, Seattle Art Museum, Montana Art Museum, Portland Art Museum, Washington State Museum of History, and held in many university collections including the University of Oregon Art Museum, Evergreen State College of Washington, Idaho State University, Yale University, Grand Prairie Regional College, and now Eastern Oregon University!

You will leave Ramon’s workshop with a personalized journal/notebook that will last for years! Decorate with stamps and other dry media and learn the lost art of chapbook creation!  

Cultural Workshop: Thursday, November 16, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Dreamcatcher Workshop, Student Lounge, Loso Hall 230  (Open to public and no cost.)

Host and special guest, Joleen Reed learned the fine art and craft of creating dreamcatchers during a “Bridging the Gap” workshop, where she was among the first group of Native Americans to participate in the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA). Through the good work of NARA, Native Americans who may have previously lost touch with their cultural practices and roots, due to unjust boarding school practices and other barriers, can learn more about their Native American customs and spirituality, and achieve their highest level of mental well-being. 

Joleen will provide materials and directions on how to create your dreamcatcher during this workshop. Feel free to stay for the whole time, or stop by, make a dreamcatcher, and head out!

In addition to the activities, EOU has compiled a series of virtual events that you can also partake in to learn, inspire, and deepen your understanding of Native American heritage. 

  • Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Indian Online Exhibitions
  • Indian Pueblo Cultural Center “View into the Collection” with host and Curator Amy G. Johnson of Isleta Pueblo
  • Oregon Native American histories and videos from Oregon Public Broadcasting 
  • Native America: Portrait of Indian Country

These events are open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members, and we encourage you to attend and participate. Eastern Oregon University believes Native American Heritage Month is a time to build awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse cultures and traditions that make our community stronger and more vibrant.

For more information, contact the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) office at (541) 962-3741 or the Speel-Ya club advisers, Kate Gekeler (kgekeler@eou.edu) and Jennifer Slinkard (jslinkard@eou.edu).