USU to Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month, Indigenous Leadership

LOGAN — Utah State University’s Heritage & Culture team will celebrate National Native American Heritage Month and Indigenous leadership at USU with two free events open to all. The celebrations, beginning Nov. 5, provide opportunities to connect and learn about the broad array of Indigenous communities while honoring their contributions, leadership, and cultural resilience.

The Native American Heritage Month celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 5 in the TSC International Lounge. Attendees can enjoy cultural performances by a live drum group and powwow dancers, then step onto the floor to join in the round dance. Additionally there will be an educational presentation featuring a live eagle that will explain the cultural significance of eagles in many Native cultures.

Guests can also create pottery and bracelets, learn words and phrases in Shoshone and Navajo, explore educational exhibits, meet the current Miss Native American USU titleholder and connect with Native cultures in meaningful and engaging ways.

Heritage & Culture is also welcoming everyone to the Miss Native American USU pageant from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 12 in the TSC Ballroom. The pageant, established in 1972, is a longstanding tradition recognizing Indigenous student leadership at USU.

Contestants will showcase the cultures and leadership of Native American women at Utah State University. The newly crowned Miss Native American USU will serve as Head Woman for the USU annual Echoing Traditional Ways Pow Wow on March 27.

National Native American Heritage Month is observed nationally each November to celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities.