Cal Poly Pomona will celebrate Native American Heritage Month throughout November, spotlighting the diverse cultural heritage of its student body through a series of events and gatherings.
CPP often emphasizes the importance of land acknowledgement to recognize the Indigenous people who originally inhabited the land where the university is located. The university aims to foster inclusivity and respect for the tribes tied to the campus' land and continuously expresses support and respect for its Native American community during Native American Heritage Month and beyond.
All students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in workshops and events hosted by the different resource centers and organizations across campus. These events and more are available on MyBar.
Day of the Dead Celebration, Nov. 2, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
The Native American Student Center opens its doors for the 29th annual Day of the Dead celebration. Students and staff will come together to build an altar that pays homage to the Native American children who once attended boarding schools. These schools were a dark chapter in American history where children were forcibly taken from their families and subjected to a harsh assimilation process.
Beading Circles, Nov. 9, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Native American Student Center will host "Beading Circles in Rainbow Weaver" in Building 26, Room 104. Students from various backgrounds and majors can come together to learn about Native American culture through beadwork. This will be a creative space where students can explore their artistic talents, engage in meaningful conversations, reflect on their culture and find solace.
Discussion with Nicholas Hummingbird, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
In collaboration with the Office of Interdisciplinary Ethnic Studies Teaching and Scholarship, Anna Cooke's RS 4650 Ecological Patterns & Process course and the Native American Student Center, students will learn from Indigenous culture and plant educator, Nicholas Hummingbird. Nicholas, who has roots in Cahuilla and Apache nations, will share his extensive knowledge on California's environment through the lens of Indigenous traditions.
BioTrek Ethnobotany Tour, Nov. 21, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Join the Native American Student Center and the College of Science for a trip to the Rain Bird BioTrek on the CPP campus. Learn more about native plants in the ethnobotany garden, rainforest learning center and all that BioTrek has to offer.
Harvest Dinner, Nov. 28, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The NATIVE Pipeline Program and the Native American Student Center will co-host the annual Harvest Dinner: Reconstructing Thanksgiving program in Ursa Major at the Bronco Student Center. The purpose of this event is to challenge the traditional narrative surrounding Thanksgiving and educate the campus community about the thriving Native American community at Cal Poly Pomona and the surrounding region. Register to attend here.
Centerpointe Luncheon Highlighting Native American Heritage Month, Nov. 28 and 30, Centerpointe Dining Commons (Building 72), 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Division of Enterprise, Dinning Services, and Native American Heritage Month are collaborating to provide the CPP campus community a specialty lunch menu. Drop by Centerpointe to learn more about the Native American Student Center as you enjoy a meal to close out Native American Heritage month.
'Rez Dogs' Community Dialogue, Nov. 29, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The Native American Student Center will host a community dialogue about TV series "Reservation Dogs," which was groundbreaking as the first and only show where every writer, director and series regular was Indigenous. The series highlighted the importance of Native traditions and provided a unique opportunity to discuss representation, pride, community and family.
Cal Poly Pomona is committed to promoting cultural understanding, appreciation and respect and these events are intended to be steps towards healing, education and a brighter, more inclusive future.
Download a Cal Poly Pomona Native American Heritage Month zoom background here.