We Celebrate! Native American Heritage Month 2025
We Celebrate!
Native American Heritage Month | November 1 - November 30
The University of Arizona sits on the original homelands of the Tohono O’odham and the Pascua Yaqui people, who have stewarded this land since time immemorial. Aligning with the university’s core value of a diverse and inclusive community, it is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up the Wildcat community. At the institutional level, it is important to be proactive in broadening awareness throughout campus to ensure our students feel represented and valued. We recognize and honor the identities of the 22 sovereign nations of Arizona.
November is Native American Heritage Month. We encourage you to learn more and celebrate the extraordinary contributions and accomplishments of Indigenous people and communities in Tucson and throughout the Southwest.
Join the Franke Honors College in our celebrations of Native American Heritage Month. Check the weekly newsletter for upcoming events.
University of Arizona Land Acknowledgement:
We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O'odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.
Dr. Cheree Meeks
Assistant Dean for Leadership and Student Development
Campus Clubs & Organizations
Events
Here are a few events that you can attend in celebrating, acknowledging, and deepening your understanding of Native American Heritage, as well as partnering with local organizations.
Native American Arts Fair 2025
November 8 | Starts at 8:00 AM |
Mission Garden invites the community to celebrate Indigenous creativity, culture, and tradition together. The event will feature Indigenous artists and makers from throughout the region, offering original works for sale including jewelry, art, and handcrafted goods!
The American Southwest
November 4 | Showtime at 7:45 PM | The Loft Cinema
Presented by American Rivers and Sonoran Institute
Co-Presented by The University of Arizona Southwest Center
The American Southwest is a family-friendly wildlife movie that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey down the mighty Colorado River. Narrated by Indigenous environmentalist Quannah Chasinghorse, the film beautifully showcases the abundant wildlife of the region, confronts the ecological impacts of dams and water overuse, and boldly advocates for better management of water and wildlife. Made in association with Natives Outdoors, the movie is told through the perspectives of some of the Southwest’s most charming characters.
Student Stories
Kodi Emerson Wins Udall Scholarship
The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship honors the legacies of Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall, whose careers in public service had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources.
Kodi Emerson, a student in the University's Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education (APME) program was one of the recipients, with future goals to become board certified and provide care to underserved populations as well in Arizona as well as the Navajo Nation. Emerson is a Diné student from Mesa, Arizona, and was born in Gallup, New Mexico.
He is passionate about emergency medicine and enhancing healthcare access for Indigenous and rural communities.
Student Spotlight: Ramandus Grayhat
Ramandus Grayhat is a sophomore at the W.A. Franke Honors College double majoring in Applied Biotechnology and Mathematics. This past summer, he participated in an internship at the Salish Sea Research Center in Washington, where he studied how dragonfly larvae are affected by the toxin Microcystin-LR.
Ramandus recently received the Navajo Code Talkers Scholarship from Freeport-McMoRan, and is honored to represent his tribe as a STEM student here at the University of Arizona. At the W.A. Franke Honors College, Ramandus also serves as a preceptor for Dr. Nadia Alvarez-Mexia’s Global Diversity & Voices course, where he combines his curiosity for cultures with leadership.
Opportunities
Campus Sustainability Fund - Indigenous-Centered Mini Grants
With the generous support of the Agnese Nelms Haury Program, the CSF is offering Indigenous-Centered Mini Grant opportunities for the 2025 – 2026 school year. Applicants can apply for either a $5,000 Mini Grant, or a $10,000 Mini Grant. Funding is reserved for funding Indigenous-focused projects that are oriented toward environmental and social sustainability.