Local university celebrate Native American Heritage Month

MARQUETTE — November is Native American Heritage Month and Northern Michigan University is doing their part to celebrate the rich culture immersed right here in our community.

While a few events have already kicked off the month, there’s still plenty left to do for those looking to embrace the Native American culture.

Several artists are scheduled to visit campus to teach students traditional art, like Oneida Beadwork. In addition, an Ojibwa moccasin maker will be helping students create homemade moccasins to wear next week for the social media campaign entitled ‘Rock Your Mocs.’

“It’s really important because I think we’re able to combine the classes we teach in Native American Studies with these additional extracurricular activities so students get a deeper and more enriching experience by meeting community members, having these workshops, learning these skills and then being able to wear a pair of moccasins at the end,” said Director of the Center for Native American Studies at NMU, April Lindala. “It is to say that yes we’ve been here, we’re still here, we’re going to be here for a long time to come.”

On Saturday, an Open Mic Fundraiser will be taking place in support of the Standing Rock protesters from 6pm-9pm at the United Methodist Church in Marquette. And next Friday, the Woodland Sky Dance Company, accompanied by the Baraga Woodland Singers will be performing at NMU at 7pm.