UNF celebrates Indigenous Peoples' Heritage Month

The University of North Florida observes Indigenous Peoples' Heritage Month, commonly known as National Native American Heritage Month or American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, during the month of November.

Recognizing the historical connotations associated with the use of the terms, “native" and "American,” UNF’s Intercultural Center chooses to use the term “indigenous peoples” in recognition of the shared identity amongst individuals who lived together in community before countries, states or regions were officially classified and named. In addition, UNF recently wrote a land acknowledgement in recognition of the campus’ location on the unceded ancestral homelands of the Mocama-speaking Timucuas. 

Events, programs and activities hosted throughout the observance month are focused on celebrating the rich history and cultural traditions of indigenous persons living in what we know today as the United States of America. The month’s programming will include:

Inclusion Fuzion Trivia
Monday, Nov. 1
9 to 10 a.m.
Location: Outside Founder's Hall (Building 2)

Kick off Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month with the Intercultural Center as you test your knowledge of Indigenous cultures. Answer a question and get a donut!

An Evening of Indigenous Arts
Wednesday, Nov. 3
7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Zoom

Attend this special interactive art workshop with Alyssa Osceola, esteemed South Florida-based Seminole illustrator.

Lit Chat with Drs. Ashley & Bossy
Thursday, Nov. 4
1 to 2 p.m.
Location: Zoom

Listen in as UNF’s own Drs. Ashley and Bossy discuss Jacksonville’s Indigenous history and their research on cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples.

SAID Indigenous Peoples’ Community Hour
Thursday, Nov. 9
Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: John A. Delaney Student Union, 58W, Room 3806

Join the Student Alliance for Inclusion and Diversity (SAID) for an opportunity to connect with faculty, staff and students with identity ties to Indigenous cultures. Come learn how you can get involved and share what events and services you would like to see on campus. Registration requested.

Live from Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum with Daniel Tommie
Wednesday, Nov. 10
4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom

Hear from Daniel Tommie, Seminole tribal member, as he shares his experience, culture and passion for preserving the land and his heritage.

Encounters with Northeast Florida’s Indigenous Past
Friday, Nov.12
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: UNF Archaeology Lab (Bldg. 51/Ste. 1204)

See an assorted display of Indigenous artifacts from local archaeological sites excavated by UNF students.

Roots of Injustice, Seeds of Change: Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples
Tuesday, Nov. 16
5 to 7 p.m.
Location: Zoom

This workshop is conducted by the Friends' Peace Team and invites participants to reconsider U.S. history. Through an experiential exercise, the workshop traces the historic and ongoing impacts of the Doctrine of Discovery, the 15th-century justification for European subjugation of non-Christian peoples. The goal is to raise participants' level of knowledge and concern about these impacts. This event is hosted by the UNF Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies.

To learn more about Indigenous Peoples' Heritage Month and view the full list of events, visit the website.