Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month

For generations, Native Nations have lived in relationship with this land, sustaining vibrant communities grounded in respect, reciprocity and care. Today, more than 575 federally recognized Tribal Nations continue to uphold their sovereignty and traditions while investing in the promise of the next generation who carry forward the teachings of their ancestors. What began in 1976 as a weeklong celebration was formally established as a month of recognition in 1990, when President George H. W. Bush approved the first national proclamation of Native American Heritage Month. Each November, we honor Native American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the histories, cultures and continuing contributions of Native peoples.

Theme: Promise of the Next Generation

This year’s theme, “Promise of the Next Generation,” calls us to look forward to all Native youth and students who carry the hopes, dreams and teachings of their ancestors into the future. They are the living embodiment of Indigenous continuance. The promise of the next generation lies not only in their achievements but in their commitment to preserving languages, restoring lands, and revitalizing cultural practices that strengthen our collective future.

Native youth today are leading with courage and creativity, building upon the legacies of those who came before them. Their voices echo the teachings of generations past, while their actions shape new pathways for those yet to come. At San Diego State University, we are proud to walk alongside them. Our campus goals support their journeys, honor their knowledge, and celebrate their successes. Through initiatives such as the Elymash Yuuchaap Indigenous Scholars and Leaders Program, the Native Resource Center, and partnerships that uplift Indigenous research, art, and community engagement, SDSU continues to invest in the promise of the next generation. Our commitment to access, belonging and student success reflects our belief that Native students are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are shaping the future of the university and the world today.

Progress Achieved

This past year, we celebrated significant milestones that honor this theme of growth and promise

• The Elymash Yuuchaap Indigenous Scholars and Leaders Program continues to expand its reach, offering grants that remove financial barriers for Native students and support their pursuit of higher education.
• The Native Resource Center proudly celebrated its fifth anniversary, marking five years of building community, fostering belonging, and empowering Native and Indigenous students at SDSU.
• Our Indigenous Talking Circles, Graduate Student Gatherings, and Indigenous Authors Book Club have continued to provide spaces for reflection, community care, and intergenerational learning.
• Through initiatives like the Living Land Acknowledgement, SDSU continues to uplift Kumeyaay voices, inviting our campus to engage meaningfully with the land and its original stewards. This November, we celebrate the Living Land Acknowledgement expanding to the SDSU Imperial Valley Campus.
• We celebrate continued support for projects that uplift Native American communities through research projects that were presented at the 5th Annual Native & Indigenous Research and Arts Symposium back in March 2025

Please Join Us

Throughout this month, we invite all members of the SDSU community to participate and engage in the Native American Heritage Month events which are designed to honor and create visibility for many different Native American Nations in the United States and beyond. Native American Heritage Month events are hosted collaboratively across divisions and with new auxiliary partners to include the following:

• The SDSU Native Resource Center
• The Department of American Indian Studies
• The Office of the Tribal Liaison
• The Native American Student Alliance (NASA)
• The Indigenous Social Works Alliance (ISWA)
• The Tribal Gaming Student Association (TGSA)
• The Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming
• The Native American and Indigenous Scholars and Collaborators Project
• The SERVE: Indigenous Social Workers for Change program
• The Native American & Indigenous Faculty and Staff Association
• Inter-Tribal Sports
• The American Indian Recruitment Programs

Events will be centered around activism, art, stories, histories and so much more:

To learn about all the events taking place, please visit: 

NAHM Event Information will be on the NRC website page
NRC Instagram: @sdsunrc
NRC Facebook: @NRCSDSU

In solidarity,

Chris Manning 
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity

Chris Medellin
Director for the Native Resource Center

Jacob Alvarado Waipuk
Chair for Tribal Relations, Tribal Liaison 

David Kamper, Ph.D. 
Chair for American Indian Studies