Each November, Native American Heritage Month highlights the importance of incorporating Native American history, culture and art into the nation’s collective dialogue. This year, ancestry and artistry, an initiative by Multicultural Student Programs and Services (MSPS) in collaboration with the Native American Student Association (NASAND), observed the dedicated month with a variety of events.
Students celebrated with activities such as exploring Native American courses offered at Notre Dame, painting Native American landscapes and enjoying traditional foods such as frybread and Pueblo cookies. These events provided an opportunity for reflection and discussion.
Senior Tori Van Arsdale, president of NASAND and a senior fellow for MSPS, explained observing Native American Heritage Month means a lot to her in terms of raising awareness about Native issues.
“There’s often negative discourse surrounding Native American issues, focusing on disparities. While we do advocate for ourselves in these areas, this month is also about celebrating our heritage through events like beading circles, making frybread, and raising awareness about Native American issues through educational programs,” she said.
For many students, this month is a time to bring Native stories to the forefront. Lily Church, a sophomore studying biology and a member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, explained it's more than dedicating a month for observance.
“Native American History Month is about elevating Native stories and cultures in our collective social awareness,” Church said. “It’s not just about dedicating one month to Native history and justice but serving as a reminder that Natives are still here — celebrating their heritage and enriching their communities, both tribal and beyond, with vibrant traditions.”
Despite being the smallest cultural group on campus, with Native American students comprising just 0.02% of Notre Dame’s student population according to the 2023-2024 Common Date Set, they form a tight-knit and supportive community.
“While our numbers are small, we work hard to uplift Native students on campus and welcome non-Native students to join us in learning and celebrating,” Van Arsdale said.
As a transfer student, Van Arsdale found a home away from home through NASAND, where she connected with peers who shared her cultural background and understood her experiences.
“It was amazing to meet others who were like me — people who got my inside jokes about being Native American,” she said, reflecting on the sense of belonging and support she discovered within the group.
Faculty support has also played a crucial role in these efforts. Ashlee Bird, assistant professor of American Studies and NASAND’s faculty advisor, expressed gratitude for the University’s commitment to Native American initiatives.
“I appreciate the efforts of the University of Notre Dame, the American Studies department, the Raclin Murphy Museum and everyone else who supports Native American programs,” Bird said.
This month, the Raclin Murphy Museum also celebrated by hosting an artist symposium featuring panel discussions with tattoo artists, musicians and other Native artists.
Looking to the future, Bird hopes more students will enroll in Native American studies courses, eventually leading to the creation of a Native American studies minor at Notre Dame.
