October 11, 2024
Dear Campus Community,
On Monday, Oct. 14, we will observe Indigenous Peoples' Day in honor of the diverse Native cultures and peoples who have shaped our history and continue to influence our present. The State of Montana dedicates the second Monday in October each year to celebrate Indigenous peoples.
Long before the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ existed, Native American peoples lived in relationship with the Missoula Valley and with the land upon which our University sits. Today, UM's success is tied to Indigenous success as we continue caring for this place for generations to come.
Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity for us to acknowledge and appreciate the many ways Indigenous Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, faculty, staff and alumni contribute to our University. The day also reminds us of our role in cultivating respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous nations.
This fall, UM's Native American student enrollment grew 11.9%. We now serve 839 Native Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, a 45.5% increase since 2018 and the largest number on record at UM. These Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ help us build a more inclusive, stronger Griz community.
Please join me in honoring and supporting Indigenous knowledge, educational opportunities, and tribal sovereignty. Below are just some events and learning opportunities available in the next several weeks:
Beartracks Celebration Pow Wow
Monday, Oct. 14, 1 p.m., Caras Park
All are invited to join the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for the third annual Beartracks Celebration Pow Wow. The celebration includes dancing, food trucks and an Indigenous-made market.
Indigenous Mentoring Program Workshop Series
Friday, Oct. 11, and Friday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m., UM Employee Learning Center and via Zoom
Organized by Jennifer Harrington, Native American Natural Resource Program director in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, the Indigenous Mentoring Workshop Series is for faculty, graduate Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, administrators and staff who currently mentor or are interested in mentoring American Indian and Alaska Native Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. Register for the workshop here.
Centering Indigenous Knowledge Webinar Series
Thursday, Oct. 17, and Thursday, Oct. 24, at 12 p.m., via Zoom
The Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement's highlights Indigenous people's scholarship, academic work, and cultural contributions to higher education. All are welcome to participate.
President's Lecture Series event co-sponsored by the UM's Native American Center of Excellence and Davidson Honors College
Thursday, Nov. 7, 7:00 p.m., UC Ballroom
Dr. Donald Warne, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, will deliver a talk titled "A Framework for Indigenous Health -- A Strengths-Based Focus on Improving Outcomes." All are welcome to attend.
In partnership,
Seth