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Events > Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month

THPRD Events
Date: 11/01/24 - 11/30/24
Time: All Day
Location: All Facilities
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Native American Heritage month is a time to honor the cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans. This month provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge and support the complex histories and rich heritages of Native American communities.

There are over 500 federally recognized tribes in the United States. Each tribe has its own traditions, language, cultural practices, and values. Each tribe also has its own unique history with the Unites States government, genocide, displacement, and resistance. Native individuals represent a diverse range of lived experiences and beliefs. An excellent way to start the process of supporting Native American people is by educating yourself on some of these histories and topics. Consider learning about the local tribes in your area to begin the process of understanding some of their traditions, struggles, and achievements.

THPRD resides on the ancestral land of the Atfalati-Kalapuyan people. THPRD recognizes that the Native people of the Tualatin valley have been the ancestral holders of these lands since time immemorial. THPRD is committed to supporting Native American people, spreading awareness of Native American history, and building meaningful and respectful relations with local tribal communities all year long.

EVENTS

"We Are The Land" Public Art Installation
 Starting between November 8-16
Portland, OR
This public art installation features portraits of local Indigenous people displayed on buildings throughout the city, focusing on visibility and community connections. Key locations include the RACC, OMSI, Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, and Multnomah County buildings, highlighting the vibrancy and diversity of Native Americans in the area. For more information, visit the event page.
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Frybread Fest
November 9, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Director Park, 815 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR
Enjoy a day filled with music, cultural performances, storytelling, and traditional beadwork demonstrations. Local Native vendors will showcase handmade goods, and free frybread from Javelinas PDX will be available while supplies last. This family-friendly festival is free to attend.
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Sacred Laughter
November 11, 7 p.m.
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton, OR
Join Native comedians JoJo Jackson and Tito Ybarra for a night of humor that celebrates Indigenous experiences. This unique event promises to connect attendees through laughter, offering a joyful way to honor Native heritage. Ticket prices vary by seating.
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Salmon Celebration at Lelooska Foundation
November 16
Ariel, WA (less than 1 hour from Portland)
Experience the rich cultural heritage of the Northwest Coast's Indigenous peoples through storytelling, songs, and demonstrations by the Lelooska Family. This celebration emphasizes the connection between Indigenous communities and salmon, offering a meaningful experience for all attendees. The event is donation-based.
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Histories of the Tualatin Kalapuyans - Grande Ronde Cultural Series
November 2, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Cedar Mill Library, 1080 NW Saltzman Rd, Portland, OR
Learn about the lifeways of the Tualatin Kalapuyans, their history before European settlement, and their displacement to the Grand Ronde Reservation. The event will also discuss ongoing efforts to preserve their language and heritage, highlighting the cultural significance of Wapato Lake. Registration is required. For more details, ask library staff for assistance.
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Oregon Is Indian Country Exhibit Opening
November 1, 5 p.m. - November 29, 2 p.m.
West Foyer of Tran Library, Forest Grove, OR
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Pacific University presents the Oregon Is Indian Country exhibit, showcasing the rich Indigenous cultures of Oregon's nine federally recognized Tribes. This final stop in the exhibit's 15-year journey offers a unique opportunity to learn about local Tribes, their land, and culture. For more details, visit the Pacific University Event Page.
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Tribal Histories of the Willamette Valley
November 9, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Hillsboro Public Library, Brookwood
Join Dr. David G. Lewis as he discusses key topics from his book, covering the colonization of the region and its impact on local tribes. The presentation will highlight the transition to reservations, living conditions, and ongoing challenges faced by the tribes, along with Dr. Lewis's latest research on the valley's history. For more details, visit the WCCLS Event.
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This IS Kalapuyan Land: Presentations with Steph Littlebird
In-Person: November 7, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Five Oaks Museum, Portland, OR
Join Kalapuyan artist and curator Steph Littlebird for an engaging presentation on Kalapuyan history and culture. The event features an overview of the This IS Kalapuyan Land exhibition, focusing on contemporary Indigenous perspectives and artworks by Indigenous creators. A Q&A session will follow.
Virtual: November 13, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Explore Kalapuyan history in a virtual format, including an overview of the exhibition and a live Q&A session. For more details, visit the event page.
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Beyond Land Acknowledgements: Presentations with Steph Littlebird
In-Person: November 7, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Five Oaks Museum, Portland, OR
Join Indigenous artist Steph Littlebird as she examines the significance of land acknowledgments and encourages meaningful actions to support Indigenous communities. This presentation will discuss Native identity and provide guidance on moving beyond mere statements toward impactful change.
Virtual: November 20, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
In this virtual session, Steph will continue to explore land acknowledgments and foster lasting change in support of Indigenous communities. For more details, visit Five Oaks Museum.
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21st Annual NAYA Gala and Auction
November 8, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
NAYA Family Center, Portland, OR
Celebrate NAYA’s 50th anniversary at their annual Gala and Auction. The event, themed "Reclaiming Our Past, Cultivating Our Future," honors NAYA’s commitment to supporting the Native American community through culturally specific services and programs. For more details, visit the NAYA PDX.
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Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts
November 11, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton, OR
This documentary explores the Buffalo Soldiers, Black army regiments formed after the Civil War, who played key roles in settling the American West and abroad. The film examines the soldiers' dual fight in military conflicts and for civil rights, with a focus on those with ties to the Pacific Northwest. For more details, visit the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts.
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Beading & Embroidery with Mixteca and Yakama Artists
November 21, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Hillsboro Public Library, Brookwood
Join Mixteca and Yakama artists to learn basic beading and embroidery skills in honor of Native American/Indigenous Peoples Month. This family-friendly event is open to participants aged 6 and up, with registration required. Para más detalles, visita Hillsboro Public Library.

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Native American Heritage Month is often dedicated to honoring the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples, with different organizations emphasizing education, tradition, and community empowerment.

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