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East Tennessee State University’s Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center (MCC) is collaborating with departments across campus to offer special storytelling, lectures and programs in honor of National Native American Heritage Month this November.  

Former president George H.W. Bush designated November as the first National Native American Heritage Month in 1990, honoring the month as the height of the traditional harvest season and a time of celebration for America’s indigenous people.  

“At the Multicultural Center, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month and seek to deepen our understanding and respect of our nation’s indigenous peoples and cultures,” said Nathnael Tadesse, assistant director of the Multicultural Center.  

The MCC invites anyone in the community to come to campus and celebrate the month with students. The celebration kicks off with a Native American Heritage Month Celebration in partnership with the ETSU Native American Student Organization. On Nov. 5, guest lecturers Debi Thibeault and Terry Shinn will speak on cultural diversity and psychology from 9-11:30 a.m. and 11:05 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in room 219 of the Culp Center. 

Terry Shinn will also host three storytelling sessions, beginning on Nov. 5 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. followed by two sessions on Nov. 6 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m. All sessions will take place in the MCC in the Culp Center. 

Tune into 89.5 WETS-FM later this month to hear inspiring stories from Native American elders as they share their experiences and cultural insights. 

On Nov. 13, the MCC is collaborating with the Native American Student Organization again to host a coffee hour from noon-1 p.m. in the MCC. A virtual coffee hour will be held online on Nov. 19 from noon-1 p.m. 

The ETSU Office of Equity and Inclusion has also established a tuition scholarship fund that supports students who are members of the Native American Student Organization at either ETSU or their high school. Donate to the fund online at www.etsu.edu/equity/opportunities.php. 

To learn more about these events and the Multicultural Center, visit www.etsu.edu/equity/mcc or email etsumc@etsu.edu.