Native American Heritage Month

Everyone is invited to celebrate Native American Heritage Month at El Camino College!

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

November 2025 - Native Heritage MonthSee Flyer

Native American Heritage Month, observed annually in November, is a time to acknowledge and pay tribute to the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited North America for thousands of years.

It is a month of reflection, education, and appreciation for the deep-rooted traditions, artistry, and resilience of Native American communities.

Native American Heritage Library Guide

ECC Library presents: Native American Heritage Lib Guide

This guide will assist you in locating library resources relating to Native American Heritage. The types of resources you can find in this guide are: books, eBooks, articles, journals, newspapers, streaming videos, and community sources.

To learn more about appropriate terminology please visit the National Museum of the American Indian's page on The Impact of Words and Tips for Using Appropriate Terminology.

Calendar of Events

Join us for the events and cultural highlights planned for Native American Heritage Month.

Monday, November 4, 2025	The History We Stand On: A Chronicle of the Land that El Camino College Occupies The exhibit examines the history of the land occupied by El Camino, from the first inhabitants, the Gabrielino-Tongva, and the contested use of land throughout history, including Mexican ranchos, Japanese tenant farming, and Gordon Manor, a proposed middle-class housing tract slated for African Americans.	Ongoing, throughout the month of November	Library Lobby
Wednesday, November 5, 2025	Celebrating Indigenous Cultural Practices through the Healing Circle Join us for a traditional, non-clinical, communal gathering focused on shared healing, connection, and indigenous cultural expression. This Circle, led by Tomás Hernández, will provide a safe and supportive space to share stories, reflect on experiences, and find strength through traditional teachings and practices. Hernández is a Sun Dancer and Board Member of Sacred Indigenous Preservation (SIP), an organization committed to protecting, preserving, and continuing indigenous spiritual ceremonies of North America. *Flex Credit Available.	12:30 - 2:30 pm	Social Justice Center Conference Room (Comm 203)
Thursday, November 6, 2025	Native American Heritage Month Kick Off featuring: Wildhorse Native American Association Performance Wildhorse singers and dancers are a local intertribal pow wow drum group dedicated to preserving and sharing their cultural traditions. They will be performing drumming and dancing. Come check it out!	12:30-1:30 pm	Library Lawn
Wednesday, November 12, 2025	Imagining the Indian: The Fight Against Native American Mascoting (Film Screening) Learn more about the Fight Against Native American Mascoting through this award-winning documentary that looks at the history and the movement to end the use of Native American mascots.	1:15 pm - 2:30 pm	Social Justice Center Lounge (Comm 204)
Thursday, November 13, 2025	Repatriation and the ECC Anthropology Museum: Fulfilling the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Lawrence Ramirez, ECC Professor and Director of the Anthropology Museum, will discuss the institutional responsibility and international movement to repatriate Native American human remains and artifacts. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) became a federal law in 1990, but many museums have yet to fulfill its legal requirements of returning stolen grave goods and human remains from Native American burial sites. At the El Camino College Anthropology Museum, the collection includes human remains that need to be repatriated in accordance with the law. This presentation will provide information on the NAGPRA regulations, discuss the history of the Anthropology Museum's collection, and report on current progress in fulfilling the museum's legal and ethic obligations. *Flex Credit Available	1:15 pm - 2:15 pm	Social Justice Center Lounge (Comm 204)
Tuesday, November 18, 2025	Two Spirits (Film Screening) This film explores the contemporary lives and history of Native two-spirit people — who combine the traits of both men and women with qualities that are also unique to individuals who express multiple genders.	1:15 pm - 2:30 pm	Social Justice Center Lounge (Comm 204)
Tuesday, November 25, 2025	So’oh-Shinálí Sister Project: Combatting Stereotypes and Myths with Strengths and Truths (Workshop) Come learn about the Wheel of Power and Privilege and engage in a strengths-based experiential learning activity connected to their individual strengths and resonance with Indigenous peoples. This workshop will be led by the So’oh-Shinálí Sister Project to build awareness and connections with Native peoples' experiences. *Flex Credit Available	1:15 pm - 2:15 pm	Social Justice Center Lounge (Comm 204)

Background

In response to an effort by many to gain a day of recognition for the great influence American Indians have had upon the U.S., Congress designated "Native American Awareness Week" in October of 1976. Yearly legislation was enacted to continue the tradition until August of 1990, when President Bush approved the designation of November as "National American Indian Heritage Month." Each year, a similar proclamation is issued.

President Clinton noted in 1996, "Throughout our history, American Indian and Alaska Native peoples have been an integral part of the American character. Against all odds, America's first peoples have endured, and they remain a vital cultural, political, social, and moral presence."

November is an appropriate month for the celebration because it is traditionally a time when many American Indians hold fall harvest and world-renewal ceremonies, Pow Wows, dances, and various feasts. The holiday recognizes hundreds of different tribes, approximately 250 languages and celebrates the history, tradition and values of American Indians. "National American Indian Heritage Month" serves as a reminder of the positive effect Native peoples have had on the cultural development and growth of the U.S., as well as the struggles and challenges they have faced.

Accommodations

If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, email mxdelgado@elcamino.edu as soon as possible, but no later than seven days prior to the event.

Contact

If you have questions, ideas, or want to get more involved with Native American Heritage Month at El Camino College, please email Monica Delgado, Social Justice Center Coordinator at mxdelgado@elcamino.edu.