The month of November is Native American Heritage Month. The month is dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging the contributions and culture of Native American and Indigenous Peoples. Throughout the month, the School of Journalism has connected with other departments within the university to celebrate and honor Native and Indigenous Peoples.  

On November 5, The Native American Council and the Native American Student Association came together with members of the University community for the dedication of the new Native Nations Room in the IMU. The room is meant to pay tribute to Native Nations who currently or have in the past called Iowa home.  

During the dedication, former UI Diversity Director Tracy Peterson joined via Zoom and spoke with the group about the importance of inclusion on campus. The Native American Council also shared and discussed the importance of the University of Iowa Indigenous Land Acknowledgement. A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. To view the University’s full Land Acknowledgement, visit the Native American Council’s website here.  

At the dedication, Native American President Kelly Clougher shared a few words about what the process of building the room has meant to her.  

“Standing here today in this room that we worked so hard to create is emotional to say the least,” said Clougher. “I think you all can feel that today.”  

To learn more about the Native Nations Room, visit the IMU’s website here.  

To see the full calendar of remaining events for Native American Heritage Month, visit the link here.