This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
November is Native American Heritage Month. The American Indian Program at Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is hosting a number of events to celebrate, recognize, and support the achievements and contributions of American Indians. All events are open to the public and free of charge.
My Culture Is Not a Costume
October - November | online
The American Indian Program at SCC is raising awareness of culturally insensitive Halloween costumes by participating in the national “My Culture is Not a Costume” poster campaign.
The purpose of this activity is to enhance cultural awareness while promoting, planning, and integrating school and community activities that stimulate the growth of all students. Regardless of intentions, cultural appropriation perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
The campaign began October 18, 2021, to raise awareness for Halloween, and runs through November for Native American Heritage Month. We invite students and community members to share their photos with us on social media. Use the hashtags #CultureIsNotACostume and #ScottsdaleCC. Tag us on Instagram or Twitter (@ScottsdaleCC).
To learn more, visit bit.ly/culture-not-costume.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Exhibit
November 1-30 | SCC Library
In 2016, the number of reports filed of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls reached 5,712. The U.S. Department of Justice’s federal missing persons’ database, however, logged only 116 cases. Arizona was ranked as the third most dangerous state for Indigenous women and girls.
Learn more about this national epidemic by visiting the SCC Library’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Exhibit. To learn more online, visit the Urban Indian Health Institute’s website.
In addition to the MMIWG Exhibit, the Library has a selection of Native books available for checkout.
Land Acknowledgment Presentation
Wednesday, November 3, 10:30 a.m. | online
Dr. David Martinez (Akimel O'odham/Hia Ced O'odham/Mexican) is an associate professor of American Indian Studies. His areas of concentration are American Indian intellectual and political history, contemporary American Indian art and aesthetics, and O'odham culture and history.
All land is Indigenous land. Over the last several years, more and more universities, museums, and other institutions around the world have issued statements of land acknowledgment honoring an area's deep histories, original stewards, and current Indigenous residents and communities. While these acknowledgments are important, they're only a first step. Dr. Martinez will share why these acknowledgments are necessary, what they mean, and how they can be used to open larger conversations about colonial power and history.
To join the Zoom presentation, visit https://bit.ly/3BY823j.
10th Annual Rock Your Mocs
Monday, November 15 | social media
Rock Your Mocs is an annual, worldwide Indigenous Peoples, Native American, and Alaska Native grassroots movement. This social media campaign is held to inspire cultural pride for American Indians and Alaska Natives, to showcase individual tribal identity, and to honor ancestors.
To participate, snap a picture (or shoot a video) of your moccasins, tag us on social media (@ScottsdaleCC), and include the hashtags #ScottsdaleCC and #RockYourMocs2021. If your culture doesn’t include moccasins, join the party and show your support by wearing a turquoise ribbon or tee-shirt instead!
Find us on social media here: Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram.
Sisters Rising
Documentary Screening / Panel Discussion
Tuesday, November 16, 9:00 a.m. | online
Sisters Rising is a powerful feature-length documentary about six Native American women reclaiming personal and tribal sovereignty.
Native American women are 2.5 times more likely to experience sexual assault than all other American women. 1 in 3 Native women report having been raped during her lifetime, and 86% of the offenses are committed by non-Native men. These perpetrators exploit gaps in tribal jurisdictional authority and target Native women as ‘safe victims’.
Sisters Rising follows six women who refuse to let this pattern of violence continue in the shadows. Attend the panel discussion immediately following the movie.
To watch the documentary on Zoom, visit https://bit.ly/3vqiTjS.
Red Shawl Day
Friday, November 19 | social media
Red Shawl Day, observed on November 19, highlights Red Shawl Week (November 15-21). During this week, people are encouraged to wear red in honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, “For the week of November 15-21, wear red to draw attention to the horrible acts of violence committed against American Indian and Alaska Native people, particularly women and children. Red symbolizes the loss of sacred lifeblood through violence.”
To participate online, tag us on social media (@ScottsdaleCC), and include the hashtags #ScottsdaleCC and #RedShawlDay.
Find us on social media here: Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram.
Feed-a-Family Food Drive
Monday, November 22, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Walmart Shopping Center parking lot (Chaparral & Pima Road)
SCC’s American Indian Program, in conjunction with Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s Social Behavior Offices, is hosting its annual Feed-a-Family Food Drive. Donated items will benefit SRP-MIC families.
To participate, bring your items to the Walmart Shopping Center parking lot (Chaparral & Pima Road). The American Indian Program and other SCC staff will have trucks and cars available to collect your items.
For more information, visit bit.ly/feed-family-21.