Updates

Beadwork Workshop with Alicia Aldaz: Part II
Monday, Nov. 6 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave, Suite 215
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLBkHs8nWYC0aU8XWafXU8yiprHPzHtsDvx4IdJ1wxuwCEJA/viewform
In this 2-session workshop, learn how to bead in the wrap stitch technique with Alicia Aldaz, textiles and beadwork artist from the Monacan Indian Nation of Virginia, and Karenne Wood Native Artist-in-Residence at the Humanities Research Center.

Paint n' Sip with Indigenous Artist Devon Borkowski
Thursday, Nov. 9 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Richmond Salons III-IV, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
Enjoy apple cider, sweet treats, & pizza, while painting an image inspired by the Rappahannock Tribe's culture & history! Devon Borkowski is an artist and member of the Rappahannock tribe.

Film and Discussion | First Landings
Thursday, Nov. 9 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd.
https://www.virginia.org/event/film-and-discussion-%7C-first-landings/21940/
First Landings (2022; 22 min) reflects European colonization’s initial effects on Indigenous peoples of the Americas. The film is a dynamically nuanced approach to non-Western cinema. Jeffrey Allison, Director of VMFA Statewide Programs and Paul Mellon Educator, will moderate a discussion with writers and directors Ethan Brown (Pamunkey) and Federico Cuatlacuatl (Nahua, born in Coapan, Cholula, Mexico). After its screening at VMFA, First Landings will continue touring Virginia as part of VMFA on the Road, the museum’s artmobile.

New Beginnings: Relations between Native Nations and the Commonwealth of Virginia
Thursday, Nov. 9 | 4 – 6 p.m.
The Commons Theater, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSeN0x_r86uIjmQ1NFiPlq2PRvemBmfQUXD0SeSC-X2Op6wM5w/viewform?usp=send_form
In this talk, David Wilkins will discuss the conflicts, cooperative moments, and future possibilities that have permeated the relationship between the seven sovereign Native Nations of this region and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Although Native nations signed some of the oldest diplomatic accords between Indigenous peoples and European and Euro-American powers (dating to the early 1600s), they were for several centuries thereafter denigrated, discriminated against, and eventually “disappeared” by state policymakers who were intent on erasing any Indigenous presence in the state. But Native communities are flexible and imaginative and weathered all these actions and finally compelled both the state and the federal government to acknowledge their inherent sovereignty. This talk will examine, in broad strokes, the ongoing tensions and opportunities between the Native nations and the Commonwealth and consider a process that could fundamentally strengthen the political ties between these parties.

Rock Your Mocs
Wednesday, Nov. 15
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave, Suite 215

Native American Heritage Month Story Time
Thursday, Nov. 16 | 4:30 - 5:15 p.m.
https://www.wric.com/calendar/?_escaped_fragment_=/show?start=2023-10-12#!/details/Native-American-Heritage-Month-Story-Time/12137841/2023-11-16T16
Learn about the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Children's library associate Summer, a member of the Eastern Delaware Nations, will share stories from indigenous authors and discuss Native life in the U.S. today!

Being My Own Boss: Guadalupe Ramírez
Thursday, November 16 | 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave, Suite 215
https://cglink.me/2dV/r1930639
The owner of AlterNatives Boutiques, Guadalupe Ramírez, will talk about how her personal value and culture motivated her to create an Indigenous owned boutique store.

Indigenous Photo Power: Personal Reflections
Thursday, Nov. 16 | 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Commons Theater, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScM_sJ-ipMDfCHrp84Z3K8baCAINfYcfPKWMNs7UQAJvJIEgA/viewform
Images have power. They can shock us, make us cry, make us laugh, inform us, change our perspectives, and help us create change. In this talk, Dr. Farris will share her experiences and photos taken from documenting various Native American-led marches and movements across the U.S., and her work as the Contributing Arts Editor for Cultural Survival Quarterly, a publication that focuses on national and international Indigenous human rights issues. By bringing light to contemporary Indigenous and culture from an Indigenous perspective, Dr. Farris will show how photos can empower and inspire. Free and open to all.

7th Annual Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival
Nov. 17 – 19
Robins Family Forum at Virginia Museum of History & Culture
https://pocahontasreframed.com/
It is befitting that this important East Coast American Indian film festival is held in Virginia. Long before English settlers first arrived to establish the Jamestown settlement, Native Americans inhabited the land that would become the birthplace of our nation. Upon their arrival, Native Americans shared their mastery of the land with the English settlers and ultimately ensured the Colony’s survival. In 1619 Virginia, three cultures collided: Virginia Indian, African, and English. The interactions between these cultures forged what would eventually become the United States and demonstrates that diversity has always been an integral part of the American story. Representation of these groups and their contributions in the stories we share has an impact on how our communities reflect on, and share, our collective history. Through the Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival, we hope to raise visibility around the need for more diversity in film, as well as elevate the perspectives of Native Americans in society.

Patterson Pages: Adult Book Discussion Group
Saturday, Nov. 18 | 1 – 2 p.m.
https://www.wric.com/calendar/#!/details/Patterson-Pages-Adult-Book-Discussion-Group/11549323/2023-11-18T13
Join us for a lively discussion of a variety of titles, fiction and non-fiction. This month's book is An Indigenous Peoples' History of the U.S. by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz.

Native Enough: A Discussion on Being Multiracial & Indigenous
Tuesday, Nov. 28 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave, Suite 215
Join us for a nuanced discussion with multiracial and Indigenous panelists! Panelists will chat about misconceptions they have encountered, how being multiracial impacts their experience as Indigenous people, and more. Pizza will be served!

Native and Indigenous Students: Plan Your Next Step
Tuesday, Nov. 28 | 8 – 8:45 p.m.
James Monroe Building, 101 N 14th St 10th floor
https://www.levelupvirginia.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/170/
Planning for life after high school is an opportunity to not only shape your own future but also contribute to the well-being of your community. Join us for an empowering BigFuture Live event designed to guide Native and Indigenous students through the career and college planning process while staying connected to their communities and cultural values.