National Native American Heritage Month promotional graphic
RIC Honors Native American Heritage Month and the 2023 Theme of "Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity." 

Each November the United States observes National Native American Heritage Month. This is a time that celebrates Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. By honoring the cultures, heritages, traditions, languages, and stories of these people we preserve their histories and vital contributions for future generations.

Understanding This Year's Theme

Native American Heritage Month 2023 promotional graphic

Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity

Tribal sovereignty ensures that any decisions about Tribes with regard to their property and citizens are made with their participation and consent. The federal trust responsibility is a legal obligation under which the United States “has charged itself with moral obligations of the highest responsibility and trust” toward Indian tribes.

From the U.S. Department of the Interior - Indian Affairs, National Native American Heritage Month.

Honoring and Celebrating at RIC

Rhode Island College is hosting a number of events and opportunities to honor Native American Heritage Month. We hope you'll participate, learn, celebrate, and enjoy with us!

Join Us at Our Flagship Event: Truthsgiving

Truthsgiving flyer graphic

Join us for a traditional indigenous community dinner in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Come share space, cultural and historical truths, and affirmations! Learning 4 Life will also be giving out recipe cards for making meals on a budget. Spots are limited, so please RSVP.

Register to Attend

This event is hosted by Unity Center and Learning 4 Life  and is co-sponsored by the DDI Committee and the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

An Amazing Opportunity

THESIS, Tribal Health Experiential Student Internship Seminar promotional graphic

The Tribal Health Experiential Student Internship Seminar (THESIS) Program

THESIS is a virtual 8-week (May 20–July 12, 2024) paid internship for undergrad and recently graduated college students interested in Native American health. THESIS lets you experience Tribal public health alongside mentors as you move your career forward and make a life-long impact. Join the next generation of public health leaders!

Rhode Island College entrance

Contact Us

The Unity Center

The Unity Center serves as a brave space on campus for all students to engage in meaningful and critical conversations that challenge systems of oppression.