Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to honor and celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American communities. We are excited to present this Cultural Mosaic which brings together college-focused and community activities that support culturally responsive teaching and learning.
We hope you will join us in celebrating Native American culture, history, and heritage.
Dr. Susan Warner-Sanchez, AVC TLED
Native American culture is born of the land, and we gratefully acknowledge that Austin Community College occupies the Indigenous ancestral homelands of the Coahuiltecan, Jumanos, Nʉmʉnʉʉ (Comanche), Kiikaapoi, Mascogo, Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), Sana and Tonkawa, as well as all other vibrant American Indian and Indigenous peoples' communities who communed with this land or make their home here today. The college resides on land ceded in the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Beth Richter, GIS Intern with Austin Community College (ACC) Facilities and Construction Departments
ACC Geographic Information Systems Department
In our work initiated in 2021 during Native American Heritage Month, we began planning and outreach to our ACC Geographic Information Systems (GIS) department about creating maps of indigenous lands on which ACC campuses are built. In a follow-up conversation this fall we were connected with Beth Richter who works as an intern with the ACC Facilities and Construction Department. Beth developed this Map of Native Lands & ACC that we can now share in celebration of Native American Heritage Month.
Historically, the Austin area, particularly around Barton Springs, was home to several Native American groups whose presence dates back centuries. European explorers and settlers who arrived in the region in the 16th and 17th centuries encountered at least 20 nomadic tribes. Among the largest and most influential were the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche.
Tonkawa – The Real People
Known as the "Real People," the Tonkawa were primarily hunters who moved throughout Texas. Often seen as peaceful and cooperative, they served as scouts for Texas Rangers. The tribe's resilience led them to adapt and interact with early settlers, though they were ultimately displaced to Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma) and later to Fort Griffin, Texas.
Comanche – Horsemen of the Southern Plains
Recognized for their warrior culture and expert horsemanship, the Comanche played a significant role in the area's history. They followed bison herds and raided across vast distances for resources. The Comanche trail through Barton Springs brought them into conflict with settlers, including William Barton. Over time, disease, military pressure, and the decline of bison forced an end to their traditional way of life.
Lipan Apache – The Light Grey People
The Lipan Apache migrated into Texas around the 1600s and relied on both bison hunting and farming. Moving southward over time due to Comanche expansion, the Lipan maintained close ties with settlers, often aiding the Texas Rangers in conflicts. However, by the 1850s, disease and colonial pressures pushed them out of Texas to Coahuila, Mexico, and New Mexico.
These tribes contributed significantly to the cultural heritage of Central Texas, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s history and landscape. For a deeper exploration of the Indigenous peoples’ history in Austin, click here to read more.
UPCOMING ACC EVENTS
Austin Community College employees, students, and the community are invited to attend.
All events for 2024 have concluded. Please check back later for 2025 events!
PAST ACC EVENTS
REFLECTION AND RENEWAL: CHICAN(X) FUTURISM IN TEXAS
The Art Galleries (TAG) at ACC is pleased to announce the Fall 2024 exhibition, Reflection and Renewal: Chican(x)Futurism in Texas. Building on the history of Chicano/a artworks of past decades, the four artists in this exhibition blend Indigenous cultural references with sci-fi and tech-based narratives to relocate Mexican-American identities.
Event Details:
Dates: Tuesdays through Thursdays from September 24 to December 12, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: ACC Highland Campus The Art Gallery (Bldg 2000, Rm 2.2450) 6101 Highland Campus Dr, Austin, TX 78752
ACC FASHION DESIGN EVENT: NATIVE AMERICAN DESIGNER AND ARTIST, NAN BLASSINGAME
ACC Fashion Design is excited to welcome back Native American designer and artist Nan Blassingame. She will share her journey of using fashion to educate others about Native American culture. With a history of showcasing her work at Fashion Week in both New York and Austin, Blassingame has created one-of-a-kind dresses for events such as the Austin Powwow and Miss North Dakota. Her designs are part of a permanent display at the Bullock Museum, where she continues to educate the Austin community about Indigenous culture. Join us to meet this talented designer, ask questions, and view some of her remarkable creations up close.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, November 18, 2024
Time: 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Location: ACC Highland Campus (Building 4000 Atrium) 6101 Highland Campus Dr, Austin, TX 78752
INDIGENOUS AND NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENT DATA DEEP DIVE
For Native American Heritage Month, Dr. Richard Griffiths from the Office of Institutional Research and Analytics (OIRA) will provide an overview of Indigenous student success metrics at ACC in comparison to national trends. The presentation will also highlight Indigenous student satisfaction with the college and its services, based on recent survey results. Following the presentation, there will be an open discussion focused on how to better meet the needs of Indigenous students and continue to enhance their success.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
REFLECTION AND RENEWAL: CHICAN(X) FUTURISM IN TEXAS EVENT
When: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Online - Via Zoom (add event to calendar for Zoom link)
During this virtual gallery talk, artist Angel Cabrales will discuss his process for creating his multi-media installations, videos, and sculptures. Cabrales’ series The Uncolonized: A Vision in the Parallel presents an alternative reality in which Spanish conquest was averted, allowing for Indigenous populations to evolve and thrive without colonial interference.
