Native American /indigenous initiatives

Indigenous Peoples' Day is a holiday that celebrates and recognizes Indigenous peoples of today and commemorates their histories. To date, the University of Pennsylvania has not acknowledged Indigenous Peoples' Day, while many other academic institutions across the U.S. have already done so.

This petition calls for Penn to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day and to take a step towards celebrating and acknowledging Indigenous students on campus.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE

The field of Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) focuses on the cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples, locally and globally. In the northern and southern hemispheres of the Americas, there are more than 600 Indigenous nations (also called Indians, American Indians, and First Nations), each with distinct tribal identities, forms of kinship relations, and social and political alliances with other groups. Globally, NAIS scholarship includes research with and among other Indigenous communities in diverse worldwide locales (e.g., Australian Aboriginals, New Zealand Maoris, Caribbean peoples, etc.). Faculty at the University of Pennsylvania have devised a wide variety of course offerings and exciting opportunities for research projects that engage with Indigenous people from multiple disciplinary perspectives.

Native American and Indigenous Studies courses often offer cultural, political, epistemological, and methodological insights that can help students better understand cross-cultural and trans-national histories. Many NAIS courses are cross-listed in more than one department (e.g., Anthropology, History, Religion). Students and faculty are thus encouraged to approach case studies of Native American nations or Indigenous communities in different world settings using methods and theories drawn among and between different disciplines.

For more information, visit the Native American & Indigenous Studies website!

The Association of Native Alumni (ANA) promotes the interests and welfare of Native American alumni, strengthens and deepens friendships, encourages active recruitment and retention of Native faculty and students and furthers Penn's commitment to the advancement of Native American higher education. For more information, contact Alumni Relations or call 215-898-6168.

Join ANA on Facebook!

The Penn Native Community Council (PNCC) was formed in the fall of 2018 to highlight the histories, heritage, and cultures of the Native American, First Nations, and Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Specifically, the Committee aims to recognize the important contributions that Native staff, faculty, and alumni have made to the Penn community (past and present), to encourage and support Native/Indigenous students at Penn, and to raise awareness of Native histories at Penn. The Committee also aims to remind the Penn community that the University is situated in the historical homelands of the Lenni-Lenape/Delaware tribal nations.

During each academic year, the PNCC will offer at least two public events to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native peoples locally, regionally, and/or globally, starting in November. The United States recognizes November as Native American Heritage Month, or, as it is commonly referred to, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. This is an opportune time to educate the general public about Native nations, to raise general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have historically faced, and to offer insights into Native strategies designed to preserve cultural continuity, tribal sovereignty, and long-term survival.

We are committed to working closely with the Lenape Community. Community leaders often come to Penn to do workshops and speak on issues important to them. Students attend the yearly powwow.

For more information, visit the Lenape Nation website.