Native American Heritage Month

Students creating sand painting art

November is Native American Heritage Month. A month where people are encouraged to learn more about the rich culture and traditions of the native people of our land. Throughout November, the American Indian Student Leadership (AISL) club at Salt Lake Community College hosted various events. Through these events, students experienced rich traditions by expressing themselves creatively in a safe environment that creates growth, community and mindfulness.

Two of the events created by the AISL club encouraged students to celebrate Native American Heritage Month were Rich Tradition and Techniques of Beadwork and An Art of Healing: Sand Painting. Both events allowed students to actively immerse themselves into Native American traditions while learning from their peers, expressing themselves artistically through colors and being present by actively being mindful of their movements.

 

Creating intricate designs through beading takes more than creativity and a steady hand. Chris Guanajuato, SLCC student a member of the Diné tribe, has been beading from a young age and says, “beading is all about teaching patience and responsibility.” The complicated knots in the thread not only created frustration in participants but also allowed them to actively untangle the knots by figuring out how the problem was created.

Christ Guanajuato showcasing the beading of their medicine bag

 Isaac Crane, SLCC student and member of the tribe Tsuut’ïna, used the colors of the medicine wheel for his medicine bag says, “I chose them because they are a symbol of indigenous people. We believe that we need to focus on those four elements to be well.”

Isaac Crane beading his medicine bag

In both the beading and sand painting workshops, participants were encouraged to infuse their feelings and emotions into their works of art. “Selecting your colors and designs for your medicine bag adds love and part of you to it. It is the same thing that mothers do when cooking. They are adding love to the food,” says Chris about creating a medicine bag.

 

Student creating sand paint art

Between prickling, threading, beading and using sand, attendees obtained first-hand experience with how indigenous people created art that was also used for healing while creating a community. “I am an online student, but I like to attend different events. Talking to other students makes it feel more real, like I am part of SLCC,” says Jaime Lindquist. 

    Jaime Lindquist working on her sand painting

AISL’s events celebrating Native American Heritage Month were open to all SLCC students to join, celebrate, experience their rich culture and make a personal connection. The space provided during NAHM is far beyond just beading a medicine bag, creating sand art or listening to panelists and artists. It is about acknowledging those whose land we live on, creating awareness, and celebrating the culture, traditions and achievements of current and passed indigenous people. Moreover, as Isaac says, “SLCC is a great place where the indigenous presence is strong, and they are not afraid to showcase us and acknowledge us.”