University of Montana Celebrates American Indian Heritage Day

Packed with activities that honor American Indian students, their unique cultures and the vibrancy they bring to campus.

The University of Montana perennially has the largest enrollment of Native American students in the Montana University System. UM consistently has an annual enrollment of over 600 such students, a key component of the school's identity.

UM News Service tells us that the university will celebrate American Indian Heritage Day on Friday, September 26 to kick off a week of events honoring these students and others. This marks the 28^th year that UM has hosted celebrations for American Indian Heritage Day, a statewide holiday observed on the last Friday of September.

UM's growth is driven by incoming classes and Montana residents, and it serves as a prominent institution for Native American students. The Payne Family Native American Center on the UM campus is the first off-reservation building in Montana specifically designed to represent Native American culture and Montana's 12 federally recognized tribes.

THE WEEK'S SCHEDULE

The campus community is encouraged to participate in the themed days and events that lead into the main event on Friday.

The week’s schedule includes:

Monday 9/22: Support Native Artists Day – Native Griz Gear Day: Wear your favorite Native artist or Native Griz Gear.

Tuesday 9/23: Ribbon Shirt/Ribbon Skirt Day.

Wednesday 9/24: Rock your Moccs.

Thursday 9/25: Wear Red for Missing or Murdered Indigenous People. Meet at the Payne Family Native American Center firepit at 12:10 p.m. to hike to the M.

Friday 9/26: American Indian Heritage Day.

7 a.m.: Sunrise Ceremony at the Payne Family Native American Center firepits. Tipi set-up to follow ceremony.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Native Craft Vendors at the Payne Family Native American Center Rotunda.

11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Native American berry soup and bison burgers served at the Lodge dining center.

Find out more about the tribute and festivities here.

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