Upcoming Events
Native American Heritage Month Calendar of Events
Join Tribal Relations and our partners in celebrating Native American Heritage Month.
Native American Heritage Month Events
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November 1: Native American Heritage Book Display at Brooks Library
Native American Heritage Month display in the case outside CWU Archives and Special Collections on the second floor of Brooks Library, as well as an exhibit featuring items from the collections in the exhibit window.
Book Display by CWU Libraries, Archives and Special Collections.
View Display -
November 6: Lunch and Conversations with Yakama Nation Elders and Tribal Councilmembers
Friday, November 6 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | NAC 165
Join the Office of Tribal Relations and Native American Student Services in gathering around traditional foods and community with Yakama Nation elders and Tribal Councilmembers.
This is a student-focused event. Seating is limited, and RSVP is required!
Hosted by the Office of Tribal Relations and Native American Student Services
RSVP For Lunch -
November 7: Native American Heritage Month Football Game
Saturday, November 7 | 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM Kickoff | Tomlinson Stadium
Reserve your Tickets Today! -
November 10 and 19: Working in Good Relations (Two-Part Series)
Tribal Nations are sovereign governments with their own laws, knowledge systems, and priorities for research and community projects. Working with Tribes and Native American peoples ethically, responsibly, and meaningfully starts with a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding. This two-part series explores the principles behind collaborative work with Tribal Nations and how to put them into practice. Part 1 covers sovereignty, relationship-building, and Indigenous Methodologies, and Part 2 turns those foundations into concrete steps for building sustainable partnerships.
Part 1: Foundations and Principles
Tuesday, November 10 | 3:30–5:00 PM | NAC 165 or Zoom
This first session lays the groundwork for ethical, relational, and meaningful partnerships with Tribal Nations and communities. We’ll look at what tribal sovereignty means for research and project work and at the government-to-government relationship. We’ll discuss how to build relationships with and engage Tribal Nations and community members, and how to prepare for collaborative research or projects that start from community-defined benefits rather than extractive approaches. You’ll also get an overview of the principles and values of Indigenous Methodologies, including relationality, respect, reciprocity, relevance, and responsibility, along with key scholarship in the field. The session is for faculty, staff, and students who are planning or already doing work with Tribal communities, whatever their experience.
Part 2: Principles into Practice
Thursday, November 19 | 3:30–5:00 PM | NAC 165 or Zoom
The second session turns principles into practical steps. We’ll look at how to build meaningful, sustainable partnerships and keep relationships strong throughout the whole project and after it ends. We’ll go over tribal research and project review processes, including how to tell when permissions and consents are needed and from whom. We’ll also cover writing agreements and MOUs, Indigenous data sovereignty, and the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance, and what they mean for who owns, stores, and shares data. Finally, we’ll discuss fair budgeting, respectful compensation for tribal partners and community members, and shared decisions about publishing and dissemination. Participants will leave with practical tools to guide their own projects. Attending Part 1 is required unless you make alternative arrangements with the presenter.
RSVP by Friday, Nov 6th. -
November 16: Native Glow
Monday, November 16 | 3:00–5:00 PM | Multicultural Center (MCC)
Candle-making workshop using essential oils and indigenous ingredients, tied to indigenous teachings, stories, and history.
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November 17: Native American Heritage Book Club Begins
Tuesday, November 17 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | N'Chelohan Tribal Knowledge and Gathering Center (NAC 165)
Book club begins for Faculty, Staff, and Graduate Students. Raelynne Crow (American Indian Studies and Museum of Culture and Environment Graduate TA) will host the first meeting of the Native American Heritage Book Club, where they will introduce Death Stalks The Yakama by Clifford E. Trafzer. Subsequent meetings will be held in the same location at the same times on December 8th and 15th.
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November 19: Weaving with Wahpeniat
Wednesday, November 19 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM | Museum of Culture and Environment (Dean Hall Lobby)
Master weaver Wahpeniat, CWU alum ('92 Sociology) and enrolled Yakama, will lead a free 2-hour basket weaving workshop.
RSVP information coming soon! Hosted by the CWU Museum of Culture and Environment.
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November 23: Dream Catchers and the Stories They Weave
Monday, November 23 | 3:00–5:00 PM | Multicultural Center (MCC)
Hands-on creative experience exploring the significance of dream catchers and their adaptation across Native communities.
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November 23-24: Flint Knapping with Jim Baugh
Monday, November 23 - 24th | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM| Museum of Culture and Environment (Dean Hall Lobby)
An in-person demonstration of flint knapping (stone tool making) principles by Jim Baugh. Stop by to learn about the art of creating stone tools, sit down for a tutorial, or just listen to stories with special guest Jim Baugh.
Hosted by the CWU Museum of Culture and Environment.
Events will be updated as scheduled.
Event details are subject to change. Please check with the Tribal Relations office for the most current information and updates: tribalrelations@cwu.edu
CWU News
State of the University address highlights CWU’s successes and challenges
October 28, 2026 by David Leder
Korean art exhibit opens November 5 at CWU’s Spurgeon Gallery
October 28, 2026 by Heather Johnson
Questions? Contact Us.
Zoё Higheagle Strong, PhD, AVP Tribal Relations
Office of the President
509-963-2111 | scott@cwu.edu