November 1 marked the beginning of Native American Heritage Month, celebrated nationwide, including right here on Keene State’s campus.
Nina Zienkiewicz, coordinator for student support at the Office of Community and Belonging, shared some events occurring throughout the month of November to shine a light on indigenous communities.
On November 13, the Office of Community and Belonging will host its usual Crafternoon, with the theme being indigenous heritage. Zienkiewicz encouraged people to follow the office’s Instagram [@kscbelonging] for updates and more details on the crafts.
In collaboration with the Community and Belonging Commission, the office will be tabling in the student center from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on November 19 in honor of Red Shawl Day.
Red Shawl Day was created to bring awareness to those in indigenous communities, especially women and children, who have been murdered or gone missing. Wearing red is meant to represent the lives lost to violence. The table will feature informative brochures and educational activities.
KSC isn’t the only school gearing up to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Mayor Jay Kahn is working alongside Keene High School students to develop a presentation that will take place on November 20 during the school day for Keene Middle School students. The presentation will include reading materials, reproduction artifacts, and videos featuring Lynn Murphy and Robert Goodby from Franklin Pierce.
Michelle Walker, Director of Education at the Historical Society of Cheshire County, said the organization offered their Wonder Boxes for Educators on Abenaki Culture pre-European and post-European contact to the students as well. Assistance from several other community groups and individuals will also be given.
In addition to their other ideas, the KSC Office of Community and Belonging plans on holding a movie showing towards the middle of November, with more details to follow soon. Zienkiewicz said students should keep an eye out for posters on campus.
Zienkiewicz said, “I think it’s especially important that we’re recognizing the land we’re on all the time. Keene State specifically is on the traditional ancestral and unseeded land of the Abenaki, Pennacook and Wabanaki people.” She continued, “We live on this land, we thrive on this land, but I feel like we [the Office of Community and Belonging] really want to honor indigenous heritage. In November, but also beyond the holidays as well.”
On how her role supports Indigenous communities, Zienkiewicz said, “I’m always open to feedback. I love conversations with students from various backgrounds, I’d love to learn more things about indigenous heritage, and really any students from any backgrounds.”
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