NEWS

NEWBERRY, S.C. — November 1–30, the nation celebrates Native American Heritage Month, honoring the histories, diverse cultures, and contributions of Native American people. It serves as an opportunity to recognize the resilience, traditions, and achievements of Indigenous communities while also reflecting on the challenges they have faced throughout history and continue to work to overcome. By observing Native American Heritage Month, we deepen our understanding of the diverse cultures that form the foundation of our nation, we encourage education, awareness, and appreciation to reaffirm our commitment to preserving and respecting the voices and stories of our Native American people.

At Newberry College, the month of November aligns deeply with our mission as a Lutheran liberal arts institution—rooted in the call to love and serve our neighbors, to celebrate the God-given dignity of every person, and to build understanding across cultures, by learning from and with our Native American neighbors.

We are especially excited to launch the Dufford Series with a performance by the Cypress Society Singers and Dancers on November 17.

Native American Heritage Month Events at Newberry College 2025

• November 1-November 30 – Weekly information on Notable Native Americans who have made significant contributions to our country and Décor representing Native American cultures in Kaufmann Hall.
• November 3 – Dr. Steve Lambert, Associate Professor of Chemistry & Forensic Science, and member of the Cherokee Eastern Band will provide a presentation on “Native Americans in South Carolina”. 7pm in the Alumni Music Center
• November 4 – Native American Food Day in Kaufmann Hall
  Metz will be serving foods indicative of Native American cultures.
• November 6 – Movie Night featuring “Smoke Signals.” 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm in Kaufmann Hall. Brief discussion afterwards facilitated by Melissa Sheppard, Adjunct Professor of English.
• November 17 – The Dufford Series presents Cypress Society Singers and Dancers: Join us for singing, dancing, storytelling, flute playing, and audience interaction.  Center for Teacher Education (Gnann) 7-8:30 pm.
• November 19 – Mr. Vance Blackfox, Cherokee and Director of Indigenous Ministries & Tribal Relations for the ELCA. 
  • 9:00 am – 9:50 am - Special Presentation in Chapel (All are welcome)
  • 10:00 am – 10:50 am -Chapel Service
  • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch and Learn Table Talk in Kaufmann Hall
    Moderator Dr. Steven Lambert
• November 20 – 4^th Meal Stress Reliever – Arts and Crafts (Pinch Pots, Coloring, Corn Bead Bracelets) 8:00 pm – until.  Kaufmann Hall

This monthlong series is made possible through the collaboration of:
Sponsors: Office of Community and Belonging, Muller Center for Campus & Community Engagement and the Dufford Series.

Campus Partners: Campus Ministry, Metz Culinary Management, Student Affairs, and Wessels Library.
Native American Heritage Month Planning Committee Members: Deidra Clark, Carlton Kinard, Steve Lambert, Altheia Richardson, Melissa Sheppard, and Peggy Winder.

For full event details, visit newberry.edu or follow along on social media:
@mullercenter @newberry_college

For more information, please email the Office of Community and Belonging at CommunityandBelonging@Newberry.edu or the Muller Center for Campus and Community Engagement at Muller.Center@Newberry.edu.