We’re Celebrating Native American Heritage Month |
We’re Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
The focus is on your health and wellness and everyone is invited to join us as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month at RIT. There are a lot of events to choose from! Kendall Scott, director, Future Stewards Program says, “Rooted in the Medicine Wheel framework, this year’s programming explores balance across the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical dimensions of wellness through cultural, educational, and community- based experiences.
Take a look at all that’s going on this month!
Stories in Motion: Indigenous Storytelling and Life Lessons with ‘Wáats’asdíyei Joe Yates
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: 6:00–7:30 pm
Location: Wegmans Theater, MAGIC Spell Studios
Hosted by: Native American Future Stewards Program (FSP) In partnership with: College of Art and Design, School of Film and Animation. Join us for an evening of inspiration and storytelling with ‘Wáats’asdíyei Joe Yates (he/him), an award-winning Haida writer, director, and film producer from Craig, Alaska. A member of the Yawk’laanaas Tribe, from Brown Bear House and Raven Moiety, ‘Wáats’asdíyei brings his passion for storytelling to every facet of his work. This event will feature a 60-minute presentation including film excerpts and storytelling, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. All members of the RIT community are welcome to attend.
Canandaigua Treaty Day 2025
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Departure Time: 10:00 am from RIT Sentinel
Hosted by: Future Stewards Program. Join us for a meaningful journey as we commemorate the historic Canandaigua Treaty of 1794 and honor the enduring bond between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the United States. Learn more about how the treaty is observed, take part in the Commemoration Ceremony at 2pm on the lawn of the Ontario County Courthouse and view the exhibit of the original Canandaigua Treaty at the Ontario County Historical Society until 4:00 PM. Transportation is limited to the first six students who sign up.
Film Screening: You’re No Indian
Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
Time: 5:00–7:00 pm
Location: SAU-1510 (1829 Room), Student Alumni Union
Hosted by: Future Stewards Program
Join us for a screening of the award-winning short documentary You’re No Indian, followed by an open discussion on identity, belonging, and the impact of colonial narratives on Indigenous identity. The film challenges stereotypes and explores how Indigenous people navigate questions of authenticity, community acceptance, and cultural survival in contemporary society. All members of the RIT community are welcome to attend.
Honoring the Game: Lacrosse, Culture, and Wellness
Date: Wedneaday, November 19, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: MOSAIC
Hosted by: Native American Student Association in partnership with Future Stewards Program. Join us for an interactive event exploring the deep cultural and spiritual roots of the Haudenosaunee game of lacrosse. Lacrosse, known as the Creator’s Game, has long represented balance, healing, and unity within Indigenous communities.
Full Circle Wellness: Indigenous Foods and Cultural Healing with Chef Lorinda John
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 12:00–2:00 pm
Location: CPC-2050 PRISM
Hosted by: Future Stewards Program
Join us for an afternoon of learning, reflection, and nourishment with Chef Lorinda John (Seneca Nation), owner of Aurora Treasures and a celebrated artist and culinary entrepreneur from the Cattaraugus Territory. Chef John’s work bridges art, culture, and wellness through traditional Haudenosaunee foodways and handcrafted cedar dreamcatchers made from trees grown on her family’s land. Her practice reflects the Full Circle of wellness—connecting body, mind, spirit, and community. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of her Three Sisters Salad and berry cedar tea, prepared from ingredients she grows and harvests herself on the Cattaraugus Territory.
Honoring the Ganonyo:k: Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address and Cultural Teachings
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Location: Ganondagan State Historic Site, Victor, NY
Hosted by: Future Stewards Program
Take a trip to Ganondagan State Historic Site, the historic home of the Seneca people, for a two-hour session centered on the Ganonyo:k (Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address) and related cultural teachings. This is a chance to learn about the Haudenosaunee worldview of gratitude, balance, and interconnection and includes a viewing of the Creation Story film, providing deeper context on cultural traditions and their connection to community wellness.