University Advising
Office of Undergraduate Education
Recognize. Reflect. Act. Explore.
November 2026 | Native American Heritage Month
Honoring Indigenous Histories, Presence, and Perspectives
Why This Matters
November is Native American Heritage Month, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, contributions, and continuing presence of Indigenous peoples.
At Michigan State University, our land acknowledgment recognizes that the university occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg—Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa, and Bodéwadmi peoples. It also acknowledges the university's history as a land-grant institution and its responsibility to support Indigenous sovereignty and communities
But acknowledgement is more than recognizing history. It invites us to consider how our understanding translates into our relationships, decisions, and everyday practices.
For academic advisors, this includes recognizing the diverse identities and experiences students bring to MSU, creating spaces where students experience belonging, and continuing to learn about the communities and resources that support their success.
This month, we invite you to consider how acknowledgment can inform action in your advising practice.
November: Native American Heritage Month
First designated nationally in 1990 as National American Indian Heritage Month, this observance celebrates Indigenous histories, cultures, languages, and contributions. It also provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding of contemporary Indigenous experiences, tribal sovereignty, and the continuing relationships between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands.
November 27, 2026: Native American Heritage Day
Observed on the Friday following Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day offers another opportunity to learn about and recognize the contributions and ongoing presence of Native peoples.
These observances remind us that Indigenous histories are not solely stories of the past. Indigenous nations and communities continue to contribute to and shape our institutions, communities, and society.
An MSU Connection
MSU's land acknowledgment identifies the campus as located in Nkwejong, on lands connected to the Anishinaabeg. It recognizes the Saginaw Band of Chippewa and the circumstances surrounding the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw, as well as the university's connection to the broader history of Indigenous land dispossession through the land-grant system.
Understanding this history helps us recognize that the spaces where we teach, learn, advise, and work have histories and relationships that extend well beyond the university itself.
Land acknowledgments encourage us to consider relationships, responsibilities, and the ways our institutions are connected to the communities around us.
In academic advising, relationships are also central to our work. We strive to understand students' experiences, recognize their strengths, and support their educational journeys.
This month's reflection question:
How might a deeper understanding of Indigenous histories, identities, and contemporary experiences influence the ways we build relationships with students and foster a sense of belonging in academic advising?
As you reflect, consider:
- How do I create opportunities for students to share the experiences, communities, and identities that are meaningful to them without making assumptions?
- How familiar am I with the programs, communities, and resources available to support Native American and Indigenous students at MSU?
- What might it look like to move beyond awareness and demonstrate cultural humility, curiosity, and respect in my advising practice?
There are no required responses. These questions are offered as an opportunity for personal reflection and continued professional growth.
Moving from acknowledgment to action does not always require a new initiative or program. It can begin with intentional steps in our everyday work.
1. Deepen your understanding of place
Take five minutes to read MSU's official land acknowledgment, including the historical context and commitments it describes.
Consider one aspect of the acknowledgment that is new to you or that you would like to understand more fully.
Advising connection: Greater awareness of institutional history can inform how we understand the university community and our responsibilities within it.
2. Expand your advising resource knowledge
Visit Native @ MSU and explore the university's Indigenous student organizations, academic programs, and campus resources.
Identify at least one resource or opportunity that you were previously unfamiliar with.
Advising connection: Knowing about campus programs and communities allows us to share relevant opportunities with students when they express interest, without assuming that any particular resource is appropriate based solely on a student's identity.
3. Practice curiosity without assumptions
In your next advising conversations, consider how you invite students to share what matters to them.
For example:
“Are there communities, experiences, or interests that you would like us to consider as we explore your opportunities at MSU?”
Advising connection: Open-ended questions allow students to define what is meaningful to their educational experience rather than requiring them to fit into our assumptions or expectations.
4. Make learning part of your professional practice
Choose one resource from this month's feature to explore and consider sharing something you learned with a colleague.
Advising connection: Continued learning and peer dialogue can strengthen our collective ability to support students thoughtfully and respectfully.
The following resources offer opportunities to deepen your understanding of Indigenous histories, communities, and educational experiences.
MSU Land Acknowledgment
Read the university's official statement, learn about its historical context, and explore the responsibilities expressed through acknowledgment.
Native @ MSU
Explore Indigenous histories, programs, partnerships, student opportunities, and resources across Michigan State University.
Native @ MSU: For Students
Learn about academic opportunities, student organizations, and ways students can connect with Indigenous communities and programming at MSU.
MSU: How to Make a Land Acknowledgment
Explore guidance emphasizing research, relationships, Indigenous sovereignty, accurate language, and the importance of connecting acknowledgment with ongoing commitments.
National Native American Heritage Month
Explore educational materials, exhibits, historical resources, and perspectives shared through a collaborative initiative of national cultural institutions.
Carry It Forward
Acknowledgment is not confined to a statement, an event, or a particular month. It is an invitation to continue learning, strengthening relationships, and considering how our actions reflect our commitments.
As you move through November, we encourage you to identify one small action that connects something you have learned to your advising practice.
What will you carry forward?
About This Series
From Acknowledgment to Action is a monthly reflection and resource series presented by Undergraduate Academic Advisor Resources & Engagement (UAARE).
Building on the land acknowledgments shared at our signature events, this series invites members of MSU's undergraduate academic advising community to consider historical and contemporary perspectives, explore meaningful connections to academic advising, and identify opportunities to translate reflection into practice.
Each month, we invite you to Recognize. Reflect. Act. Explore.