With November comes a celebration of veterans, a celebration to give thanks and a celebration of Native American history. Native American History month is being celebrated nationwide by a number of people and Southwest Minnesota State University is doing their part to honor indigenous tribes and people.
The SMSU Oyate Club is hosting the Gathering of Colors, an event commemorating the many indigenous peoples that have lived in southwest Minnesota including the Dakota, Ojibwe/Chippewa, Lakota and Sioux. This event will be held in the upper Student Center on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.
“There’s no dedication at the school, so this event will be an opportunity for that,” Steven McGeary, Oyate club president, said.
The event will include the Lucio Family, who will perform in a dance demonstration, a drumming performance, a speaker and food. The food will include fry bread and wajapi (berry pudding/soup).
“This event is meant to acknowledge and honor people and it’s a way that we can heal together…it’s a part of the healing process. It’s good to break through those barriers and stereotypes,” Reanna Jacobs, Oyate club vice-president, said.
Many native tribes hold a multitude of history, so it is important to take a look at how each one made its mark in U.S. history as well as Minnesota history so that we can better understand where we are today.

More information about this event will be available soon. Make sure to check for posters and check SMSU Today.
As part of the Native American History month, also make sure to check out the Social Science Museum exhibit, Commemorating Controversy: The Dakota-U.S. War of 1862, which will be on display through Nov. 29.