Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Dear Wilson College Community,

Welcome to Native American Heritage Month!

The monthlong celebration of Native American cultures and contributions was first designated by the federal government in 1990 and then continuously since 1994. Attempts to institute a national Native American Heritage Month date back to 1915, according to the Library of Congress.

Textiles and Native American Heritage

The Wilson College community took the opportunity to learn more about the intersection between textiles, apparel and Native American Heritage. Unraveling the Truth: Celebrating Indigenous Attire was hosted by the Wilson College of Textiles Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee.

The event was moderated by Laci McNeill and our panelists included Ashley Patrick Lomboy, Gavin Bell and Raven Dial-Stanley. The group discussed the significance of Indigenous attire and dissected the difference between appreciating and appropriating Indigenous culture. Interested in learning more? Click below to watch the recorded event!

Explore Native American Textiles with the Gregg Museum

Did you know the Gregg Museum of Art & Design houses an sizeable collection of Native American art right here on NC State’s campus? Art and artifacts from more than 20 Native American cultures are included.

Click the video below to explore this gallery at the Gregg Museum.

Representing an Amalgamation of Peoples

As Miss Lumbee 2023, Ashtyn Thomas represents her tribe and community as an ambassador spreading Lumbee pride and heritage throughout the NC State community and beyond.

Diversity Propels the Wilson College of Textiles and the North Carolina Textile Foundation

Diversity and inclusivity are interwoven into the core values that inform the work of the Wilson College of Textiles and the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF), which serves as the college’s philanthropic arm.

The NCTF makes the college’s groundbreaking, industry-leading work possible. That exceptional work includes supporting change agents, glass ceiling breakers and equity seekers in a variety of ways. With the foundation’s financial backing and extensive network of connections, our college’s students, staff and alumni, including members of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council, can continue to further their understanding and celebration of diversity and inclusion.  

Find resources and community

Native American Heritage Month is the perfect chance to learn and connect. Here are just a few of the opportunities offered through NC State:

• Native American Student Association
• Native Space Living and Learning Village
• DEI Courses at NC State