Dear Poole Community,
This month we join the university community in the acknowledgement and celebration of Native American Heritage month. On August 3, 1990, the month of November was recognized by President George H. W. Bush as Native American Heritage Month (NAHM). During this month, we take the time to recognize the people, culture, traditions, crafts, and music that existed in the United States before it became what we know today.
At Poole College, we all can work to better understand how our history of colonization of indigenous peoples got us to where we are today. As we all work to better recognize each other and our many stories, I encourage you to learn more about the native peoples who lived on the land NC State resides: the Catawba, Tuscarora people.
The ancestral lands of the Catawba Nation extend through the Piedmont region of North and South Carolina and into southern Virginia. They have lived on these lands along the Catawba River for thousands of years. Learn more about the Catawba Nation.
The ancestral lands of the Tuscarora people extend in the region now known as Eastern Carolina. The peoples lived along the Roanoke, Neuse, Tar (Torhunta or Narhontes), Pamlico, and Cape Fear rivers in North Carolina. Learn more about the Tuscarora Nation.
Becoming aware of themes and issues that our friends and colleagues who identify as Native American is an important part of creating an inclusive community. Here are some ways you can learn on your own:
- Read indiVisible to expand your understanding of Native narratives.
- Stream Greg Deal speak on being Indigenous in Plain Sight.
- Explore Project 562 to re-learn narratives of Native Peoples.
- Watch the film “There’s Something In The Water” on Netflix to learn about environmental racism.
- Review the Changing the narrative, a guide for allies (pdf).
Over the next few weeks I encourage you to investigate the issues that are important to Native American communities. Look for examples and case studies to include in work and classes. Acknowledge the first people who lived on the land and are still amongst us today.
Best,
Frank Buckless
Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. Dean
Poole College of Management
