NIC to host American Indian Heritage Week March 24-28 [updated 14 March 2025]
Posted: Wednesday, Mar 12, 2025
Freida Poirier helps Eva Dove Melting Tallow dress for an event at a previous American Indian Heritage Week. The series of events will be held March 24-28 this year. For a full NIC calendar, visit www.nic.edu/events.
North Idaho College will celebrate American Indian Heritage Week, events that highlight the culture and history of Native peoples, Monday, March 24, through Friday, March 28.
The public is encouraged to attend the events.
“For current students as well as life-long learners, this annual event provides an opportunity to dig into the current achievements and concerns of our Native American communities,” said Amy Bardwell, American Indian Student Advisor. “This year I’m glad we get to hear from departments of the local Coeur d’Alene Tribe that are making valuable contributions in our region.”
The schedule includes:
- Monday, March 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Edminster Student Union Building (SUB) Plaza – Support the NIC American Indian Student Alliance and enjoy warm frybread for $5.
- Tuesday, March 25, noon, Lake Coeur d’Alene Room (SUB second floor), “The Language of the People who were Found Here” presentation — Coeur d’Alene Tribal Member and Language Expert Cheffrey Sailto will share why the Tribe believes it is important to sustain its language and how the Tribe is helping young people learn and use it.
- Tuesday, March 25, 1 p.m., Lake Coeur d’Alene Room, “We Will Speak” film screening — Native American children were punished for speaking their language 100 years ago. Despite persecution, language prevailed. This film highlights the importance of education as Cherokee Nation takes steps to revitalize language use in their community and among tribal members.
- Wednesday, March 26, 1 p.m., Blue Creek Conference Room, Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education Program (IKEEP) presentation — Geared toward students, educators, parents and all those interested, this presentation is on a University of Idaho program that helps teachers become more aware of incorporating cultural understanding and practices that can engage students.
- Thursday, March 27, 1 p.m., Lake Coeur d’Alene Room, “Coeur d’Alene Tribe Natural Resources Objectives” presentation — Jesse Steele, a forester of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, will speak on workforce development and how the Tribe approaches environmental issues.
- Friday, March 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., American Indian Student Center, SUB Lower Level, drop-in beading workshop — Get creative with the traditional activity, making a lanyard keychain. Materials will be provided by the NIC American Indian Student Alliance.