UCO Student Association to Host Native American Heritage Month Kickoff Event, Nov. 4
Nov. 3, 2026
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Native American Student Association (NASA) will mark the beginning of Native American Heritage Month with a free, open-to-the-public kickoff event at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms on Central’s campus.
This year’s event will feature a keynote address from Joshua B. Nelson, Ph.D., President’s Associates Presidential professor and associate professor of English at the University of Oklahoma and author of "Progressive Traditions: Identity in Cherokee Literature and Culture.” His scholarship appears in leading journals and edited volumes in American Indian studies and film studies. He was co-producer, co-writer and narrator of the documentary “Searching for Sequoyah” (PBS, 2021) and the lead organizer of the Native Crossroads Film Festival and Symposium. He is currently directing a documentary on the 45th Infantry "Thunderbirds" Division during World War II, which will profile two American Indian Medal of Honor awardees.
“Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate who we are, honor the generations who came before us and share the richness of our cultures, traditions and stories with others,” said Riley McClain, president-elect of UCO’s NASA.
“As a member of UCO’s Native American Student Association, I believe it is important to create spaces where Native students feel seen, valued and connected while also helping others learn about and appreciate the diverse Indigenous communities that surround us. Our hope is that these events go beyond celebration and foster meaningful connections, greater understanding and a lasting appreciation for Native cultures and traditions.”
The kickoff event marks the beginning of a monthlong celebration recognizing the history, resilience and contributions of Native peoples, featuring cultural presentations, art, food, community connection and more.
Learn more about UCO at www.uco.edu.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma’s Native American Student Association (NASA) will mark the beginning of Native American Heritage Month with a free, open-to-the-public kickoff event at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms on Central’s campus. Pictured, a speaker addresses the audience during the 2025 event.
