There are 573 federally recognized Indian nations in the United States. Approximately 229 of these diverse nations are located in Alaska. The other recognized tribes are located in 35 other states, and there are even more tribes recognized by state governments.
There is one federally recognized Indian nation in Indiana: Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. But Indiana is home to multiple tribes, with the Miami, Delaware and Shawnee being a few.
Over a 15-year period beginning in 1830, all indigenous tribes were forcibly removed from Indiana to territories farther west. After the Potawatomi Trail of Death in 1838, the only natives left in the state were the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, who gained special permission from the government to remain in the area. In 1846, the Miami were also forcibly removed, but many stayed on land that they owned privately.
This is only a small piece of the long history of indigenous people in the United States, and the Multicultural Center at IUPUI is preparing to teach the campus community more by honoring and celebrating Native American Heritage Month this November.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend a variety of events throughout the month.
Meet artist-in-residence Katherine Dickerson – Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma
- Nov. 9, 16 and 23: 1 to 4 p.m. at the Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.
“Native Women’s Right to Fight”
- Nov. 12: 5:30 p.m. in University Library 1126.
Cultural Movie Series: “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World”
- Nov. 14: 6 p.m. in Taylor Hall 101.
- Nov. 18: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Campus Center, fourth floor.
- Nov. 19: noon to 7 p.m. in the Campus Center, fourth floor.
- Nov. 20: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Campus Center, fourth floor.
- Nov. 21: noon to 7 p.m. in the Campus Center, fourth floor.
Genealogy event
- Nov. 20: 6:30 p.m. in University Library 0110.
“Dawnland” movie showing
- Nov. 21: 6:30 p.m. in the Lilly Auditorium.
Drum-making workshop with Tony Showa – Navajo
- Nov. 30: 10 a.m. at the Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St
