The University of Wyoming is marking Native American Heritage Month with a three-day event series on Prexy’s Pasture, Nov. 4–6, centered around a large tipi. “Tipi Talks” brings workshops, symposia, Native dance, food, and talks from distinguished speakers and community members—all free and open to the public.

“UW is proud to honor Native American Heritage Month by uplifting the voices, traditions and achievements of our Indigenous communities,” says UW President Ed Seidel. “We remain committed to deepening our partnerships with tribal nations and ensuring Native students and scholars continue to thrive at UW.”

Highlights include a special address from President Seidel; a keynote by UW alumnae Aldora White Eagle and Alyson White Eagle, “Following the Ridges: An Arapaho Mother-Daughter Story of Tradition, Resilience and Higher Education Success”; the Wind River Dancers; and a keynote by Tarissa Spoonhunter on HPAIRI’s outreach and student connections to the Wind River communities.

Schedule at a glance (on Prexy’s Pasture)

TUESDAY, NOV. 4
• 1:00–3:00 p.m. — Tipi setup & workshop
• 4:00–5:00 p.m. — Keynote: “Following the Ridges: An Arapaho Mother-Daughter Story of Tradition, Resilience and Higher Education Success” (Aldora White Eagle & Alyson White Eagle)
• 5:00–6:00 p.m. — Special address by UW President Ed Seidel: “Native American Initiatives at UW.” Reception to follow (food provided by Night Heron Books & Coffeehouse)

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5
• 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Wind River Dancers (Arapaho & Shoshone)
• 1:00–3:00 p.m. — Symposium 1: Faculty & student presentations
• 4:00–5:00 p.m. — Keynote: Tarissa Spoonhunter, “UW HPAIRI Outreach and Student Connection to Wind River”

THURSDAY, NOV. 6
• 9:30–11:00 a.m. — Invited lecture: Georgia Ennis, “How to Save a Rainforest: Reclaiming TEK and Food Sovereignty in the Amazon”
• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Ochre painting workshop & competition
• 1:00–3:00 p.m. — Symposium 2: Faculty & student presentations
• 5:00–6:00 p.m. — Campfire reception with hot dogs, s’mores & hot chocolate

Presented by: High Plains American Indian Research Institute (HPAIRI), the Native American & Indigenous Studies Program, the Department of Anthropology, and the Office of the President.

Cost & access: All events are free and open to the public.

More info:
• James Trosper, special adviser to the UW president on Native American affairs — jtrosper@uwyo.edu
• Randy Haas, associate professor of archaeology — whaas@uwyo.edu