Indigenous Studies Program Events

October

Oct. 21 | Empowering Indigenous Voices: The Role of Native Women in Shaping Campus Communities | Squires 122, 12 pm

Oct. 29 | Indigenous Studies Symposium | Newman Library, Goodall Room, 9 a.m. - 5 p. m.

Join us for Virginia Tech's first annual Indigenous Studies Symposium! We will have an array of Virginia Tech and visiting scholars, and theis year's theme is "Indigenous Futurities." There will be four panels: 

• 9:15 - 10:45 a.m. | History, Language, and Culture
• 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Ethics and Cultural Competency
• 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Sovereignty: From Sustenace to Politics
• 3:15 - 4:45 p.m. | Education and Pedagogy from Kinder to Graduates

Oct. 30 | Monacan Seal Dedication | Major Williams 4th floor, 10:30 a.m.

In collaboration with Bryce Burrell (Mississippi Choctaw), the Department of History has created a plaque that contains the Monacan Indian Nation's seal. Bryce, Rufus Elliott (Monacan), Jennifer Hart, and others will be saying a few words as we unveil the installation of this plaque and how it serves as a reminder of the commitment our department has to empowering and working with the Monacan Indian Nation.

November

Nov. 18 | Good Medicine: Reclaiming Indigenous Traditions of Promoting Healing, Wellness, and Connection | Squires 122, 11 a.m. 

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Stay tuned for more events!

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Contact Edward Polanco with input or proposals for future events. If you would like to stay informed about Indigenous Studies events at Virginia Tech, you can sign up for the Witāhe: Friends of Indigenous Studies Mailing List. 

Sept. 16, 2025 | Tatzingueni as Resistance: The Survivance of P'urehpecha Materiality Beyond Spanish Colonialism, Dominique Polanco

Sept. 16-18, 2025 | Getting Rowdy with Rufus

Rufus Elliott is recognized as the first Monacan to graduate from Virginia Tech (History B.A., 2007) and was elected to serve on the Monacan Indian Nation's Council in 2023. Rufus is currently the Housing Director for the Chickahominy Indian Tribe. 

• September 16 | Squires 122, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Welcome Dinner 
• September 17 | Squires 122, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Office Hours
• September 17 | Squires 122, noon | Lunch and Monacan History
• September 18 | Major Williams 428, 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Office Hours 
• September 18 | Newman 101S, 3:30 - 4:45 p.m. | Public talk on Tribal Consultation

Sept. 23 | Indigenous People's of Virginia's Interior | The Lyric Theater, 7 p.m.