Photographs provided by Nardi, Lamberski, and Lamberson
These words were written to IUP’s president in the fall of 2006 by a (then) Social Studies Education student who was also a 1992 History alumna, Ms. Jennifer E. Soliday: “I feel it would be in this university’s best interest to demonstrate IUP’s sensitivity to American Indian culture, and formally recognize this November, and every November, as American Indian Heritage Month.”
In December 2006, IUP’s Council of Trustees approved a resolution to dedicate the month of November to promote awareness of and appreciation for the history and culture of the region’s Native Americans. Students Jennifer Soliday and Nicolas Posey accepted a the framed resolution on behalf of the Native American Heritage Council. In November 2007, the council decided to name the group the Native American Awareness Council, or the NAAC.
Mission Statement
The Native American Awareness Council was created to inform the university and the wider Indiana community about historical and contemporary issues in Native America. As part of our mandate, we will sponsor events, speakers, films, exhibits, and other educational events in an effort to separate stereotypes from realities of indigenous Americans. The council will pay special attention to the past and present history of native peoples in Pennsylvania and the Eastern Woodlands.
Goals
- Create a good Native American Studies program at IUP
- Recruit Native American students to IUP through a cultural exchange program between the university and any federally recognized tribe interested in participating
- Set up an NAAC scholarship program at IUP for Native American students
- Develop an internship program for IUP student-teachers at Indian reservations throughout the country
- Place historical markers on campus near the HUB at the intersection of two of the most important Indian paths in Pennsylvania—the Catawba Trail and the Kittanning Trail
- Design an NAAC website at which viewers can keep abreast of upcoming events sponsored by the NAAC, stay informed about contemporary native issues, and discover the intriguing history of Indians in Pennsylvania
- Sponsor ongoing educational events throughout each year
