'Still Here:' UAlbany Students Reflect on Native American Heritage Month

Two young women in long colorful skirts and a young man sit at a picnic table on the UAlbany campus on a sunny fall day. Colorful leaves decorate the trees and ground.

UAlbany students and members of the Indigenous Student Association share what Native American Heritage Month means to them. (Photos by Robert Glover)

ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 19, 2024) — November is National Native American Heritage Month.

First recognized by Congress in 1990, the monthlong commemoration is intended to remember and honor the history, culture and contributions of Indigenous people in America through programming, ceremonies and activities.

At UAlbany, members of the Indigenous Student Association recently spoke with Robert Glover, a senior informatics major and intern with the Office of Communications and Marketing, about what this month means to them and shared stories about the influential figures in their communities.

—Photos by Robert Glover

Savannah Swamp

A young woman with long black hair and glasses wears a green sweater over a long colorful skirt and poses for a portrait outdoors on a sunny fall day. — Class of 2026. Criminal justice major. President, Indigenous Student Association.

“Native American Heritage Month is important to me because it’s a time to recognize and honor the rich culture and history of Indigenous communities. An influential figure within the Native community I look up to is Paulina Alexis. She’s part of a great [Hulu television] show called Reservation Dogs. Paulina Alexis is showing Native youth that 'rez kids' like her can make it to the big screen and accomplish their dreams. There are so many misconceptions about Indigenous culture that are out there, but one that is more important that people need to be educated on is that we are not fragments of the past. We are still here despite all odds, and we are doing big things for our people.”

Aubrey Hogan

A young woman with long brown hair, a red shirt and colorful long skirt poses for a portrait outdoors on a sunny fall day. — Class of 2027. Psychology major. Member, Indigenous Student Association.

“This month is important to me because it helps to increase awareness about Indigenous communities and our historical experiences that are often overlooked or misunderstood. It is also an important opportunity to recognize and honor the rich and beautiful culture of Native American people. My great-grandmother, Darlene Miller, is an influential figure in my life. She is a hardworking faithkeeper who continues to help preserve traditions and revitalize the Seneca language. She is also a Clan Mother and is responsible for giving names to the newest members of the Hawk Clan. I look up to my 'Gram' and am fortunate enough to learn more about our heritage and culture from her. One misconception about my culture that I feel is important to educate others on is that Native American people are not all the same. We are incredibly diverse with distinct languages, traditions, spiritual practices and so much more. We are all unique in our own identities but share a common goal of letting people know that we are in fact, still here.”

Tehoronhiathe Nfn

A young man with short black hair wears a gray sweater and poses for a portrat outdoors on a sunny fall day. — Class of 2027. Business management major. Treasurer, Indigenous Student Association.

“Native American History Month is important to me because it helps teach and correct people's misconceptions about the culture. My father is an influential figure in my life, and I look up to him as he built an affordable lacrosse organization in Akwesasne for kids and high schoolers. This is important, as staying active in Indigenous communities is found to be very difficult. Still, this organization has been running for over 10 years and has done a great job keeping kids in shape throughout the fall, spring and summer months. One misconception of my culture that I feel should be clarified is the narrative of lacrosse being a rich people’s sport as it is false. Instead it’s a traditional and spiritual game for the people who play it.”