WPI Celebrates Native and Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month 2025
This November, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) proudly commemorates Native and Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month a period dedicated to honoring the living traditions, knowledge systems, and continuing contributions of Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas and beyond.
This yearly commemoration encourages us to contemplate, educate ourselves about, and involve ourselves with the dynamic cultures, leadership, and creativity of Indigenous communities from past to present to future whose guidance and knowledge continue to influence the territories where we currently reside, study, and work.
At WPI, we celebrate the resilience, creativity, and leadership of Native and Indigenous peoples in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEM). We reiterate our dedication to promoting an inclusive campus that acknowledges and honors Indigenous sovereignty, voices, and cultural identity
🌎 A Legacy of Recognition and Resilience
This observance, which started in 1916 as “American Indian Day,” has transformed into a month-long national celebration. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed a joint resolution that officially designated November as National American Indian Heritage Month, which is now more inclusively recognized as Native and Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month.
This observance pays tribute to the varied histories and contemporary cultures of over 570 federally recognized tribes in the United States, as well as thousands of Indigenous nations around the globe. It serves as a reminder that acknowledgment must be accompanied by action supporting Indigenous sovereignty, enhancing education, and advocating for environmental justice.
🔬 Honoring Indigenous Knowledge in STEM
For centuries, long before modern science was formally established, indigenous knowledge systems have shaped and broadened scientific understanding. Indigenous peoples have exemplified sustainability, innovation, and resilience across generations through practices like regenerative agriculture, astronomical observation, and engineering designs that prioritize ecological balance and community well-being.
We highlight Indigenous scholars whose work bridges traditional knowledge and modern research:
- Dr. Jessica Hernandez (Maya Ch’orti’ and Zapotec) – Environmental scientist and author of Fresh Banana Leaves, advocating for Indigenous-led climate restoration.
- Dr. David Wilson (Navajo Nation) – Biomedical researcher integrating cultural perspectives into health equity.
- Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer (Citizen Potawatomi Nation) – Botanist and author of Braiding Sweetgrass, whose work blends scientific inquiry with storytelling and reciprocity.
- Dr. Tasha Hubbard (Cree) – Filmmaker and educator exploring Indigenous sovereignty through visual storytelling.
Their work embodies the strength and spirit of Indigenous innovation that aligns with WPI’s mission of purposeful technology and global responsibility.
Read, Watch, Listen
- Learn how to respectfully address Native and Indigenous people by reading this short article: Native American vs. American Indian: Which Is Preferred? (healthline.com)
- Explore Gordon Library’s Native and Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month Collection
- Explore the National Museum of the American Indian online
- Watch Gather documentary (2020) - A film that explores the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political, and cultural identities through food sovereignty.
- Watch “Bury My Heart on Wounded Knee” film
- Watch “The Education of Little Tree” movie
- If you are a member of the Native and Indigenous community, please visit Natives Rising for mentorship, networking, job placement assistance, and more.
- Read “Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month”
- Listen to podcasts that explore Indigenous community, culture, and conversation:
- Unreserved podcast
- Pow Wow Life podcast
Act
- Support the Worcester Inter-Tribal Indian Center
- Support the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness
- Support the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
- Support Sisterhood of Native American Coders (SONAC)
- Support Native arts and businesses by buying art, jewelry, clothing, and other items made by Native people and communities.
- Register to Vote -OR- Check Your Voter Registration
- Everything you need to vote. Vote.org
WPI Land Acknowledgement
WPI acknowledges the painful history of genocide in the U.S. for native and indigenous peoples. As a public statement that honors the indigenous people as native inhabitants on this land, WPI honors and respects the many and diverse tribal nations who were forcefully removed from their sacred lands.
WPI would like to recognize the people of the Chaubunagungamaug and Hassanamisco Nipmuc Tribe as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We take this moment to honor their elders, past, present, and emerging. WPI strongly advocates for higher education professionals to honor the land, the original tribal occupants, and the history of where they are located.
ODIME Logo
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.
