2024 - ECC Celebrates Native American Heritage Month with “Fireside Wisdom” Event and More

Elgin Community College (ECC) proudly honors Native American Heritage Month throughout November with a series of events, stories, and discussions to recognize the history, culture, and invaluable contributions of Indigenous communities. These programs provide opportunities to learn about and celebrate Native American traditions, ensuring that Indigenous stories, rituals, and knowledge continue to be shared and respected.

The community is invited to join the celebration on Thursday, November 7, for the “Fireside Wisdom: Honoring Indigenous Culture” event from 4 to 6 pm in Lot A at ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus, located at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Illinois. This special event will feature Joseph Standing Bear Schranz, founder of the Midwest SOARRING Foundation, leading an insightful conversation on honoring Indigenous culture. Attendees will also enjoy Native flute music and storytelling by renowned musician Bill Buchholtz Allison, adding to the immersive cultural experience.

ECC's commitment to recognizing Indigenous heritage continues with additional events, including hands-on workshops, educational sessions, and more. The complete list of Native American Heritage Month activities, along with ECC’s land acknowledgment, can be found HERE.

Additional November Events:

- Trickster Exhibit & Native Beadworking  
  Tuesday, November 12 | 11 am – 1 pm | Building B, Jobe Lounge  
  Experience traditional Native beadwork with Potawatomi artist Sam Thompson, and explore interactive exhibits from the Trickster Cultural Center.

- Ancestral & Intercultural Healing with Dr. Lyla June Johnston  
  Monday, November 18 | 11 am – 12:30 pm | Building B, Room B182  
  Join Dr. Lyla June Johnston, an Indigenous musician, scholar, and community organizer, as she discusses Indigenous rights, youth empowerment, land stewardship, and healing intergenerational trauma. Meals provided by Fox Way Native Catering.

- Red Shawl Day Documentary  
  Tuesday, November 19 | 11 am – 12:30 pm | Building B, Room B180  
  Screening of “Bring Her Home,” a documentary following three Indigenous women as they fight to seek justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women in their communities.

For more information about ECC’s Native American Heritage Month events, please visit HERE.