November is Native American Heritage Month around the United States. In Durango there are plenty of events like traditional dances, storytelling, panels, art displays, and more. Native American Heritage Month in Durango is a special time to honor the Indigenous peoples who are the original inhabitants of the land. There are many Indigenous events happening in Durango and at the Center of Southwest Studies on the Fort Lewis College campus. It is not just a month to enjoy frybread, it is also a time to learn, appreciate, and reflect on the important contributions Native communities have made and continue to make.
Attend the Native American Heritage Month Kickoff Event and Cultural Events 
Native American Heritage Month usually begins with a kickoff event celebrating the month. This event is hosted on the Fort Lewis College campus by the Fort Lewis Native American Center and every year there is live music which is accompanied by traditional dances. This joyous celebration includes speeches from local Indigenous leaders in Durango and Indigenous food such as stews and frybread. Throughout Native American Heritage Month at the Durango Library there will be Indigenous events and sessions on culture and history. These events will be free and are a great way to learn about Indigenous history and more. On November 2 there will be an informative session on the significance of the Round Dance. There will be guest speakers and a lesson on how to round dance.
Explore Indigenous Art at Local Galleries
Many Durango art galleries display pieces from local Native American artists. The Durango Arts Center boasts a collection of young local artists who display and sell their artwork through the center. Other galleries like Sorrel Sky have pieces from Indigenous artists. Sorrel Sky holds collections of paintings and sculptures from Native American artists such as Kevin Red Star and Jeremy Salazar. Another gallery worth noting is A Shared Blanket which displays a collection of artwork, jewelry, beadwork, and more. Much of the art is done by Native artists across the country. Many of the galleries in Durango are home to artwork done by Native American artists, and a lot of these pieces are for sale.
Visit the Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum
A great place to check out is the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum located in Ignacio, Colorado. Visit the Southern Ute Museum and explore their permanent gallery. Here you can learn about Ute history, traditions, and contributions to the region. There are exhibits on local Ute leaders like Leonard C. Burch who was the youngest chairman and longtime leader of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. The museum represents the significance of preserving Native American culture and the legacy of Indigenous leaders. It is a great place to learn and reflect on the history of the original inhabitants of the area.
Enjoy Traditional Indigenous Cuisine
Food is an important way to honor and preserve Indigenous culture. Throughout the month local events will be taking place offering Indigenous cuisine in Durango. Fort Lewis College hosts potlucks and food demonstrations. The Native American Center hosts demonstrations and gatherings where you can learn how to cook traditional Indigenous foods. Sometimes, the NAC will also host potluck style gatherings where everyone brings a dish and takes part in celebrating the preservation of culture through food. This is a great way to experience new cuisine, learn, and maybe enjoy a Navajo taco.
Visit Historic Indigenous Sites
During Native American Heritage Month you can go out into the surrounding area and visit local sites. West of Durango is Mesa Verde National Park, a great place to learn about the ancestral Puebloans, one of the original inhabitants of the area, and their history. You can check out local dwellings and listen to a guided driving tour around the park. Around Durango there are other Indigenous landmarks, like Ute Mountain Tribal Park where you can experience the history of the park and learn about it through dwellings, ruins, and artifacts. Towards the East side of Durango there is also Chimney Rock National Monument which holds cultural significance for local Native American tribes. Around Durango, there are plenty of sites to visit and experience first hand the history of the area. Remember to be respectful when visiting these sites. Leave no trace and do not deface!
Celebrate and Learn During Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to gain a greater understanding of Indigenous culture, history, and contributions. Attend the opening ceremony to celebrate with others, learn to Round Dance at the local library, and get out there to experience all that you can. Learning is a great way to understand and appreciate all that Indigenous communities have done and are doing.
