Native American Heritage Month Schedule of Events
Celebrate Indigenous heritage, culture, and creativity this November with Durango Native American Heritage Month. This community-wide event honoring the traditions and contemporary voices of Indigenous peoples across the region.
Hosted by the Durango Native American Education Program (NAPAC) and local partners, this month-long celebration blends art, storytelling, dance, food, and education to inspire pride and connection. Experience dynamic exhibits like Super Powered–Sovereignty: Indigenous Comic Book Art, family events such as the Round Dance and Veterans Pow Wow, and creative workshops led by Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers.
Durango Native American Heritage Month is a living expression of Indigenous identity, uniting the community through respect, learning, and shared experience.
Schedule of Events
Indigenous Ink: Empowering Stories in Comic Books
- Maria's Reading Room
- November 1, 2025
- 10:00am
Celebrate the vibrant voices of Indigenous comic book creators all month long! Indigenous Ink highlights the artistic and literary contributions of Indigenous authors and illustrators through a curated collection of free comic books available at Maria’s Reading Room.
Explore powerful stories of culture, resilience, and identity—told through dynamic visuals and compelling narratives that reframe Indigenous representation in popular media.
Free & open to the public - While supplies last.
Beading Circle
- Durango Public Library
- November 1, 2025
- 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Join us for a relaxed and welcoming community beading circle. Whether you're bringing a current project or starting fresh, this is a space to connect, create, and share. An experienced Indigenous beader, Shasta Dazen, will be on hand to offer guidance, and supplies will be provided for those new to the craft.
All are welcome to take part in this hands-on celebration of cultural artistry and community connection.
Toddler Storytime & Craft
- Powerhouse
- November 4, 2025
- 10:00am - 11:00am
Little ones and their grownups are invited to a joyful morning of storytelling, crafts, and traditional Indigenous games. This special toddler program is led by Title VI middle and high school interns, creating a fun and engaging space for early learners to connect with Native culture through play.
Free & open to the public - Perfect for toddlers & families.
Artist Talk: Venancio Aragon, Dine Textile Artist
- Center of Southwest Studies Gallery
- November 5, 2025
- 4:30pm
The Center of Southwest Studies is pleased to hold a special talk with Venancio Aragón, featured textile artist and the guest curator of the latest exhibition, From the Fringes: Diné Textiles that Disrupt.
Aragón, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, is an experimental textile weaver whose work combines ancient techniques with vibrant polychromatic designs that has come to be known as an “Expanded Rainbow Aesthetic.” Aragón learned to weave from his mother, Irveta, at the age of ten and has developed a creative practice focused on reviving rare and lesser-known techniques including twills, two-faced, shaped weavings, tufting, and hybrids.
Free and Open to public.
Navajo Magician: Magic, Resilience & Culture
- Riverview Elementary School
- November 5, 2025
- 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a captivating performance by a Navajo magician blending storytelling, magic, and cultural traditions. This unique event offers Durango 9-R School District students a chance to deepen their creativity, critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness - aligned with the district’s Portrait of a Graduate framework.
Following the show, enjoy a free Beef Stew & dessert for 250 guests, plus a fundraiser by Big Picture & DHS Native Club featuring frybread and Piccadilly snowcones.
Free & open to the public - All ages welcome.
Workshop: Sound & Environment with Kino Benally
- Center of Southwest Studies Gallery
- November 6, 2025
- 6:30pm
Join Dine musician Kino Benally (@djbeeso) for an immersive workshop exploring the deep connections between sound, music, and the land. This free, public event blends Indigenous perspectives with sound art and audio production to foster a meaningful connection to place and community.
Participants are encouraged to bring instruments or any objects that create sound to contribute to the experience. Learn about Kino’s latest album Nihima' Nahasdza'a'n (Our Mother, Mother Earth) and his work on the award-winning documentary Remaining Native.
Free & open to the public.
Presented by the Center of Southwest Studies.
Hoop Dancers Evening Performance & Open Museum Night
- Center of Southwest Studies Gallery
- November 7, 2025
- 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Experience the beauty and energy of traditional Native American hoop dancing in this special evening performance presented in partnership with Cultural Fire Events.
Enjoy open museum hours during the event and explore The Powerhouse’s hands-on exhibits while witnessing this powerful expression of Indigenous culture, storytelling, and movement.
Free & open to the public - All ages welcome
Hosted by DSD Native American Education Program, NAPAC & The Powerhouse
Hoop Dancer Youth Workshop
- The Hive
- November 8, 2025
- 10:00am - 11:30am
Youth are invited to join a dynamic and engaging Intro to Hoop Dance Workshop led by professional dancers from Cultural Fire Events. Designed for Title VI students, this workshop offers a hands-on introduction to the art of hoop dancing - blending movement, culture, and storytelling.
A fun and meaningful opportunity to connect with Indigenous tradition in a welcoming, youth-focused space.
Free & Open to the public
Hosted by NAPAC & The Hive.
Annual Southern Ute Community Veterans Pow Wow
- Ignacio High School
- November 8, 2025
- 10:30am
Honor tradition, service, and community at this annual pow wow celebrating Southern Ute veterans and Indigenous culture. Expect drumming, dancing, colorful regalia, and ceremonies that acknowledge those who have served.
First Friday Open Reception: Super Powered-Sovereignty
- Creative District Gallery
- November 11, 2025
- 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at this special First Friday reception for Super Powered–Sovereignty: Indigenous Comic Book Art. This bold exhibition features Indigenous artists who use the visual language of comics and illustration to tell stories rooted in identity, resistance, and cultural power.
Curated by Andrea Descheenie (Diné), a Fort Lewis College student in Communication Design and Museum Management, the show will be on view throughout November at the Durango Creative District’s community gallery.
Free & open to the public - Light refreshments provided.
Free Admission Day
- November 12, 2025
- 9:00am - 4:00pm
- Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by exploring the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum with free admission all day on the 12th. Current exhibits include the “Ute Stem Exhibit,” “Reflections of Honor,” and “Following Footsteps: A Continuum of Southern Ute Royalty.”
Artist Talk & Pottery Workshop with Yolanda LaMone
- Durango Public Library
- November 13, 2025
- 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Join Indigenous artist Yolanda LaMone (Navajo, Hopi, Zuni) for an inspiring evening of art, culture, and creativity. The evening begins with an artist talk exploring her work, influences, and connection to traditional pottery practices - open to all attendees.
Following the talk, a hands-on pottery workshop will be offered to a limited number of participants. Workshop limited to 25 spots – registration required via Durango Public Library website. Free & open to the public.
Round Dance & Native Arts Market; Free Community Meal
- Durango High School Aux Gym
- November 15, 2025
- 12:00pm - 11:00pm
The Durango Native American Education Program, in partnership with the Native American Parent Advisory Committee (NAPAC), is proud to host the 4th annual Round Dance & Native Arts Market - Round Dances are traditional winter gatherings that bring people together to honor friendship, build community, and share in cultural teachings.
Everyone is invited - this event is open to the public and welcomes individuals and families of all backgrounds to participate and learn.
Cookbook Club: New Native Kitchen
- Durango Public Library
- November 18, 2025
- 6:00pm
Join us for a special edition of the Durango Public Library Cookbook Club featuring New Native Kitchen by Freddie Bitsoie, former executive chef at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
Cook and share your favorite dish from the book in a friendly potluck gathering celebrating Native cuisine, culture, and community.
40 spots available – registration required via the library website Cookbook raffle at the event – win your own copy!
Navajo Highways Screening & Conversation with Pete Sands
- Fort Lewis College Vallecito Room, Student Union
- November 20, 2025
- 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Celebrate Indigenous storytelling and language revitalization with a special screening of Navajo Highways - a groundbreaking children's puppet series centered on Sadie, a young Navajo (Dine) girl reconnecting with her roots through adventures on the reservation. Enjoy a hands-on Indigenous languages station led by Fort Lewis All Our Kin Collective fellows, introducing Indigenous words and phrases through interactive activities for all ages.
The evening will conclude with an intimate conversation with filmmaker, musician, and activist Pete Sands, who will share insights into the show’s inspiration, cultural impact, and creative process.
Movie snacks provided.
Free & open to the public · Family-friendly event
Hosted by Fort Lewis All Our Kin Collective & NAPAC.
