College of DuPage Native American Studies Committee

03/07/2026

We were so proud to be co-hosts today, featuring Fred Brown as he shared stories and information about his grandfather and the other Native Code Talkers of WWI & WWII. Big thanks to Andrew Woods and the folks at Cantigny and to Mr. Brown for making today possible.

11/13/2025

Thank you to Chef Jessica Walksfirst for a wonderful indigenous culinary demo today in front of a capacity audience here at COD! The bison chili samples were delicious and your presentation was informative and thought provoking! https://www.ketapanenkitchen.com/

11/04/2025

We are proud to host renowned indigenous chef Jessica Walks First at COD on Thur Nov 13 at 2pm in the Culinary Building (CHC)1020. This event is free and open to students, staff, and the public though pre-registration is requested using the QR Code on the flyer. Food samples will be offered too!

11/04/2025

Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.

At COD, we’re celebrating with a series of events highlighting Native and Indigenous voices and culture.

✨Native American Culture Celebration
Wed, Nov 5 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM | SRC 2000

Join us as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month and honor the rich traditions of over 574 tribal nations. Enjoy student and staff introductions, a keynote presentation, music, and complimentary food (while it lasts). Everyone is welcome!!

✨A Taste of Native American Heritage with Chef Jessica Walks First
Thu, Nov 13 | 2 - 3:30 PM | CHC 1020
Registration required: https://forms.office.com/r/gN1wfLVt0L

Join Chef Walks First, owner of Ketapanen Kitchen, for a cooking demonstration exploring indigenous ingredients and techniques. Attendees will also get to
sample the final dishes.

10/11/2025

Our committee is honored to be afforded a place to share who we are and to meet & greet folks at the pow wow this year. Come by to say hi and experience the cultural beauty, make friendships, learn about Native peoples and cultures, enjoy the foods, and much more at the pow wow!

It is pow wow time! Join us today, 11am-9pm; or, tomorrow 11am-5pm!
harvestpowwow.com

05/10/2025

Our final event of the 2024-25 school year saw a group of 22 students, staff, & community members learn about this special location and the two cultures who traded and interacted here. Thank you to Jen and all the folks at Isle a la Cache in Romeoville for being excellent hosts & guides! Our committee looks forward to another great year of events in 2025-26!

01/08/2025

Nearly one year after the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation became the first federally recognized Native American nation in Illinois, the state will transfer ownership of Shabbona Lake State Park to the Nation.

11/26/2024

We were proud to host Susan Kelsey, author & documentarian, for a screening and discussion of her film "The Negotiator: Billy Caldwell" on Nov 14. https://thebillycaldwellmovie.com/ A big thanks to Ms. Kelsey and the folks at Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum (formerly known as Mitchell Museum of the American Indian) https://gichigamiin-museum.org/ for their help in making this event happen.

11/24/2024

Big thanks to all who represented us at the COD Global Ed Fair! Especially Samantha who demonstrated and gave mini-tutorials on traditional beadwork!

11/19/2024

Today, November 19, is Red Shawl Day. A day to honor the victims of MMIWG2S (Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, & 2 Spirit Persons). Indigenous women are 10 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than the national average, and the relative lack of attention and pursuits of justice adds an additional tragic dimension to this national tragedy. That is why today we, in solidarity with the MMIWG2S movement and advocates around the nation, present an artistic and informational display in the InterCultural Hub – SSC 1138. Please stop by if you can to see, learn, and honor.

11/05/2024

Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of our Native and Indigenous communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.

“Teach us love, compassion, and honor that we may heal the earth and heal each other” - Ojibwa prayer 🤲

Swipe to see this month events, or visit: https://cod.edu/student_life/resources/intercultural/native-american-heritage-month.html