San Juan College and the Native American Center (NAC) invite the community to celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a series of special events throughout November.
These activities honor the rich cultural history and contributions of Native Americans and offer opportunities to engage in storytelling, film, music, and art.
Smoke Signals Movie Screening
Date: Saturday, November 9
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Henderson Fine Arts Center
Cost: $5 per person
Kick off the celebration with a screening of the iconic Native American film Smoke Signals. This heartfelt movie explores themes of family, friendship, and forgiveness with humor and emotional depth. Tickets are available.
Storytelling with Navajo Author Danielle Burbank
Date: Monday, November 11
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Room 9012, Henderson Fine Arts Center
Cost: Free
Join Navajo author Danielle Burbank for a special storytelling session. Burbank, a long-time librarian and author of Navajo Code Talkers, a DK Super Readers Level 4 book published earlier this year, will share stories from her work and experiences. This event is open to the public and free of charge.
Weaving Stories into Art and Film
Date: Saturday, November 16
Location: Henderson Fine Arts Center
Cost: Free (Market and Food), Movie Screening Admission Free
Celebrate Native culture through art, film, and community activities. The event begins at 1 p.m. with a Native Arts and Crafts Market, live DJ, Navajo Hoop Dancer performances, and pick-up basketball. Complimentary food will be provided by the Food for Thought program starting at 1:30 p.m.
Special Guest Presentations
- 2 p.m.: Award-winning musical composer Marcello De Francisci will share his experience in Hollywood, having worked on scores for films like Ferrari and projects filmed in Nepal.
- 4:45 p.m.: Actor Ryan Begay from Rez Ball will provide insights into the making of the film, which was shot in and around the Navajo Nation.
- 5 p.m.: DezBaa’, an actress from Dark Winds, will discuss identity and storytelling in her presentation, "Beyond Our Sacred Mountains."
Rez Ball Movie Screening
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Henderson Fine Arts Center
Cost: Free
Conclude the day with a free screening of Rez Ball, a powerful film about resilience, culture, and the love of basketball. Doors open at 5 p.m., and seating is first-come, first-served.
For more details about Native American Heritage Month events at San Juan College, contact the Native American Center at 505-566-3321.
