Honoring Native American Heritage Month: Empowering Indigenous Communities in Higher Education

​This November, the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) celebrates Native American Heritage Month by recognizing the vital contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities to higher education. Native students, faculty, and staff enrich our campuses with their diverse identities, histories, and traditions, inspiring efforts to build inclusive, equitable learning environments.

To support these efforts, CAS offers the Indigenous Student Affairs (ISA) Standards and the accompanying Self-Assessment Guide (SAG). These resources provide a framework for institutions to create programs that reflect the diversity and complexity of Indigenous identities, foster a strong sense of community, and promote the academic and personal growth of all Native and Indigenous students.

The mission of Indigenous Student Affairs, as outlined in the CAS ISA Standards, is to lead in creating a thriving Indigenous community within institutions, ensuring spaces that honor and uplift Indigenous voices. By using the ISA Standards and SAG, institutions can assess their effectiveness in addressing the unique needs of Native and Indigenous students and implement meaningful changes to enhance their experiences.

This month, we also reflect on the ancestral lands where our institutions reside, reaffirming our commitment to reconciliation and justice. By centering Indigenous knowledge and experiences, we can create educational spaces where Native communities flourish and thrive.

Learn more about the CAS Indigenous Student Affairs Standards and Self-Assessment Guide to see how your institution can take action to support Native and Indigenous students.
​
How is your campus honoring Native American Heritage Month? Share your initiatives in the comments below!