The purpose of National American Indian Heritage Month is to honor and recognize the original peoples of this land. Although the first "American Indian Day" was declared by the State of New York in 1916, a month long recognition of Native Americans was not achieved until 1990. In 1996, the month of November received Presidential Proclamation as National American Indian Heritage Month.

American Indian Heritage Celebration

The Roger Williams University community celebrates American Indian Heritage Month with its own Multicultural Student Union. It has become a tradition to have American Indians appear at the Dining Hall during one of our evening meals and dance, tell stories, share their culture  and way of life.