The UNLV University Libraries acknowledges that UNLV is located on the unceded property of the Southern Paiutes, descendants of the Tudinu, also referred to as the Desert People, who have lived along the Colorado River since 1100 A.D. and have extended north and west into what is now Southern Nevada, Utah and California.
UNLV further recognizes that the university and members of the community have benefited from and will continue to benefit from the utilization of Southern Paiute territory. In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, UNLV University Libraries wishes to make available to the community a variety of Native American Resources
Native American Heritage Month was established to commemorate and acknowledge the accomplishments of the peoples who first lived, explored and populated the country that would eventually be known as the United States, as well as their ongoing contributions to society and culture. National American Indian Heritage Month was founded in 1986 when Congress approved and asked that the president of the U.S. designate Nov.23-30 as “American Indian Week.”
President Ronald Reagan issued Presidential Proclamation 5577 in November 1986, establishing the inaugural American Indian Week. From 1987 to 1990, Congress approved legislation designating various weeks in September, November and December as American Indian Week. In 1990, Congress approved legislation requesting the president to issue a proclamation declaring November 1990 National American Indian Month. Every year since 1995, presidents have declared November as National American Indian Heritage Month until the name was changed to National Native American Indian Heritage Month in 2009.
As one of the most diverse colleges in the country, UNLV University Libraries believes it is critical to recognize the use of Southern Paiute land as part of its purpose to be a welcoming and inclusive place for learning. Native American history and resources have frequently been written by individuals who are not indigenous nor have a connection to Native American history.
Therefore, the UNLV University Libraries have provided articles to learn more about the issues that arise when scholarly work does not reflect indigenous knowledge. Resources such as organizations, books, music, streaming videos, archival materials, databases and journals can also be found on their website discussing items related to indigenous populations in the U.S.
