Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month kick-off held at LBCC

Long Beach City College hosted its Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month kick-off event on Nov. 5. The event brought the community together through cultural performances, music and food.

Attendees were offered Indian tacos, a popular dish in some Native American communities made with fry bread topped with meat and other ingredients.

Indigenous dances and music help Native American communities maintain traditions, express their cultural identity and bring people together.

Through drumming, dancing and traditional clothing known as regalia, performers celebrated their heritage.

For some students, the event offered an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous cultures and traditions.

Frank Edward, a business major, said recognizing Indigenous cultures on college campuses helps bring awareness to histories that are often overlooked.

“It puts a spotlight on the culture and allows them to fully express themselves and bring everyone together,” Edward said.

Edward also compared cultural gatherings to a campfire, where people come together to share stories, experiences and learn from one another.

^{Sofia Seaboy performs a traditional Native American hoop dance during the LBCC Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month Kick-off event on Nov. 5. The event offered an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous cultures and traditions. (Sammy Mayorga)}

Mia Guzman, an American Sign Language major, described attending the event as an unexpected but meaningful experience. 

After hearing the drums and performances, Guzman became emotional when she saw the first dancer perform, especially since they had not seen a powwow in Long Beach in some time.

Guzman also shared why it is important for colleges to recognize Indigenous cultures and their history.

“These kinds of events highlight our resilience and how we’re still here and our stories are still alive and our songs are still being sung,” Guzman said.

She explained that events like this help bring awareness to Indigenous traditions and allow students from different backgrounds to learn more about Native cultures.

Performer Cheyenne Phoenix said celebrating Native American Heritage Month means embracing their culture with pride and honoring the ancestors who fought to keep their traditions alive.

“It’s just feeling a sense of pride,” Phoenix said.

Phoenix also explained that powwows bring Native communities together through traditional dancing, singing and cultural celebrations.

Through music, dance and cultural traditions, the event gave students an opportunity to learn about Indigenous cultures and recognize the communities that continue to keep their traditions alive.