Native American Heritage Month Celebration In Columbia

COLUMBIA, MD — Howard County residents can learn about Native American history, traditions and culture during a free celebration Saturday featuring traditional and contemporary performances, plus a discussion about Indigenous identity and community.

The Native American Heritage Month Celebration will be from noon to 3 p.m. at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, located at 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane in Columbia.

The event will recognize the history, achievements and cultural contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives. The celebration will feature performances by Lance Ma'heonenahkohe Fisher, Huey Xolotl and Native America's Protectors.

Attendees also can participate in a discussion titled "Beyond the Reservation: A Conversation on Native Identity, Community & Leadership." The panel will be moderated by Lillian Sparks Robinson, a member of the Sicangu Lakota Nation, and will feature Ashley Minner, a member of the Lumbee Tribe, and Sequoyah Simermeyer, a member of the Coharie Tribe.

The conversation will explore Native identity, community connections and leadership while highlighting the experiences of Indigenous people today.

November is recognized nationally as Native American Heritage Month, providing an opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Indigenous communities throughout the United States.

The Howard County event will highlight both traditional and contemporary artistic and cultural contributions from Native American communities in Maryland and beyond.