Indigenous Student Union hosts Heritage Week at SUU

CEDAR CITY — Southern Utah University's Indigenous Student Union kicked off Native American Heritage Month this week by launching the university's annual Heritage Week celebrations.

Campus events began Monday as students shared "coyote stories," which they described as foundational childhood narratives that taught them about Native American culture. On Tuesday, the union hosted a Navajo taco community lunch on campus.

For Indigenous Student Union President Kaeahliyah Howard, Heritage Week serves as a vital bridge to both her community and her cultural roots.

"Heritage Week means a lot to me because it means a community is built where we can connect through shared teachings, lessons, histories, and experiences that come with our heritage," Howard said. "There are things we may have grown up learning or experiencing that we don't necessarily share with everyone on campus, so having people who understand those connections and experiences is really special."

Howard, a senior studying sports communication with a minor in media studies, is a member of the Navajo (Diné) Nation. She recalled her early semesters on campus as a time when she was simply looking for a place to belong.

"One of my favorite parts is seeing everyone come together," she said. "Being able to help create space for other Indigenous students genuinely fulfills my heart."

For the remaining days of Heritage Week, the union encourages students to wear turquoise on Wednesday to honor Native American culture. On Thursday, the Indigenous Student Union will perform at a private donor event at the Southern Utah Museum of Art. Students are asked to wear traditional attire, moccasins, or Indigenous-inspired clothing on Friday.

The week wraps up Saturday with the Miss Indigenous Princess Pageant, held at the Sterling R. Church Auditorium in the SUU Student Center.

Howard said that while these events are a way for Indigenous students to feel represented, they are open to the entire campus community.

"Indigenous Student Union is for everyone," she said. "We love having new people come to our events to get to know us, share knowledge, and learn from ISU in many forms and teachings we hold here on campus."