During National Native American Heritage Month, the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College (AADC) honors and celebrates Indigenous peoples past and present and honors Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
It is a special time to remember and honor Native American alumnae who are part of our AADC alumnae community.
During this month, we also recognize Native American Heritage Day, marked on November 25, 2022, which recognizes and celebrates the contributions, history and heritage of Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians to the establishment and development of the United States, as well as celebrating their culture and traditions.
"We are reminded, especially during this time, to reflect upon how we value and respect one another," says AADC Executive Director Valerie Anderson '81. "It is a time that we must ask ourselves, 'How can we do better. How can we do more?' "
Many alumnae have participated in workshops offered through the AADC Excellence in Inclusion and Equity Initiative. Our virtually-hosted series provides workshops to increase the knowledge and understanding of other ethnicities, as well as cultural, social and economic issues. These workshops and ones to come, provide a place for our alumnae community to build on intrinsic trust and to discuss how we can advance equity and inclusion in the context of uncomfortable realities. Through these opportunities, we as individuals will be better able to recognize situations of exclusion and feel more empowered to use our influence to help others gain access.
We are stronger when we move forward together in solidarity and are able to value, include, respect and embrace our differences. In doing so, we make our community, the country and the world a better place.
