District events celebrate Native American Heritage Month

November 3, 2026 | San Diego Community College District
A Native American dancer performs wearing a black and gold dress

Indigenous Peoples Day performances at San Diego Miramar College. (Miramar College photo)

The San Diego Community College District and its four colleges, San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar, and College of Continuing Education, will celebrate Native American Heritage Month throughout November with events honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples.

Events include Kumeyaay flag-raising ceremonies, film screenings, and cultural activities. Across the district, SDCCD and its colleges recognize the ancestral homelands of the Kumeyaay Nation through land acknowledgments that honor their history and continued presence. All events are free and open to the public.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
People of the West Film Screening
A screening of the first episode of People of the West, a 10-part documentary series exploring the histories, cultures, resilience, and sovereignty of California Native peoples. The episode examines the arrival of Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542 on Kumeyaay Ipai-Tipai land and its impact on California Native history.
Miramar College, Kaleidoscope Lounge, Room I-130, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Kumeyaay Flag Raising Ceremony
Miramar College will raise the Kumeyaay Nation flag to honor the region's Native peoples. The ceremony will feature traditional songs by Kumeyaay Bird Singers, including Kumeyaay Boogie, and remarks from Bobby Wallace of the Barona Band of Mission Indians, UC San Diego professor Dr. Alexandria Hunter of Jamul Village, and Kumeyaay student Aurora Goularte. Lunch and a community gathering will follow.
Miramar College, N-Administration Building Flagpole, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Noon to 1 p.m.
Kumeyaay Flag Raising Ceremony
Mesa College will raise the Kumeyaay-Diegueño Nation flag in recognition and celebration of the Native peoples of the region. The ceremony will feature a Blue Eagle bird singer and cultural dance, followed by a panel discussion exploring ways to support Indigenous communities.
Mesa College, Flagpole, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9

10 a.m. to Noon
Traditions, Stories, and Creativity
Explore Indigenous traditions and perspectives through cultural learning, art, and hands-on activities that encourage creativity and cultural understanding.
Mesa College, D102, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16

11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Kumeyaay Birdsingers
Kumeyaay Birdsingers will share traditional songs with the City College community in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. Hosted by the Native American and Indigenous Studies Program, the event is open to all. Refreshments will be served.
City College, Room MS-162, 1313 Park Blvd., 92101

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A Career in Art with Monica Zavala
Local Native American artist Monica Zavala will share insights into her artwork, personal experiences, and career in the arts.
Mesa College, LRC Room 435, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

12:45 to 2:20 p.m.
Burros Film Screening and Conversation
A screening of the short film Burros will be followed by a conversation exploring Indigenous identities and a creative writing workshop focused on matriarchal legacy and memory.
Mesa College, Room G101, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

**Additionally, Mesa College will feature two exhibits throughout November. The Native American Heritage Month Display, located in the Learning Resource Center Atrium, will highlight Native American voices, stories, and cultures through books, artifacts, and personal items shared by members of the Mesa College community. A second exhibit, located on the third floor of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Building, will explore Native American political systems and governments.

City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges offer coursework in Native American and Indigenous Studies, with City College home to the district's only associate degree program in the field. These educational opportunities allow students to explore Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives.

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