Native American History and Highlights

This page is updated often. If you have something to share, please send it to adane@wesleyan.edu.

Within the Wesleyan Community

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the people- past, present, and future- of the Wangunk Tribe on whose traditional lands we study, live and work.

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act


Native American Heritage Month


Native American Scientists Spotlight

Native American Scientists and Engineers

Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month by learning more about some of the many Native American scientists and engineers who have made important contributions to science history.

Read at Science Buddies

8 Native American Scientists And Their Important Contributions

To celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize these Indigenous innovators who led inspiring lives, from the NASA astronaut to the accomplished archaeologist.

Read at Discover Magazine

Native American Engineers: Between Worlds

Joshua John: “Native Americans are taught not to talk about yourself, not to brag, to let your work speak for you. It was ingrained in me.” 

Read at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers

NASA engineers, scientists and more shine bright this Native American Heritage Month

This November is Native American Heritage Month, and NASA is taking the opportunity to highlight its indigenous scientists, engineers and more.

Read at Space.com

Medicine Woman Gladys Tantaquidgeon and Mohegan Cultural Renewal

An Ivy league-educated anthropologist, Mohegan Medicine Woman Gladys Tantaquidgeon not only dedicated her life to perpetuating the beliefs and customs of her tribe for the generations who would follow, she also championed the protection of indigenous knowledge across the United States.

Read at Connecticut History.org