Native November returns to the University of Wisconsin–Madison with the theme “Rooted in Reciprocity: Indigenous Ways of Knowing.” The month’s events are organized by the Indigenous Student Center Coalition (ISCC), which is advised by the Indigenous Student Center (ISC) at the Multicultural Student Center under Student Affairs. Indigenous Ways of Knowing describes how knowledge, teachings, stories, and responsibilities are passed down through generations. These teachings connect us to our ancestors, communities, and homelands, reminding us that we are not separate from the land. Instead, we have a responsibility to respect and sustain the relationships that support all living things. During the month, the ISCC hopes to share these teachings and create opportunities for the campus community to learn how reciprocity can be practiced in everyday life. Through cultural events, workshops, and community gatherings, the ISCC invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to learn about Indigenous cultures, connect with one another, and reflect on our shared responsibility to care for the land and our communities.

The logo for this year’s Native November was designed by ISC intern Elicia Leonard (Legal Studies). Leonard designed last year’s logo and was excited to once again bring the month’s theme to life. This year’s logo features hands cradling a plant, surrounded by an eagle, a trout, a butterfly, and a deer. Each animal represents the interconnection among all living beings and humanity’s relationship with nature. Together, these elements reflect the theme of “Rooted in Reciprocity” by emphasizing the importance of caring for the Earth and the responsibilities that come with that. Leonard said, “To me, Rooted in Reciprocity means recognizing that we depend on the natural world and have a responsibility to give back by protecting the Earth. The sun, water, forests, plants, and animals all help sustain our lives, and we should treat them with care and respect. I believe our generation needs to take this responsibility seriously through everyday actions, whether that means picking up litter, planting trees, or caring for the people and places around us.”

Campus is invited to attend the annual kickoff for Native November: Feast, which will be held Monday, November 2, 2026 at 6 p.m. in the On Wisconsin Room in the Red Gym. Attendees will share a meal catered by Ho-Chunk owned BP Smokehouse from Tomah. Twin Tails, a UW–Madison student drum group, will sing a welcome and travel song to open and close the banquet. 

One of the featured events of the month will be the Native November keynote, An Evening with Derek Nicholas, on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 6 p.m. in Play Circle Theater in the Memorial Union. Nicholas, a member of the Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe, is the founder of Wiisinig, which aims to empower communities by reclaiming Indigenous food ways, preserving Indigenous wisdom, and creating resources for families and communities. In addition to working on issues of food security and sovereignty through his organization, Nicholas published the cookbook Through Food We Know Ourselves. At the keynote, attendees will learn about Anishinaabe teachings related to the birch bark tree and have the opportunity to participate in birch bark biting, an Indigenous art form used as a storytelling method. Participants can either take the art home or donate it to a community art project that will be later displayed at the ISC. 

 These gatherings offer opportunities to listen, learn, share food, and strengthen relationships across campus. When thinking about these events, ISC intern Miles Kimecik (Art Education) said, “It’s touching to see Natives from all walks of life from different tribes all bonding together. It makes me wonder how proud our ancestors are of seeing us all together.” 

By bringing people together through cultural learning and shared experiences, these events will create a welcoming environment where Indigenous students can feel connected to their communities while inviting others to learn alongside them. Leonard said, “What excites me most about Native November is being able to help create a space where Indigenous students can feel at home while attending school. College can be stressful–especially during the middle of the semester–and I think it’s important to have places where students can take a break, relax and feel connected to their people and cultures. I’m grateful to be part of creating these opportunities and bringing our community together.”

Native November is more than a month of awareness. It is an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous knowledge, strengthen relationships, and reflect on how we can practice reciprocity in our own lives. The entire UW–Madison community is invited to join in the events of Native November 2026. Whether you attend the keynote, participate in a moccasin-making workshop or share a meal at the feast, there is an opportunity to learn something new, connect with others and reflect on what it means to be rooted in reciprocity.

To explore the Native November schedule and find event details, visit go.wisc.edu/nativenovember.