Native American Student Association’s Talking Circle series: A safe place for Indigenous students’ points of view

By Press release submission

Nov 9, 2021

University of North Carolina Charlotte issued the following announcement on Nov. 3.

Throughout November, the Native American Student Association (NASA) will observe Native American Heritage Month by hosting a Talking Circle. These will take place every Monday at 6 p.m. in the College of Health and Human Services, Room 128. The purpose, according to NASA president Page Freeman, is to “spread awareness of Indigenous hot topics around UNC Charlotte and create a safe space for Indigenous students to speak freely on their points of view.”

Last month, during the unveiling of the Land and People Acknowledgement Plaque on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Freeman said, “NASA is committed to ensuring that all Indigenous students on campus have a place where they feel seen, heard and respected.” With this goal in mind, she and NASA faculty advisor Michelle Stanley, along with members of the NASA Executive Board, began planning Native American Heritage Month events.

Talking Circles, an informal version of Sharing Circles, are a traditionally Native form of discussion where participants are equal and encouraged to share their experiences, opinions and feelings about a given topic or question.

Freeman said, “NASA hopes all people who come to the Talking Circles are able to gain a sense of understanding, whether of themselves or of others. These Circles are meant to be an open and welcoming place for everyone, regardless of ethnicity, to come and engage in a conversation surrounding Indigenous issues.”

The theme of the first Talking Circle that took place on Nov. 1, was Being Indignous at UNC Charlotte. It provided “an open forum to the University,” and an open and honest discussion about what it means to be Indigenous at UNC Charlotte. Those present covered topics such as representation on campus, culture shock and ways to increase the number of Native students, faculty and staff members.

Themes for remaining Talking Circles are: