Tribal Initiatives
Tribal Initiatives are programs that support building community for those who identify as Native American and to educate others about Indigenous people culture and concerns.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions partners with the American Indian and Indigenous Community Center and the American Indian Studies department to offer events throughout the year.
Please check back later for updated details on events for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Collaborators and Contacts
Tribal Initiatives at Virginia Tech
Nizhoni Tallas
Diné President of Native@VT
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Join Mokawk Chef Dave Smoke McCluskey for a virtual cooking class.
Monday, October 12, 2020
Join one of these featured events to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day
Saturday, October 17, 2020
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Unpacking Admissions and Resources at Virginia Tech.
Saturday, November 7, 2020
Financial Aid & Scholarships: What's at Virginia Tech and what is available elsewhere?
Monday, November 9, 2020 @ 6:00 p.m.
Chef Nephi Craig: A Virtual Conversation
A chef from the White Mountain Apache nation featured in the film Gather for his work with Indigenous food sovereignty and revitalizing Indigenous food-ways.
The film is available at the Virginia Tech library. People with a VT PID can access it for free anytime at this link.
A free community showing will be held on Sunday, November 8th at 7:00 pm EST via this Zoom Webinar link.
Brought to you by The Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation, The American Indian and Indigenous Community Center, and Native at VT.
For more information or support, contact Katie Trozzo at ketrozzo@vt.edu.
To view the flyer, click here.
Monday, November 23, 2020
Impacts of COVID-19: how does it affect Virginia Tech admission and your future in college?
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Virginia Tech Difference: Experiential Learning and Job Preparation opportunities
Monday, December 14, 2020
Native at Virginia Tech - Learn about our American Indian & Indigenous Center and what is student life for a Native person at Virginia Tech.
Join Mohawk Chef, Author, and Indigenous Foods Educator, Dave Smoke-McCluskey, for the third of three evenings of learning and Native culinary arts about the Three Sisters Manifesto. This virtual session focuses on Onon'onsera ~ Squash: The Shadey One. Brought to you by The Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation, The American Indian and Indigenous Community Center, Native at VT, and Community Viability Endowment
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 @ 5:30 p.m.
Onon’onsera
Squash, The Shadey One
Join Mohawk Chef, Author, and Indigenous Foods Educator, Dave Smoke-McCluskey, for the third of three evenings of learning and Native culinary arts about the Three Sisters Manifesto. This virtual session focuses on Onon'onsera ~ Squash: The Shadey One.
Brought to you by The Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation, The American Indian and Indigenous Community Center, Native at VT, and Community Viability Endowment
For more information or support, contact Katie Trozzo at ketrozzo@vt.edu.
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Virtual Seminar - Education and Indigenous Affairs
On April 10th, 2021 9:30 a.m. EST, Virginia Tech and the Virginia Tribal Education Consortium will host the public virtual Seminar on Education and Indigenous Affairs . We are now accepting and encouraging all interested participants to register so please distribute with your colleagues/friends! There is no registration fee. If you or anyone you know has any questions, please feel free to contact Lee Lovelace.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society Leadership Summit
Virtual Summit: April 2 and April 9, 2021
Get ready for two days of learning and creativity at the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) 2021 Leadership Summit to take place on two Fridays – April 2 and April 9 – virtually. The Summit is perfect for students from high school through postdoc — as well as emerging and mature professionals — who want to hone the myriad skills they will need to be at their best in this rapidly changing world.
The AISES Leadership Summit delivers on strategies that equip Native science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) students and leaders with knowledge, tools, and wisdom to succeed within the organizational structures in their work or academic lives. During these two Fridays the summit will feature live events and sessions that incorporate leadership strategies from thought leaders, to build relationships and explore the future of STEM for students and professionals.
The Summit is leadership in action from elders, mentors, researchers, students and professionals that supports the emotional and the motivation in all of us. Together participants inform, interpret, and utilize STEM skills, knowledge, and opportunities to meet challenges, solve problems, build student readiness, and spark innovation that gives individuals the ability to compete in a highly competitive global economy. Click here to learn more!
Registration Rates:
Students: $49
Educators and Advisors $79
Professionals: $79
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the Tutelo/Monacan people, who are the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognize their continuing connection to the land, water, and air that Virginia Tech consumes. We pay respect to the Tutelo/Monacan Nations, and to their elders past, present, and emerging.