LC State's 39th Annual Native American Awareness Week Begins Tuesday

This year's theme 'Reflections of Culture & Environment' examines how tribal culture connects with and is affected by environmental forces.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Lewis-Clark State College is hosting its 39th annual Native American Awareness Week from March 10-20, with a variety of free events and activities open to the public. The theme this year is 'Reflections of Culture & Environment', which will explore the relationship between tribal culture and the environment.

Why it matters

Native American Awareness Week provides an opportunity for the community to learn about and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Nez Perce Tribe, whose ancestral lands include the area around the college. The events aim to foster understanding and appreciation for indigenous traditions and environmental stewardship.

The details

The week-long celebration features a mini-powwow for local fourth graders, talks by Nez Perce elders and educators, workshops on the Nez Perce language and environmental restoration efforts, an evening of storytelling, a friendship dinner, and a powwow and scholarship raffle.

  • The 39th annual Native American Awareness Week will take place March 10-20, 2026.
  • The mini-powwow for fourth graders is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 from 10-11:15 a.m.
  • On Tuesday, March 17, events include a talk by Nez Perce elder Roberta 'Robbie' Tawlikitsanmay' Paul from 10:30-11:45 a.m. and a 'Nimiipuu 101' workshop by Nez Perce Tribe Education Director Joyce McFarland from 12-1:15 p.m.
  • On Wednesday, March 18, LC State Nez Perce language students will provide lessons and activities from 3-4:15 p.m., followed by an evening of storytelling from 6-7:30 p.m.
  • The Native American Awareness Week Friendship Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, March 19 from 6-7:30 p.m.

The players

Roberta 'Robbie' Tawlikitsanmay' Paul

A member of the Nez Perce Tribe who will give a talk titled 'Listening to the Birds – A Nez Perce Woman's Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing'.

Joyce McFarland

The Education Director for the Nez Perce Tribe, who will hold a 'Nimiipuu 101' workshop.

LC State Native American Club

The student organization that is presenting the 39th annual Native American Awareness Week.

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What’s next

The Simíinekem Wewéexòp Páaxòam powwow and scholarship raffle will be held on Friday, March 20 from 7-11:30 p.m. at the Lapwai High School gym.

The takeaway

Native American Awareness Week at LC State provides an important opportunity for the community to engage with and learn about the rich cultural heritage and environmental stewardship of the Nez Perce Tribe, whose ancestral lands include the area around the college.