Native American students at Virginia Tech recently celebrated Native American Heritage Month in Blacksburg, Virginia with UNITY’s Executive Director Mary Kim Titla,Native American students at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, Virginia, recently celebrated Native American Heritage Month with UNITY’s Executive Director Mary Kim Titla, San Carlos Apache. Titla, a featured speaker, spoke about her Apache heritage, which includes being a descendant of three Apache Chiefs – Chief Talkalai, Chief Black Water and Chief Red Whiskers. Born and raised on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in southeastern Arizona, she challenged students to research their lineage and to be proud of who they are.

“I’m honored to have been invited to spend time with students, faculty and staff at Virginia Tech. I most enjoyed eating a meal with the students and listening to their stories about campus life and being away from home. It’s encouraging to know the university is supportive of its Native students by not only creating a place for them to gather on campus but also supports an annual powwow. I hope I’ll have the privilege to visit again in the future,” said Titla.

Nearly 50 Native American students from various tribes attend Virginia Tech. The campus is considered indigenous to the Monocan Indian Nation, who received federal recognition earlier this year. The Native American students at Virginia Tech plan to explore ways to become more involved with UNITY.