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AIPS Programs

A group of Native students playing stickball on the South Oval.

Programs

Welcome Events

The Native Student Welcome is a premier event for first year students to learn about our many community partners, student organizations, and faculty/staff on campus that support the Native experience at OU. This annual event is hosted during Camp Crimson, OU's 8-Day orientation experience, and is one of the first opportunities for students to engage in cultural programming that supports and affirms a student's experience and identity on campus. We strive to provide an opportunity for students to engage with peers, community partners, and faculty/staff that encourages a strong foundation of networking and support.

2023 Native Student Welcome

Tuesday, August 15th
4:00PM - 6:00PM
Beaird Lounge (2nd Floor)
Oklahoma Memorial Union

Signature Events

Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrates, recognizes, and advocates for Indigenous communities, their histories, and culture. This holiday is celebrated annually on the second Monday of October. Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrations are hosted and sponsored by American Indian Programs & Services, the Department of Native American Studies, and the Native Nations Center.

Indigenous Peoples' Day Schedule

Native Feast is the largest culinary celebration of Indigenous cuisine on campus, celebrating and recognizing the unique food culture from the 39 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma. It also serves as an opportunity to bring the Indigenous Community at OU and surrounding areas together while celebrating the importance of food and fellowship.

Thursday, October 26th
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Thurman J. White Forum Building

The OU Indigenous Royalty Pageant, formerly known as Mr. & Miss Indian OU, is an annual scholarship pageant organized and sponsored by the American Indian Student Association and American Indian Programs & Services. The pageant takes place annually during the spring semester and contestants compete in several on-stage categories and an interview with judges prior to the event. Crowned royalty serve the community for a full academic year. The pageant showcases contestants' passions for scholarship, service, and cultural awareness. 

OU Indigenous Royalty Pageant
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Oklahoma Memorial Union - Meacham Auditorium
The University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma Spring Powwow is one of the longest running student-led powwows in the nation! The powwow is a space and celebration bringing together many Indigenous nations sharing ancestral cultures and traditions through dancing and singing and is sponsored and organized by the Amrerican Indian Student Association and American Indian Programs & Services.

110th Annual Spring Powwow
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Lloyd Noble Center
The University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma

Spring Powwow Schedule

Indigenous Awareness Month is celebrated in April at the University of Oklahoma. This month-long celebration is the culmination of many signature events that honor the Indigenous community at OU during a time that coincides with the rejuvination of many tribal communities.

Indigenous Awareness Month Schedule

Achievements & Awards

American Indian Programs and Services, in partnership with the OU American Indian Alumni Society, is honored to host our annual Indigenous Achievement Celebration. The celebration serves as an essential event during Spring Commencement festivities to honor and recognize the tremendous accomplishments of our graduating students. 

All Fall, Spring, and Summer Graduates of the 2023-2024 academic year from all OU campuses are welcome to attend. Graduates receive verbal recognition, a certificate, and a complimentary Native graduation stole. Graduates should come dressed in academic graduation regalia or tribal regalia.

We invite all family and community members to be in attendance. Limited seating is provided, folding chairs are welcome. Parking is available near Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center.

Indigenous Achievement Celebration
Friday, May 3rd, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
OU-Norman Campus
Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center

Complimentary graduation stoles are provided by the OU American Indian Alumni Society. Stoles will only be available at the Indigenous Achievement Celebration and students must be in attendance to receive one.


Deadline to register for the Indigenous Achievement Celebration is Friday, April 5th at 5 pm.

Celebration Registration Form 

Looking for More?

You can find more programs and events on OU Engage!

OU Engage