During November, UTA Libraries warmly invites students, faculty, and the community to explore a special exhibit honoring Native American Heritage Month, located in front of Special Collections on the sixth floor of the Central Library.  

The exhibit offers a chance to reflect on the rich histories, enduring cultures, and local legacies of Indigenous peoples, with a special focus on those connected to Arlington and the greater DFW area. 

Curated by Sarah Dixon, Special Collections Coordinator – Rights and Reproductions, the exhibit features photographs, books, and artifacts that celebrate Indigenous communities in North Texas. 

 
“One of the most inspiring photographs features Narcia Denise McCurtain, a UTA freshman who was crowned Miss Arlington in 1979,” Dixon shared. “McCurtain, of Choctaw and Cherokee descent, later competed in the Miss Texas Pageant, representing the strength and talent of Indigenous women in our community.” 

 
Other highlights include early 1910s postcards of local tribal chiefs, a photograph of Queen Elizabeth II meeting with members of the Indigenous community during her 1991 visit to Texas, and images from the second annual UTA Native American Student Association Pow Wow. These selections remind visitors that Indigenous culture is vibrant and thriving on campus today. 

Visit the Exhibit 

 
Stop by the sixth floor of the Central Library throughout November to view the Native American Heritage Month exhibit. Take a moment to learn, reflect, and connect with stories that have shaped and continue to shape our shared community. 

“I’m happy to be able to show everyone the different aspects of the UTA community,” Dixon said. “It’s not just about Mavericks; it’s about everyone who makes this place special.” 

By engaging with these stories, visitors can see how the past and present of Indigenous communities are woven into the fabric of Arlington and UTA. This exhibit is more than a display; it is a celebration, an education, and a reminder of the enduring contributions of Native peoples to our shared history and ongoing story.