Courtesy Linda Fox

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts at Utah Valley University will host a couple of events in November to celebrate the culture.

On Friday, which marks the start of the monthlong commemoration, the Noorda Center welcomes Indigenous singer-songwriter Charly Lowry.

The North Carolina native was a semifinalist of Season 3 on “American Idol” and reportedly is passionate about raising awareness surrounding issues facing people in underdeveloped and underserved communities.

Her sound reflects a variety of influences from her youth, including Motown, Pura Fé, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Southern gospel, according to a press release.

Her style is considered a soulful act full of blues, ballads and country-folk.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

“She brings songs that resonate with the struggles of her people and oppressed communities worldwide,” said Danielle Shipley, assistant dean of community engagement at UVU’s School of the Arts, in an email.

Lowry’s performance is supported in part by Creative West and the National Endowment for the Arts, the press release noted.

Later in the month, on Nov. 15, the Noorda Center will host a free screening of the film “Scenes from a Glittering World,” which follows three high school students in the Navajo community throughout their journey in connecting to their homeland.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the three featured students, Ilii Neang, Granite Sloan and Noah Begay, as well as the director of the film, Jared Jakins.

“We are thrilled to bring extraordinary experiences to our community and provide our audiences with evenings of wonder in celebration of Native American Heritage month,” said Katherine Henry Jordan, executive director of the Noorda Center, in the release.

Though various states across the country have acknowledged the contributions of Native people since 1915, a resolution designating November as Native American Heritage Month wasn’t signed into law until 1990.

Recent enrollment data from UVU showed a 14% increase in Native American/Alaskan students this fall.

Shipley told the Daily Herald that the Noorda Center is working in collaboration with the UVU Native American Excellence Program to bring both events to the community. The Native American Excellence Program is committed to building community and showcasing Native American culture, arts and education, which is at the forefront of the collaboration.

“Creating partnerships between the Noorda Center and the Native American Excellence Program shows commitment to sharing Native American culture to the community and celebrate Native American heritage in a beautiful setting for all to see,” Shipley said.

Additionally, the Native American Initiative at UVU will host a variety of upcoming events highlighting Native American heritage, including a powwow at Lockhart Arena on Nov. 8 and 9, and a Native American Storytelling Night on Nov. 13 at the Young Living Alumni Center.

Tickets for Lowry’s Friday performance and other events are available at uvunoorda.universitytickets.com.

The Nov. 15 film screening is free to all, but those planning to attend are asked to RSVP online.