Banner celebrating Native American Heritage Month in November 2026. The graphic features a blue, textured background with the bold white text "NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH NOVEMBER 2026." The left side of the banner illustrates traditional instruments, including two colorful maracas with geometric patterns and a hand drum with a mallet.

A young Native American dancer’s search for identity unfolds through tradition, family and movement in “Courage,” a 15-minute short film screening Nov. 12 at Cal State San Bernardino.

CSUSB Libraries will present the film at noon in the Santos Manuel Student Union South Theater as part of Native American Heritage Month. The free, public program will include a discussion and question-and-answer session with writer and director Eric Michael Hernandez.

A member of the Lumbee Tribe, Hernandez draws on his own experience learning the traditional hoop dance from his uncle and mentor, Terry Goedel. The film follows an urban Native American youth learning the dance while exploring healing, cultural connection and intergenerational teaching.

Hernandez has performed the hoop dance in more than 20 countries, including as a lead performer in Cirque du Soleil’s “Totem.” He has shared the tradition with more than 10 million people.

“Courage” has received honors including the 2025 Red Nation Film Award of Excellence for Best Live Action Short and Best Native American Film at the Tonkawa Film Festival.

The program is sponsored by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Office of Tribal Relations, Native American Heritage Month Planning Committee and First Peoples Center.

View the film trailer at “Courage -- Official Trailer | Oscar® Qualifying Short Film.”

For more information, contact Rob Madrigal at rmadriga@csusb.edu.

Event flyer for a film screening of "Courage" and a Q&A session with filmmaker Eric Michael Hernandez at noon Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at CSUSB’s Santos Manuel Student Union South Theater.