October 25, 2005

SIUC to observe Native American Heritage Month

by Brian Stephens

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale will observe Native American Heritage Month during November.

The theme of the observance is "Celebrate our commitment to respect and preserve the rich Native American traditions and cultures."

Author R. David Edmunds, the Watson Professor of American History at the University of Texas at Dallas and an Organization of American Historians distinguished lecturer, will discuss, "On Being Indian: A History of Native American Identity, " on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Edmunds is the author and/or editor of nine books, including the award-winning "The Potawatomis: Keepers of the Fire." He has held Ford Foundation, Newberry and Guggenheim fellowships and has advised documentary filmmakers, tribal governments, foundations and museums.

Featured speaker Marilyn A. Kinsella, a storyteller, will share her story, "Mother Earth, Father Sky," a collection of tales from a variety of tribes around the United States.

Enhancing students' understanding of the value of diversity is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

The schedule for Native American Heritage Month at SIUC is:

Tuesday, Nov. 1

  • "Celebrate!" 5 p.m., Native American Heritage Month opening ceremony at the Student Center Old Main Lounge. Refreshments provided.
  • Create your own Dream Catcher, 6 p.m., Student Center Craft Shop, lower level. Cost is $15 for building materials per Dream Catcher. Dream Catcher workshops also will take place on Tuesdays, Nov. 8 and 15.

Wednesday, Nov. 3

  • Speaker R. David Edmunds, "On Being Indian: A History of Native American Identity," 7 p.m., Student Center Auditorium.

Monday, Nov. 7

  • Film and discussion, "More than Bows and Arrows," noon, Student Center Illinois Room. Watch and discuss N. Scott Momaday's Pulitzer Prize-winning film.

Tuesday, Nov. 8

  • Storyteller Marilyn A. Kinsella, "Mother Earth; Father Sky,"1 p.m., Student Center Auditorium.

Tuesday, Nov. 29

  • Native American Astronomy, 7 p.m., Student Center Illinois Room. Watch a slide presentation of devices and techniques developed by Native Americans to track the movements of the sun, moon and stars to develop calendars.

Wednesday, Nov. 30

  • Closing ceremony, 5 p.m., Student Center Missouri Room. Refreshments provided.

Native American Heritage Month sponsors are the Illinois Humanities Council, Organization of American Historians, SIUC's Native American Heritage Month Committee and SIUC Student Development – Multicultural Programs and Services.

For more information contact Student Development at 618/453-5714 or visit www.siuc.edu/~studdev.